Targeted Pain Relief in Horses: Ultrasound-Guided Nerve Block Techniques

Ultrasound guided (UG) nerve block in equine is increasingly utilized for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. This approach offers enhanced accuracy in anesthetic placement compared to blind techniques, reducing complications by enabling real time identification and avoidance of vital structures during the procedure. Studies have shown that ultrasound-guided nerve blocks are accessible even for veterinarians with limited experience, provided they have a fundamental understanding of sonographic anatomy. Many procedures can be accurately performed in the field with standard equipment while maintaining sterility and appropriate animal restraint. This review systematically examines available literature on ultrasound-guided nerve block techniques in horses and donkeys, covering regions from the head (including retrobulbar, peribulbar, auriculopalpebral, maxillary, and inferior alveolar nerve blocks) through the cervical plexus, brachial plexus, median and ulnar blocks of the forelimb, and pudendal nerve blocks, to the distal hind limb with emphasis on tibial and common peroneal nerve blocks.