Maxillary nerve block within the pterygopalatine fossa for oral extraction of maxillary cheek teeth in 80 horses

Abstract

Based on the results of previous studies, the maxillary nerve block using the Extraperiorbital Fat Body Insertion (EFBI)-technique should provide anaesthesia of the maxillary cheek teeth with a minimized risk for complications. Clinical investigations were required to approve the practicability of the EFBI-technique performed on a greater number of standing, sedated horses; monitor possible risks and complications in patients; evaluate the analgesic effect achieved by the EFBI-technique; investigate a possible difference of effectiveness using two different volumes of local anaesthetic. Eighty horses were included in this blinded study and divided into two groups either receiving 2 or 4 ml lidocaine/100 kg bodyweight for local nerve block. Maxillary cheek tooth extraction was performed thereafter in the standing, sedated horse. The local block using EFBI-technique was easy to perform in all horses and its practicability under clinical conditions was confirmed. A difference of analgesic effects using two different volumes of the local anaesthetic could not be detected. To minimize risks and complications, it is advisable to use the lower dose with 2 ml/100kg bodyweight lidocaine.