VN July 2023

Vetnews | Julie 2023 41 Dental Column INFRAORBITAL NERVE BLOCK The block can be performed by depositing the required amount of drug at the infraorbital foramen, or a needle or intravenous catheter can be passed into the infraorbital canal, depending on what exactly you would like to block (Fig. 2). Care should be used when you want to advance a needle into the canal, as it may lacerate the artery. In this case, it is better to advance an intravenous catheter without a stylet into the canal. In cats, extreme caution must be taken as the infraorbital canal is very short and penetrating it deep may cause damage to the orbit. The infraorbital canal can be palpated dorsal of the caudal root of the maxillary 3 rd pre-molar tooth. Infiltrate the local anaesthetic and keep digital pressure on the foramen for 60 seconds. 1,2 The nose can also be elevated to encourage the diffusion of the drug into the canal more caudally. 2 The skin of the nose, cheek, and upper lip will be blocked, as well as the incisor, canine and first three pre-molar teeth. The 4 th pre-molar tooth may be included if the infiltration is into the canal. References Beckman B, Legendre L. Regional nerve blocks for oral surgery in companion animals. COMPENDIUM ON CONTINUING EDUCATION FOR THE PRACTISING VETERINARIAN-NORTH AMERICAN EDITION-. 2002;24: 439-445. Reuss-Lamky H. Administering dental nerve blocks. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association. 2007;43. v Veterinary Dentistry and Maxillofacial Surgery Referrals Veterinary Dentistry and Maxillofacial Clinic, Private Bag X04, Onderstepoort, 0110 Veterinary Dentistry and Maxillofacial Clinic, Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, Old Soutpan Road (M35), Onderstepoort, South Africa Tel: +27 (0)12 529 8276 , Fax: +27 (0) 12 529 8479, e-mail: sadent@mweb.co.za, website: www.vetdentsa.co.za , Facebook: Vetdent SA