A comparison of the efficacy of two commercial acaricides (fipronil and amitraz) with Azadirachta indica (neem) on the brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) from canines in Trinidad

Objective: Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the most common species of tick found on canines in Trinidad. It is a potential vector for potentially fatal zoonotic diseases such as borreliosis (Lyme disease), babesiosis, anaplasmosis and human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. Common acaricides used by pet owners such as fipronil and amitraz are often misused and abused as owners may fail to follow the manufacturers' instructions. The objectives of this study were to compare the efficacies of the commercial acaricides (fipronil and amitraz) to the herbal alternative, neem on brown dog ticks in Trinidad. Design and Methodology: The Larval Packet Test (LPT) was conducted in triplicate for each of three concentrations (high, recommended and low concentrations) of fipronil, amitraz, neem oil and neem leaf extract. STATA version 15 was used to perform a mixed effects Poisson regression analysis. Results: Both the commercial and herbal acaricides were effective in causing death of the larvae. Larvae were susceptible to amitraz and fipronil at all concentrations used, however they displayed variable resistance to the neem oil and neem leaf extract. Conclusions: The commercial preparations (amitraz and fipronil) proved to be more effective than neem oil and neem leaf extract, however the latter can be used as a herbal alternative to control R. sanguineus in Trinidad.

Cytokines changes in beagle dogs vaccinated and challenged with virulent Leptospira strains

Objective: To determine the immune response of dogs by measuring the levels of cytokines tumour necrosis factor (TNF) α, interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon (IFN) γ pre- and post-vaccination with a locally produced killed whole-celled Leptospira vaccine. Design and Methodology: Three separate vaccine-challenge experiments involving 21 beagle dogs were conducted. Study 1 (duration of immunity), used 6 vaccinated and 3 non-vaccinated (control) dogs. Vaccination was done at 12 and 16 weeks of age and challenged at 12 months of age with 1-2.5 x 108 live Leptospira. Study 2 (onset of immunity) also contained the same number of dogs as study 1. Vaccination was done at 12 and 16 weeks of age and challenged at 18 weeks of age. Study 3 (onset of immunity study), as study 2, used 4 vaccinated and two control dogs but challenged with 1-2.5 X 109 live Leptospira. Blood samples were collected to measure the levels of TNF α, IL-4 and IFN γ in dogs 2 days pre-challenge and daily thereafter until day 7 post-challenge. Results: For cytokine TNF α, pre-challenge levels for Study 1, 2 and 3 were 0.0000, 0.0755 and 0.0705 pg/ml which increased to a maximum post-challenge level of 49.05 pg/ml, 0.47 pg/ml and 1.667pg/ml respectively. For cytokine IL-4 and IFN γ the level increased from 0.00 pg/ml to a maximum post-challenge level of 52.67 pg/ml, 243.34 pg/ml and 989.14 pg/ml; and 281.91 pg/ml, 1223.85 pg/ ml and 1778.95 pg/ml respectively. Conclusion: The locally produced Leptospira vaccine induced immune response post-challenge with live Leptospira.

Prevention of severe clinical signs and pathological lesions of leptospirosis in experimentally challenged dogs

Objective: To prevent severe clinical and pathological findings of leptospirosis in dogs vaccinated against L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. Design and Methodology: Two vaccination-challenge experiments involving 22 dogs were performed using a vaccine prepared from formalin-killed cultures of L. interrogans serovar Copenhageni. The dogs were challenged by administering a suspension of 1 x 109 of a virulent strain of serovar Copenhageni (8 mL) at 2 weeks (Study 1: Onset of immunity) and 14 months (Study 2: Duration of immunity) after primary and secondary vaccinations. Each dog was observed for clinical signs of leptospirosis for five weeks post-challenge (PC). Any dog which showed irreversible clinical signs of leptospirosis was humanely euthanized, and a necropsy performed. Results: One (20.0 %) vaccinated puppy in Study 1 showed mild clinical signs (PC) which lasted for one day. Five (100.0 %) non-vaccinated (controls) puppies exhibited irreversible signs of acute severe leptospirosis PC, as well as significant postmortem lesions consistent with leptospiral infection. In Study 2, no clinical signs were exhibited by the vaccinated group of dogs PC, while two (40.0 %) non-vaccinated dogs exhibited mild clinical signs for 2 to 3 days, after which they recovered. Conclusions: The vaccine was successful in protecting vaccinated dogs against acute leptospirosis 2 weeks and 14 months after a vaccination schedule of two doses of the bacterin (primary and booster doses), since all vaccinated dogs were clinically normal after challenge with a virulent inoculum of serovar Copenhageni.

