• Infiltrate 2 to 3 cm dorsal and cranial to the intended incision site. (B205.13.w13)
• Inject into tissues just caudal to the caudolateral aspect of the last rib, and just ventral to the ventrolateral aspect of the lumbar transverse processes of L1-L3. (J234.12.w2)
• Inject local anaesthetic both subcutaneously and deep in the abdominal muscles down to the peritoneum. at intervals of about 1.5 cm. (B205.12.w12, B205.13.w13)
• Either inject at intervals of about 1-1.5 cm, with lateral diffusion taking local anaesthetic between the injection sites, or insert a long needle to its full depth and inject the local anaesthetic solution steadily as the needle is withdrawn. (B205.12.w12)
  • 40-60 ml of 2% lidocaine is required. (J15.22.w2)
  • NOTE: Maximum total dose of local anaesthetic in sheep/goats of 6 mg/kg. (B205.13.w13)
  • Dilution to give a 1% solution of lidocaine is recommended for use in small ruminants in order to ensure that a sufficient volume can be injected for the whole length of the L block without the total amount injected reaching toxic levels. (B205.13.w13)
• Analgesia lasts for about 1.5 hours. (B205.13.w13)

To provide analgesia for a midline incision:

• The inverted L is repeated in mirror image, giving a "U" block. (B205.12.w12)

• This may be used to provide analgesia for a flank laparotomy, for example for caesarean section. (B205.12.w12, B205.13.w13, B354.20.w20, B359.App8.w30, J15.22.w1, J15.22.w2)
• An inverted L may also be used in recumbent individuals to provide analgesia for a paramedian incision. (B205.12.w12)
• An inverted L block is preferable to deposition of local anaesthetic solution directly along the incision line because oedema and haemorrhage at the site of incision is decreased and interference with healing is avoided. (J234.12.w2)
• For caesarean section this form of anaesthesia is relatively quick and easy to administer, is effective rapidly and does not interfere with the dam standing and mothering her offspring. (J15.21.w4)

• Analgesia last for about 1.5 hours. (B205.13.w13)

General notes for local anaesthesia:

• The analgesic technique chosen should be decided based on the procedure to be undertaken, the facilities available and the skills of the practitioner. (J215.7.w1)
• Epinephrine (adrenalin) at 1 part per 200,000 or norepinephrine at 1 part per 100,000 may be added to the local anaesthesia solution to decrease the absorption of the agents and prolong their action. These vasopressors should not be used for analgesia of appendages such as the tail, teats or toes as they may produce sufficient circulatory compromise of the appendage to result in tissue necrosis and sloughing. (J215.7.w1)
• Standard aseptic techniques should be practiced when performing local analgesia, including surgical preparation of the skin, and sterile injection techniques. (J215.7.w1)
• Aspiration to check for blood should be carried out prior to injection, to avoid inadvertent intravenous injection. (J215.7.w1)

• This block does not affect the viscera and abdominal organs and these must be handled with care. (J15.22.w1)
• Relatively large volumes of local anaesthetic solution are required. (B205.13.w13, J234.12.w2)
• A long time may be required to apply the block along the L. (J234.12.w2) 
• The block may not provide full analgesia of the deeper layers of the abdominal wall and in particular of the peritoneum. (J234.12.w2)
• There is a risk of haematomas forming on the line of local anaesthetic infiltration. (J15.21.w4)
• Anaesthesia may not be complete, particularly for the peritoneal tissues. (J15.21.w4)
• Muscle relaxation with this technique is poor. (J15.21.w4)
• In sheep, in which the body wall is much thinner than in cattle, extra care is required not to penetrate the abdominal viscera while injecting local anaesthetic. (B354.20.w20)
• Care must be taken not to inject excessive quantities of local anaesthetic solution, resulting in toxicity, particular in smaller species.  (B354.20.w20)
  • A maximum volume of 3 ml of 2% lidocaine should be used per kg body weight of a ewe; such a large volume is unlikely to be required. (B359.App8.w30)

• 2% lidocaine solution, in sheep and goats preferably diluted to give a 1% solution. (B205.13.w13)
• In cattle 60 ml of 2% lidocaine. (B205.12.w12); up to 100 ml of lidocaine. (J234.12.w2)
• Needle.
• Syringe.

• Procedure should only be undertaken by an individual with appropriate clinical training and practical experience; this would usually be a veterinarian or someone with advanced veterinary technician training.

• Inexpensive