Mechanical nociceptive thresholds in the axial skeleton of horses

Equine Veterinary Journal - Tập 38 Số 1 - Trang 70-75 - 2006
Kevin K. Haussler1,2, Hollis N. Erb3
1Departments of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853–6401, USA.
2Equine Orthopaedic Research Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado 80523, USA.
3Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853–6401, USA.

Tóm tắt

Summary

Reasons for performing study: An objective measure of neck, back and croup pain is needed in horses with musculoskeletal injuries, vague upper limb lameness or poor performance.

Objectives: To establish mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) within the axial skeleton and evaluate the effects of subject status and ridden exercise.

Methods: Thirty‐six mature horses (10 nonridden; 26 actively ridden) were used to assess MNTs evoked by a pressure algometer (PA) with a 1 cm2rubber plunger tip at 62 midline and bilaterally symmetrical anatomical landmarks along the axial skeleton. Pressure was applied at a uniform rate of application until a local avoidance reaction was noted. The repeatability of 3 consecutive measurements was evaluated. Left‐to‐right comparisons and the effects of subject status and ridden exercise on MNTs were assessed.

Results: MNTs were repeatable and increased in a cranial‐to‐caudal gradient within the axial skeleton. Typically, there were no significant left‐to‐right differences. Within‐horse variability was less than between‐horse variability. Higher MNTs were measured in young, heavy, non‐Thoroughbred, castrated males, and in horses that were ridden and actively exercised.

Conclusions and potential relevance: PA provides an objective, noninvasive, and repeatable tool to measure mechanical nociception in horses. MNTs vary in horses with differing subject status and ridden exercise level.

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Equine Veterinary Journal

Tập 38 Số 1

70-75

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