As part of a clinical workup of dental problems in a large crocodilian collection, mandibular nerve blocks were performed in the animals. A nerve locator was used to facilitate placement of the nerve blocks in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis), Yacare caiman (Caiman yacare), and a dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis). Provision of analgesia is a frequently underused aspect of patient care in reptiles. Use of a nerve stimulator provides an objective measurement of nerve conduction blockade and may be useful in exotic species in which anatomic landmarks for nerve block placement are not well established.
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1 September 2006
USE OF A NERVE LOCATOR TO FACILITATE ADMINISTRATION OF MANDIBULAR NERVE BLOCKS IN CROCODILIANS
James F. X. Wellehan,
Cornelia I. Gunkel,
David Kledzik,
Sheilah A. Robertson,
Darryl J. Heard
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Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine
Vol. 37 • No. 3
September 2006
Vol. 37 • No. 3
September 2006
Alligator mississippiensis
American alligator
Caiman yacare
crocodilians
dwarf crocodile
electrolocation
local analgesia