How to Perform Intra-Ligamental Anesthesia for Exodontia in the Horse

Olivia James, BVSc (hons), CMAVA, MANZCVS (Eq Dentistry), DICEVO, DAVDC (Eq)

Intra-ligamental anesthesia is an effective method to provide anesthesia for exodontia (tooth extraction) in horses, providing more targeted and efficient anesthesia than traditional regional nerve blocks. The procedure requires a solid understanding of the anatomy of the mouth and proficient technical skills to administer the anesthetic solution directly into the periodontal ligament in the standing, sedated horse. Veterinarians should consider using intra-ligamental anesthesia as a primary method of anesthesia for tooth extraction in horses or in addition to traditional regional nerve blocks to provide anesthesia for exodontia.