Survey of ticks of domestic dogs and cattle in Trinidad and Tobago

Objective: Ticks and the pathogens they transmit can cause high morbidity and mortality in domestic animals. As part of a larger study to determine the tickborne pathogens infesting domestic animals and wildlife, the aim of this study was to survey the tick species infesting the canine and cattle populations in Trinidad and Tobago. Design and Methodology: A total of 1,990 ticks were collected off of 179 dogs from 48 areas in Trinidad (n=163) and Tobago (n=16) only between June 2016 and 2018. Ticks were also collected from cattle throughout Trinidad (n=1098) and Tobago (n=306). Collected ticks were morphologically identified using standard taxonomic keys. Results: Only two tick species, Rhipicephalus sanguineus (1,926; 96.8%) and Amblyomma ovale (64; 3.2%) were found on the dogs sampled in Trinidad and Tobago (T&T). A total of 169 (94.4%) dogs and 10 (17.9%) dogs were infested with R. sanguineus and A. ovale respectively. Three dogs (1.7%) were infested with both tick species. Only hunting dogs or those closely associated with them were infested with A. ovale. R. sanguineus was very common throughout both islands whereas A. ovale was restricted to small foci in three rural settlements in both Trinidad (n=2) and Tobago (n=1). Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus was the only tick species found infesting cattle on both islands. Conclusion: R. sanguineus is the most common tick infesting domestic dogs in T&T while A. ovale was found on fewer dogs. Only R. (B). microplus was detected on cattle. R. sanguineus is a known vector of tick-borne diseases in domestic dogs and humans while R. B. microplus can transmit harmful pathogens to cattle. These preliminary findings will aid in determining if there are any possible links between ticks and tick-borne pathogens associated with domestic and wildlife species and possibly humans and give further insight into the potential movement of ticks and their pathogens between the human, animal and tropical forest interface.

Antimicrobial susceptibility of clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from dogs in Grenada

A total of 44 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were recovered from various clinical conditions during the last 5 years from dogs in Grenada. The majority of isolates originated from otitis, and skin conditions including dermatitis, wounds, and abscesses. The isolates were tested for their susceptibility to 6 antibiotics using a standard disk diffusion test. Resistance was least to gentamicin (9.8%), followed by enrofloxacin (15.8%), and neomycin (41.8%). Resistance to tetracycline was 85.3%, and all isolates showed inherent resistance to amoxicillin-clavulanic acid and cephalothin.

Doxycycline treatment of asymptomatic dogs seropositive for Ehrlichia canis

In Grenada, West Indies dogs are at frequent exposure to the rickettsial pathogen, Ehrlichia canis, as demonstrated by high seroprevalence rates. However, many of these seropositive dogs are clinically normal. In this study we identified clinically normal, E. canis seropositive dogs and assigned half to an antibiotic treatment group and half to a no treatment group. All dogs were evaluated for the presence of E. canis DNA by PCR on whole blood before, during and after treatment. Only one seropositive dog was also PCR+ before treatment. Our results suggest that most clinically normal, E. canis seropositive dogs in a highly endemic geographic area are not concurrently infected and thus routine treatment of clinically normal, seropositive dogs is not warranted.

