Morphometry of infraorbital foramen applied to local anesthesia in hoary fox (Lycalopex vetulus Lund, 1842)

Abstract

Whilst considering the need anesthetic techniques supported by species-specific morphology, it has been sought to describe the morphometry of the Hoary Fox's infraorbital foramen with aims at correlating its topography with points of anatomic reference in the skull, thereby providing subsidy for a more effective local anesthetic block in that species. Four skulls of Lycalopex vetulus had been used, from which all of the measurements in each antimere were performed. The infraorbital foramen was located at the maxilla bone, dorsally-wise from the third upper pre-molar tooth, and, from the ventral end of its caudal margin, it would stand apart from the alveolar margin of that bone by 4.19 mm, in average; from the orbital margin at the level of the lacrimal foramen by 14.10 mm; from the dorsal end of the frontal process of the zygomatic bone by 37.10 mm; from the rostral end of the alveolar margin of the first upper incisor tooth by 38.54 mm; and, from the caudal end of the nuchal crest by 100.53mm - at the level of the median sagittal plane; as it also presented a sagittal axis of 5.21 mm in average. It is suggested that, for the Hoary Fox, the needle be introduced by 4.19 mm in contact with the maxilla bone, in a perpendicular fashion, and in a ventral-dorsal orientation from the alveolar margin of the same - whilst using, as an anatomic reference, the diastema that exists between the third and the fourth upper pre-molar teeth.

The Anatomy of the Stomatognathic System in Different Skull Types in Dogs

“…19 It is necessary for the surgeon to be familiar with, and to preserve as much as possible all vascular and neural structures involved, with concern not only for surgical risk, but also for preservation of the tissue and the structures responsible, in order to maintain their vitality and normal function. [20][21][22][23] In agreement with a previous study, 14 this study showed that dogs have an advantage in that their arteries can form multiple anastomoses, re-establishing the blood supply in damaged areas.…”

“…14,29 Alterations of the peripheral innervation of the head can also be due to neural dysfunctions and tumors originating from the neuronal fibers themselves, 30,31 and this knowledge is essential for local anesthesia in the head. [20][21][22][32][33][34][35] Healing of the oral mucosa is faster than that of the skin due to several factors, including a more abundant blood supply. 36 The temporary bilateral occlusion of the external carotid artery before major surgical procedures, such as maxillectomy and total mandibulectomy, in order to minimize blood loss due to accidental rupture of large vessels located in the infraorbital region or close to the temporomandibular joint is commonly performed in veterinary surgery.…”

“…14,29 Alterations of the peripheral innervation of the head can also be due to neural dysfunctions and tumors originating from the neuronal fibers themselves, 30,31 and this knowledge is essential for local anesthesia in the head. 20‐22,32‐35…”