Use of a nerve locator to facilitate administration of mandibular nerve blocks in crocodilians.

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.

Treatment for a severe reaction to intravenous administration of diatrizoate in an anesthetized horse.

A mature horse developed acute signs of bronchoconstriction causing hypoxemia and hypercapnia during anesthesia for computerized tomography of the maxillary sinus after i.v. administration of diatrizoate contrast medium. The horse was treated with aerosolized albuterol, atropine, and oxygen insufflation and recovered uneventfully despite severe hypoxemia and low hemoglobin saturation. The horse's condition continued to improve after treatment, and the horse was discharged with no further complications. Caution is advised with the use of contrast media in anesthetized horses.