Dogs and goats as sentinels for environmental lead burden in Caribbean basin islands: Jamaica West Indies

Ingested/inhaled environmental lead (Pb) continues to pose a health risk to humans (children in particular) and animals. Automobile emissions from leaded gasoline combustion (less of a problem today with the phasing out of leaded gasoline), lead contaminated foods, soil and water, lead-based paints, ceramics, batteries (more frequently encountered today), and possible electronic waste, remain major sources of environmental lead. In a study carried out in Jamaica, West Indies, blood samples from dogs (n=63 at 5 locations) and goats (n=46 at 4 locations) were collected in lead-free (EDTA) tubes and analyzed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) for lead. The analytical method detection limit was 0.24 μg/dl. Overall (blood lead) PbB concentrations were 2.83 ñ 2.96 μg/dl (dogs), and 1.02 ñ 0:10 μg/dl (goats). There were significant differences among locations, and. in a location of high automobile and plant foliage/grass forage density, PbB levels were 7.03 ñ 2.96 μg/dl (n=8) and 1.91 ñ 0.83 μg/d1 (n=10) in dogs and goats respectively. Although sample sizes are small the results suggest the use of dogs and goats as sentinels for evaluating environmental lead in developing countries.

Seroprevalence of Leptospira in dogs in Grenada, West Indies.

Leptospira bacteria infect numerous species of animals and cause serious disease in both dogs and humans. Leptospirosis is caused by many different serovars and canine vaccine protection is serovar-specific. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and serovars of Leptospira in dogs in the island of Grenada, West Indies. Serum samples from 105 dogs were evaluated by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method adapted for canine Immunoglobulin M(IgM). Sera from 20 dogs were positive by MAT (195) and 67 were positive by ELISA (64.0%). All MAT-positive sera were also ELISA-positive. Percent seropositive did not differ significantly by age, sex or health score of dog or among the 6 parishes of Grenada. Fourteen of the MAT positive samples had anitbodies for multiple Leptospira serovars. All but one of the identified serovars were from the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup and included in decreasing order of frequency copenhagen, mankarso and icterohaemorrhagiae RGA. One dog was identified with antibodies for sergroup Pyrogenes serovar pyrogenes. Identification of the Leptospira serovars responsible for canine exposure in Grenada will facilitate appropriate recommendations for canine vacccination on the island.

Antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus from dogs in Grenada.

Sixty-nine Staphylococcus intermedius isolates from various clinical conditions in dogs over a 3 year period were evaluated for in vitro susceptibility to 8 antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The majority of the isolates originated from cases of pyoderma (30.4%), and otitis externa (29.0%). The least resistance was seen against cephalothin (1.6% of the 64 isolates, followed by chloramphenicol (3.9% of 26 isolates). Highest resistance was seen against ampicillin (34.4% of 32 isolates), followed by tertracycline (29.0% of 69 isolates). Resistance rates to other drugs were as follows: enrofloxacin 17.1%, gentamicin 7.3%, neomycin 6.1% and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 4.6%. Eleven isolates of S. aureus, showed no resistance to cephalothin. Overall the S. intermedius and S. aureus isolates were highly sensitive to cephalothin (98.7% susceptibility), suggesting that the first generation cephalosporins may be most useful drugs for treatment of Staphylococcus infection in dogs in Grenada.

Attitudes towards dog ownership on St. Kitts, West Indies.

A structured face-to- face interview was held with 64 arbitrarily selected local people attending a vegetable market in the capital of St. Kitts on a Saturday morning. Most (67%) respondents liked dogs and many (57%) owned one (41%) or two (29%) for protection (67%) and as a pet (65%). The main reason people disliked dogs were because they feared them (56%) and because they created a mess (50%). Generally people had purebred (40%) male (56%) dogs which were always outside (50%), in fenced yards (43%), on chains (34%) or running free (22%). All owners fed their dogs, mainly on table scraps (44%) or commercial dog food (39%). Only 16% of animals were neutered and many had puppies (range 3-11) and there was a high mortality rate (>2 puppies in 73% of litters). Only 24% of the dogs were over 4 years. Relatively few owners (55%) took their dogs to the veterinarian, principally for vaccination and checkups (85%) but when their animal was ill (24%). Most people (54%) used insecticides for external parasites on their dogs and some (44%) dewormed their animals. Many people (24%) had been bitten by a dog but 64% did not believe people could acquire diseases from dogs. Only 6% of respondents thought there were too many dogs on the island.

The application of PCR and reverse line blot hybridization to detect arthropod-borne hemopathogens of dogs and cats in Trinidad.

