What is a significant benefit of a distal paravertebral block?

• A. It is performed with more lidocaine
• B. It can be difficult in the field
• C. It can be touched up intraoperatively
• D. It requires access to advanced facilities

Answer: (C)

A significant benefit of a distal paravertebral block is that it can be touched up intraoperatively. This technique allows for the administration of additional local anesthetic if the initial analgesia is insufficient, providing flexibility during surgery. The ability to adjust the level of anesthesia enhances pain management and can lead to a more comfortable experience for the animal, facilitating a smoother procedure.

While other aspects such as the technical difficulty in field settings or the requirement for advanced facilities may pose challenges, the option highlighting the ability to modify the block intraoperatively is particularly advantageous. It emphasizes the practicality and effectiveness of the block in managing pain in real-time during surgical procedures.