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Ultrasound-Guided Mandibular Alveolar Nerve Block in Rabbits: A Cadaveric Comparison of In-Plane and Out-Of-Plane Approaches
by
, , and
Matteo Serpieri
1
,
Andrea Degiovanni
1,
Giuseppe Bonaffini
1,2,*
,
Elena Passarino
1,
Giuseppe Quaranta
1 and
Mitzy Mauthe von Degerfeld
1
1
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Largo Braccini 2, 10095 Grugliasco, Italy
2
Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
*
Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Vet. Sci. 2026, 13(2), 135; https://doi.org/10.3390/vetsci13020135
Submission received: 5 January 2026
/
Revised: 22 January 2026
/
Accepted: 28 January 2026
/
Published: 29 January 2026
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Innovative Approaches in the Perioperative Management of Companion Animals and Livestock)
Simple Summary
Dental procedures involving the lower jaw are common in pet rabbits and are often associated with significant pain. Effective perioperative analgesia is therefore essential, particularly in a species that may show subtle signs of pain and is highly sensitive to stress. The mandibular alveolar nerve block can provide targeted analgesia for procedures involving the mandibular teeth; however, in rabbits, it has been described only as a blind technique based on anatomical landmarks. In this cadaveric study, we describe an ultrasound-guided approach to the mandibular alveolar nerve in rabbits and compare two different needle insertion techniques. Ultrasound guidance allowed visualisation of relevant anatomical structures and needle placement near the target nerve. Both techniques resulted in a comparable distribution of the injected solution around the nerve, suggesting that either approach may be technically suitable. The use of an ultrasound-guided approach may be particularly useful in challenging cases or in animals with altered anatomy. Further clinical studies in live rabbits are now needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in routine practice.
Abstract
Mandibular dental disease is common in pet rabbits and often requires invasive procedures associated with significant nociceptive input. Mandibular alveolar nerve blocks have been described in this species using blind techniques; however, their accuracy has not been objectively evaluated, and ultrasound-guided approaches have not been reported. This cadaveric study aimed to describe an ultrasound-guided mandibular alveolar nerve block in rabbits and to compare in-plane and out-of-plane approaches. Twelve adult New Zealand White rabbit cadavers (24 mandibular alveolar nerves) were included. For each rabbit, one nerve was assigned to an in-plane ultrasound-guided approach, while the contralateral nerve was assigned to an out-of-plane approach. Following ultrasound-guided needle placement, 0.1 mL/kg of a mixture of 2% lidocaine and 1% methylene blue was injected. Ultrasound image quality and perineural staining were assessed and scored, and longitudinal dye spread was measured after anatomical dissection. Both approaches allowed consistent identification of the target region and resulted in comparable ultrasound image quality scores, staining scores, and longitudinal dye spread, with no statistically significant differences between techniques. These results demonstrate the anatomical feasibility of ultrasound-guided mandibular alveolar nerve blocks in rabbits using either approach. Further in vivo studies are required to assess clinical efficacy and safety.