Arthropod-borne diseases are important causes of morbidity and mortality of companion animals in Trinidad. As clinical signs are vague, more sensitive methods to diagnose these diseases based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by reverse line blot hybridization (RLB) of amplified products are being developed. An RLB of 14 oligonucleotide probes coupled with polymerase chain-amplified regions of 16S rRNA or 18S rRNA genes of hemoparasites from cats and dogs detected Ehrlichia canis, Anaplasma platys, Babesia canis vogeli, feline mycoplasmas ("Candidatus Mycoplasma haemominutum,"Mycoplasma haemofelis), and some unknown species within the Babesia/Theileria group and the Anaplasma/Ehrlichia tribe. Amplified products were obtained from blood samples collected from 348 dogs and 15 cats. Overall, hemopathogen DNA was detected in 92 (26.4 per cent) dogs and six (40.0 per cent) cats. E. canis (49, 14.1 per cent) and feline mycoplasma (5, 33.3 per cent) DNA were most frequently identified in dogs and cats, respectively. B. canis vogeli (1, 6.7 per cent) and E. canis (1, 6.7 per cent) were also detected in cats. Mixed infections of Anaplasma/Ehrlichia sp. and Babesia sp. were present in five (1.4 per cent) dogs, while mixed infections of the feline mycoplasmas were present in two (13.3 per cent) cats, one of which was also positive for E. canis. Pyrexia was significantly associated with a positive RLB result in dogs (P= 0.00, chi(2), 1 df). This is the first reported application of macro-arraying techniques to detect arthropod-borne hemopathogens of companion animals in the Americas and the first detection of DNA of B. canis vogeli and E. canis in cats in Trinidad.

Seroprevalence of Leptospira in dogs in Grenada, West Indies.

Leptospira bacteria infect numerous species of animals and cause serious disease in both dogs and humans. Leptospirosis is caused by many different serovars and canine vaccine protection is serovar-specific. The objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence and serovars of Leptospira in dogs in the island of Grenada, West Indies. Serum samples from 105 dogs were evaluated by the microscopic agglutination test (MAT) and by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) method adapted for canine Immunoglobulin M(IgM). Sera from 20 dogs were positive by MAT (195) and 67 were positive by ELISA (64.0%). All MAT-positive sera were also ELISA-positive. Percent seropositive did not differ significantly by age, sex or health score of dog or among the 6 parishes of Grenada. Fourteen of the MAT positive samples had anitbodies for multiple Leptospira serovars. All but one of the identified serovars were from the Icterohaemorrhagiae serogroup and included in decreasing order of frequency copenhagen, mankarso and icterohaemorrhagiae RGA. One dog was identified with antibodies for sergroup Pyrogenes serovar pyrogenes. Identification of the Leptospira serovars responsible for canine exposure in Grenada will facilitate appropriate recommendations for canine vacccination on the island.

Antibiotic susceptibility of clinical isolates of Staphylococcus intermedius and Staphylococcus aureus from dogs in Grenada.

Sixty-nine Staphylococcus intermedius isolates from various clinical conditions in dogs over a 3 year period were evaluated for in vitro susceptibility to 8 antibiotics using the disk diffusion method. The majority of the isolates originated from cases of pyoderma (30.4%), and otitis externa (29.0%). The least resistance was seen against cephalothin (1.6% of the 64 isolates, followed by chloramphenicol (3.9% of 26 isolates). Highest resistance was seen against ampicillin (34.4% of 32 isolates), followed by tertracycline (29.0% of 69 isolates). Resistance rates to other drugs were as follows: enrofloxacin 17.1%, gentamicin 7.3%, neomycin 6.1% and amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, 4.6%. Eleven isolates of S. aureus, showed no resistance to cephalothin. Overall the S. intermedius and S. aureus isolates were highly sensitive to cephalothin (98.7% susceptibility), suggesting that the first generation cephalosporins may be most useful drugs for treatment of Staphylococcus infection in dogs in Grenada.

Attitudes towards dog ownership on St. Kitts, West Indies.

