Detection of neurectomy by testing skin sensitivity using an electrical stimulus.
A method for detection of neurectomy by electrical stimulation of the skin, distal to the neurectomy site, was tested for accuracy and feasibility. An electrical stimulation device was designed and tested to find the minimum peak voltage that would elicit a response in normal horses. Twenty seven horses were then tested at regular intervals following neurectomy and their responses recorded. Immediately following neurectomy there was an area of insensitivity with sharply defined borders extending in an arc from the back of the pastern down towards the bulbs of the heels. In the months following neurectomy, re-innervation occurred and this area gradually reduced in size, although it was still possible to detect insensitive areas 14 months after neurectomy in all horses tested. The method proved to be safe, accurate and ethically acceptable.
Moorman
G H
GH
Department of Large Animal Surgery, Veterinary Faculty, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands.
van Noort
J H
JH
Németh
F
F
Breukink
H J
HJ
Gootjes
P
P
Verzijlenberg
F
F
D000818:Animals; D004558:Electric Stimulation; D004568:Electrodiagnosis / Q000662:veterinary*; D005121:Extremities; D005260:Female; D006734:Horse Diseases / Q000601:surgery; D006736:Horses / Q000601:surgery*; D007794:Lameness, Animal / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D009416:Nerve Regeneration; D010525:Peripheral Nerves / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D012867:Skin / Q000294:innervation*; D012879:Skin Physiological Phenomena; D013177:Sports