96
46TH
ANNUAL
CONGRESS
OF
THE
SAEVA
SKUKUZA
16-‐20
FEBRUARY
2014
Review on local nerve blocks for
ophthalmic, dental and abdominal
procedures in the horse.
Dr. J Ferreira. BSc. BVSc.
Department of Companion Animal Clinical Studies
Faculty of Veterinary Science
University of Pretoria. South Africa
Review on the efficacies of established nerve blocks used in ophthalmic and dental
surgical procedures and the development of the pudendal and paravertebral
thoracolumbar anaesthesia in horses.
Introduction:
The risk associated with general anaesthesia in large animal species particularly
equines makes sedation in combination with local anaesthesia a relatively safe
technique to allow surgical procedures to be performed. The knowledge of the
neuro-anatomy and associated structures is essential to prevent direct damage to
nerves, blood vessels and even organs. Nerve blocks require little in the form of
equipment, where adequate facilities to restrain the patient is more than sufficient to
allow safe local anaesthetic techniques to be performed.
Peripheral nerve blocks are commonly used techniques to facilitate comprehensive
evaluations and surgical procedures in horses. Ophthalmic examinations and dental
procedures are performed on a daily basis and thus effect local anaesthesi a is
essential. This presentation will review the anatomy and basic techniques used for
ophthalmic and dental procedures as well as review the effectiveness and
repeatability of these techniques. Additionally the paravertebral thoracolumbar
technique will be discussed as well as the pudendal nerve block technique.
Auricular Palpebral Nerve Block
Indication:
Ophthalmic examination and surgical procedures where akinesia of the eyelids is
required.
Anatomy:
Ophthalmic examinations require knowledge of the nerves providing motor
sensation to the eyelids or specifically the orbicularis oculi muscle. The facial nerve
carries motor innervation to the eyelids via the zygomatic branch of
auriculopalpebral nerve. This nerve runs over the dorsal margin of the zygomatic
arch caudal to bony orbit of the eye.
96