LOCORREGIONAL ANESTHESIA WITH BRACHIAL PLEXUS BLOCK IN TWO KIRI-KIRI FALCONS (Falco sparverius): CASE REPORT

Abstract

Due to the lack of reports describing the performance of locoregional brachial plexus block in kestrels (Falco sparverius), we wrote this report to contribute to the literature on anesthesia in wild birds. Thus, two kestrels were referred to the anesthesiology service of the Veterinary  Clinic Hospital with a history of fractures of the radius and ulna (Case 1) and humerus (Case 2), and the osteosynthesis procedure was indicated. Prior to general anesthesia, the patients received dissociative anesthesia with the following combinations: ketamine (15 mg/kg), midazolam (1 mg/kg), and methadone (1 mg/kg), all intramuscularly (IM) (Case 1); ketamine (10 mg/kg), midazolam (0.5 mg/kg), and methadone (1 mg/kg), IM (Case 2). For anesthetic induction, isoflurane vaporization via mask was used until the patients allowed orotracheal intubation, and they were connected to a veterinary neonatal anesthetic circuit without gas rebreathing. Anesthetic maintenance was initiated with isoflurane and monitoring was connected. In both cases, brachial plexus block was performed via an axillary approach with the aid of a peripheral nerve stimulator (PNS) using a 22 G catheter mandrel. The blockade was initiated with a voltage of 2 mA, reducing it until the lowest possible response was obtained and there was no stimulus for wing movement at 0.3 mA. 4 mg/kg of lidocaine 2% S/V was injected after obtaining movement at 0.5 mA (Case 1) and 0.9 mA (Case 2). The animals remained stable during the procedure and were extubated without complications. In both cases, the locoregional blockade appeared to be effective, as it provided cardiorespiratory stability, muscle relaxation and absence of movement of the affected wing.