Local block

Ten minutes after the initial sedation bolus was administered, the maxillary or mandibular nerve was blocked with 0.4 mg/kg bwt lidocaine (Lidocainhydrochlorid 2%)⁷ as described elsewhere [18]. Another 10 min later the mouth gag was introduced and the surgery was started (20 min after the beginning of sedation). The adequacy of the local block was tested by utilizing the gingival separator and the molar spreader. If horses reacted to this manipulation, the local block was assessed as inadequate and the nerve block was repeated. Oral extraction of the cheek teeth was performed in a standardized manner as described by Tremaine [19]. After completion of the extraction, the intravenous catheter was removed and horses were placed back in their stalls.