Deep branch lateral plantar nerve block, horse

Site for blocking the deep branch of the lateral plantar nerve in a horse. This block is specific to the hindlimb. With the limb held, a 20-gauge, 2.5-cm (1-inch) needle is inserted at a site approximately 2 cm distal to the head of the fourth metatarsal bone (MTIV), perpendicular and immediately axial to MTIV, to its hub. This block is relatively specific for proximal suspensory ligament pain; however, pain arising from the distal tarsal joints can be ameliorated with a deep branch block.