title: Use of a nerve locator to facilitate administration of mandibular nerve blocks in crocodilians.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida 32610, USA.
authors.forename: James F X
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Wellehan
authors.forename: Cornelia I
authors.initials: CI
authors.lastname: Gunkel
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Kledzik
authors.forename: Sheilah A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Robertson
authors.forename: Darryl J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Heard
mesh_terms: D000489:Alligators and Crocodiles / Q000502:physiology; D000766:Anesthesia, Dental / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D000818:Animals; D000836:Animals, Zoo; D008340:Mandibular Nerve / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D009407:Nerve Block / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*