A structured face-to- face interview was held with 64 arbitrarily selected local people attending a vegetable market in the capital of St. Kitts on a Saturday morning. Most (67%) respondents liked dogs and many (57%) owned one (41%) or two (29%) for protection (67%) and as a pet (65%). The main reason people disliked dogs were because they feared them (56%) and because they created a mess (50%). Generally people had purebred (40%) male (56%) dogs which were always outside (50%), in fenced yards (43%), on chains (34%) or running free (22%). All owners fed their dogs, mainly on table scraps (44%) or commercial dog food (39%). Only 16% of animals were neutered and many had puppies (range 3-11) and there was a high mortality rate (>2 puppies in 73% of litters). Only 24% of the dogs were over 4 years. Relatively few owners (55%) took their dogs to the veterinarian, principally for vaccination and checkups (85%) but when their animal was ill (24%). Most people (54%) used insecticides for external parasites on their dogs and some (44%) dewormed their animals. Many people (24%) had been bitten by a dog but 64% did not believe people could acquire diseases from dogs. Only 6% of respondents thought there were too many dogs on the island.

An investigation into the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children in Trinidad

BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years using a semi-structured interview process. With the increase in the pet population and popularity of dangerous breeds of dog and a high stray dog population combined with a dearth of information on the risk of dog attacks to children in Trinidad, a semi-structured interview process was used to determine risk factors associated with dog attacks. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 1109 primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years was conducted in Trinidad from November 2002 to September 2003. The survey was conducted to determine the risk factors such as age, gender, size of dog and relationship of dog and victim, in dog bite incidents. The chi-square statistic and odds ratios were used to estimate risk factors for a bite incident. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent of children were bitten at least once by a dog. Gender (male) and owning a dog were statistically significant risk factors (p = 0.003 and 0.008 respectively, chi2 df, 95% confidence). Most attacks occurred outside of the home (58.0%) followed by the victims' home (42.0%) and were by a dog known but not owned (54.6%) by the victim. Many victims (33.0%) were bitten without having any interaction with the dog and the majority (61.9%) of victims did not receive professional medical assistance. Overall, the lower leg or foot was most often injured (39.3%). CONCLUSION: A public educational campaign is needed on responsible pet ownership. In addition, children must be taught effective ways of avoiding attacks or reducing injury in the event of a dog attack. The Dangerous dogs Act 2000 must be proclaimed in parliament by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to exert more pressure on pet owners to safeguard the public from the menace of dog attacks.

An investigation into the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children in Trinidad

Background: To estimate the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children between the ages of 8–12 years using a semi-structured interview process. With the increase in the pet population and popularity of dangerous breeds of dog and a high stray dog population combined with a dearth of information on the risk of dog attacks to children in Trinidad, a semi-structured interview process was used to determine risk factors associated with dog attacks.Methods: A questionnaire survey of 1109 primary school children between the ages of 8–12 years was conducted in Trinidad from November 2002 to September 2003. The survey was conducted to determine the risk factors such as age, gender, size of dog and relationship of dog and victim, indog bite incidents. The chi-square statistic and odds ratios were used to estimate risk factors for a bite incident. Results: Twenty-eight percent of children were bitten at least once by a dog. Gender (male) and owning a dog were statistically significant risk factors (p = 0.003 and 0.008 respectively, ÷2 df, 95 per cent confidence). Most attacks occurred outside of the home (58.0 per cent) followed by the victims' home (42.0 per cent) and were by a dog known but not owned (54.6 per cent) by the victim. Many victims (33.0 per cent) were bitten without having any interaction with the dog and the majority (61.9 per cent) of victims did not receive professional medical assistance. Overall, the lower leg or foot was most often injured (39.3 per cent). Conclusion: A public educational campaign is needed on responsible pet ownership. In addition, children must be taught effective ways of avoiding attacks or reducing injury in the event of a dog attack. The Dangerous dogs Act 2000 must be proclaimed in parliament by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to exert more pressure on pet owners to safeguard the public from the menace of dog attacks.

An investigation into the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children in Trinidad.

