What is a disadvantage of a proximal paravertebral block?

• A. Less lidocaine required
• B. Hard to find landmarks in fat cows
• C. Can be performed intraoperatively
• D. Blocks a larger area

Answer: (B)

A proximal paravertebral block is commonly used for anesthesia in cattle, particularly for procedures involving the abdominal region. One significant disadvantage of this technique is indeed the difficulty in locating the anatomical landmarks for the block, particularly in cows with a higher body condition score or excess fat. The presence of additional fat can obscure the anatomical landmarks, making it challenging to accurately place the needle and deliver the anesthetic effectively.

The requirement for precision in locating the correct vertebral spaces and their corresponding nerves is crucial for the efficacy of the block. If these landmarks are difficult to find, it can lead to an improper block, which may provide inadequate analgesia and affect the outcome of the surgical procedure.

In contrast, the other options highlight positive aspects or circumstances where the block may be advantageous, such as requiring less lidocaine, the possibility of performing the block intraoperatively, and its capability to block a larger area, all of which do not pertain to the disadvantages of the proximal paravertebral block technique.