Clinical and Antinociceptive Effects of Distal Inferior Alveolar Nerve Block in Ponies With Tramadol 5% or Lidocaine 2.
Authors: Sanches Guilherme Lessa, Ribeiro Luiza Maria Feitosa, Motta Alessandra Pina, Petrucci Laura Bravo Defanti Venâncio, Gobbi Francielli Pereira, Quirino Célia Raquel, Di Filippo Paula Alessandra
Journal: Journal of equine veterinary science
Summary
# Editorial Summary Distal inferior alveolar (mental) nerve blocks are routine in equine dentistry, but choices regarding local anaesthetic agents remain limited. Researchers compared tramadol 5% (150 mg) against lidocaine 2% (60 mg) administered via mental foramen infiltration in eight ponies, measuring onset latency and duration of antinociception using calibrated von Frey stimulation of the outer lip, inner lip, and gingiva. Both agents produced effective analgesia without adverse effects or tissue damage, though tramadol demonstrated significantly prolonged antinociceptive duration compared to lidocaine—a clinically meaningful advantage for extended dental work. For equine professionals performing therapeutic or restorative procedures, tramadol's extended duration may reduce the need for re-blocking and improve operative efficiency, particularly in animals requiring extended chairside time; however, practitioners should consider local availability, cost, and regulatory status of tramadol relative to conventional lidocaine protocols in their jurisdiction.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Tramadol 5% provides a longer-lasting local antinociceptive effect than lidocaine 2% for mental nerve blocks in ponies, potentially reducing the need for repeat injections during dental or oral procedures
- •Both agents are effective for distal inferior alveolar nerve blocks with comparable onset times; choice may depend on procedure duration and safety profile considerations
- •Neither tramadol nor lidocaine caused observable local tissue damage when infiltrated at the mental foramen, supporting their safe use for oral/dental anesthesia in this breed
Key Findings
- •Tramadol 5% and lidocaine 2% both produced antinociceptive effects when administered via mental foramen infiltration in ponies
- •Latency time to antinociception did not differ significantly between tramadol and lidocaine treatments (P>0.05)
- •Duration of antinociceptive effect was significantly longer with tramadol 5% compared to lidocaine 2%
- •No adverse skin lesions were observed with either treatment; cardiovascular changes were attributable to acepromazine premedication rather than the local anesthetics