BACKGROUND: To estimate the prevalence of dog bites to primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years using a semi-structured interview process. With the increase in the pet population and popularity of dangerous breeds of dog and a high stray dog population combined with a dearth of information on the risk of dog attacks to children in Trinidad, a semi-structured interview process was used to determine risk factors associated with dog attacks. METHODS: A questionnaire survey of 1109 primary school children between the ages of 8-12 years was conducted in Trinidad from November 2002 to September 2003. The survey was conducted to determine the risk factors such as age, gender, size of dog and relationship of dog and victim, in dog bite incidents. The chi-square statistic and odds ratios were used to estimate risk factors for a bite incident. RESULTS: Twenty-eight percent of children were bitten at least once by a dog. Gender (male) and owning a dog were statistically significant risk factors (p = 0.003 and 0.008 respectively, chi2 df, 95 per cent confidence). Most attacks occurred outside of the home (58.0 per cent) followed by the victims' home (42.0 per cent) and were by a dog known but not owned (54.6 per cent) by the victim. Many victims (33.0 per cent) were bitten without having any interaction with the dog and the majority (61.9 per cent) of victims did not receive professional medical assistance. Overall, the lower leg or foot was most often injured (39.3 per cent). CONCLUSION: A public educational campaign is needed on responsible pet ownership. In addition, children must be taught effective ways of avoiding attacks or reducing injury in the event of a dog attack. The Dangerous dogs Act 2000 must be proclaimed in parliament by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to exert more pressure on pet owners to safeguard the public from the menace of dog attacks.

Pathogenicity and antibiotic sensitivity of Escherichia coli isolates from non-diarrhoeic dogs.

E. coli isolated from dogs in Trinidad were tested for their susceptibility to antimicrobial agents using the disk diffusion method. Antimicrobial agents and concentrations included cephalothin (KF, 30 ug), ampicillin (AMP, 10ug), kanamycin (K, 30 ìg), neomycin (N, 30 ug), gentamicin (CN, 10 ug), sulphamethoxazole/ trimethoprim (SXT, 23.25 ug/1.75 ug), nalidixic acid (NA, 30 ug) and norfloxacin (NOR, 10 ug). The overall prevalence of resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents for E. coli isolated from dogs was 47.9 per cent. The difference in prevalence across the various sources of the isolates from dogs was statistically significant (P<0.001; x2). Overall, resistance was highest to cephalothin (30.1 per cent). A total of 45 resistance patterns were observed from dogs from all sources and the predominant pattern was KF (25.6 per cent). It was concluded that the relatively high prevalence of resistance to antimicrobial agents amongst E. coli isolates from non-diarrhoeic dogs in Trinidad may pose zoonotic and therapeutic problems.

Anatomical and experimental studies of brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerve-location using peripheral nerve stimulation in the dog.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomy of the brachial plexus, sciatic, and femoral nerves for the use of a peripheral nerve-stimulator to perform nerve blocks in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS: Four canine cadavers and four healthy adult dogs weighing 23 +/- 2.5 kg. METHODS: Phase I: in four canine cadavers, an anatomical study was conducted to evaluate accurate needle-insertion techniques. Phase II: the utility of these techniques, and the value of electrostimulation, were evaluated in four anesthetized dogs in lateral recumbency (medetomidine, 5 microg kg(-1)/ketamine 5 mg kg(-1)) using an electrical stimulator and shielded needles. RESULTS: For the brachial plexus, the needle was inserted cranial to the acromion, medial to the subscapularis muscle, at an angle of approximately 20-30 degrees in relation to a plane vertical to the surface on which the animal was lying, oriented parallel to the long axis of the animal, in a ventro-caudal direction. For the sciatic nerve, the needle was inserted just cranial to the sacrotuberous ligament, through the gluteus superficialis muscle, at an angle of approximately 60 degrees in relation to the horizontal plane, in a ventro-cranial direction, and up to the level of the ischium. For the femoral nerve, the needle was inserted perpendicular to the skin, just cranial to the femoral artery, and directed a little caudally. Using a peripheral nerve-stimulator, all nerves were located, and muscle contractions were elicited at a current of 0.2-0.4 mA. No complications were observed during the procedures. CONCLUSION: Electrostimulation of peripheral nerves is useful in locating the branches of the brachial plexus as well as the sciatic and femoral nerves in dogs. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Peripheral nerve stimulation increases the reliability of a nerve block when compared with blind needle-insertion.