Local and regional Anesthesia in cattle

Although general anesthesia is commonly used in cattle, there are some risks with using general anesthesia. Local or regional anesthesia is safe, effective, and still the most desirable procedure in many situations. Many surgical procedures can be performed safely and humanely in cattle using a combination of physical restraint, mild sedation, and local or regional anesthesia. Local anesthetic techniques are usually simple, inexpensive, and provide a reversible loss of sensation to a relatively well-defined area of the body. Before local or regional anesthesia is performed, the animal should be adequately restrained. The type of restraint used depends on the temperament of the animal and the anesthetic technique to be used. Sedation may be necessary, however, in some cases. The site of injection should be prepared by clipping or shaving the hair and scrubbing and disinfecting the skin.