This study intended to evaluate the 0.5% ropivacaine action on the alveolar mandibular nerve block in cats. Twenty adult cats, non-defined breed, male or female, received chlorpromazine (1.0 mg kg-1 VO) and propofol (3,0 mg/kg IV). Ropivacaine at 0.5% was administrated with an "L" 13x3,8 needle, inserted in the angle of the right mandible, close to 1.0cm rostral to the angular process and 0.5cm dorsal to the medial surface of the mandible branch, intending to deposit close to the alveolar mandibular nerve, at the mandibular forame. The heart and respiratory rates were measured before the chlorpromazine administration, 20 minutes after its administration (T0), 20 minutes after the alveolar mandibular nerve block with ropivacaine (T20) and in 20 minutes intervals till the sensitivity recovery at the anesthetized region. The latency period and the anesthesia duration were observed through the skin and gingival cross-clamping of the mandible right-lateral region. The anesthesia beginning was found 22 minutes after, with 164.25 minutes duration. The heart rate parameters and respiratory rate had alteration, but without clinical significance to the specie. The 0.5% ropivacaine anesthesia at the region of the premolars, molars, canines, incisors, skin and oral mucosae and bottom lip, without causing collateral effects.
cat; anesthesia; ropivacaine; alveolar mandibular nerve
