Where is a subsacral nerve block typically performed?

• A. Near the neck region
• B. Palpating the sacral foramina
• C. Along the spinal column
• D. At the tail base

Answer: (B)

The subsacral nerve block is typically performed by palpating the sacral foramina. This approach targets the specific area where the sacral nerves exit the vertebral canal, providing effective anesthesia to the pelvic region and hind limbs of the animal. By locating the foramina, the practitioner can accurately deposit the anesthetic agent near the nerve roots, ensuring adequate analgesia during procedures involving the hindquarters, such as castration or tail docking.

The other options refer to areas that are either not relevant to the anatomy of the subsacral nerve block or do not facilitate the effective administration of the anesthesia. For instance, the neck region and the area along the spinal column might suggest other types of nerve blocks that target different parts of the body. The tail base, although somewhat related, does not provide access to the specific sacral nerve roots involved in a subsacral nerve block. Thus, performing the block by palpating the sacral foramina is the most accurate method for achieving the desired anesthetic effect.