Flash electroretinography in standing horses using the DTL microfiber electrode.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of our study was the evaluation of a practical method for the recording of flash electroretinograms (ERGs) in sedated, standing horses with the DTL microfiber electrode.


METHODS
The horses were sedated intravenously with detomidine hydrochloride (0.015 mg/kg). The pupil was dilated and the auriculopalpebral nerve was blocked. The ERGs were recorded with the active electrode on the cornea (DTL), the reference electrode near the lateral canthus, and the ground electrode over the occipital bone. The light intensities of the white strobe light were 0.03 cd x s/m2 (scotopic) and 3 cd x s/m2 (scotopic and photopic). Photopic and scotopic single flash and flicker responses to Ganzfeld stimulation were recorded. During the 20-min dark adaptation period the retina was stimulated every 5 min with the 0.03 cd x s/m2 single flash.


RESULTS
The median b-wave amplitudes and implicit times were 38 microV and 33 ms (photopic cone-dominated response), 43 microV and 63 ms (5-min dark adaptation), 72 microV and 89 ms (10 min), 147 microV and 103 ms (15 min), 188 microV and 109 ms (20 min, 0.03 cd x s/m2, rod response), and 186 microV and 77 ms (20 min, 3 cd x s/m2, maximal combined rod-cone response). A steady increase in amplitude and implicit time was noted during dark adaptation. No oscillatory potentials could be isolated.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of detomidine hydrochloride sedation and the DTL microfiber electrode allowed the recording of good quality ERGs. This protocol should permit the detection of functional problems in the retina without the risk involved with general anesthesia.
Komáromy
András M
AM
Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine and Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610-0126, USA. komaromya@vetmed.ufl.edu
Andrew
Stacy E
SE
Sapp
Harold L
HL
Brooks
Dennis E
DE
Dawson
William W
WW
D000818:Animals; D016292:Procedural Sedation / Q000662:veterinary; D004566:Electrodes; D004596:Electroretinography / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D004867:Equipment Design; D006736:Horses / Q000502:physiology*; D007093:Imidazoles; D011187:Posture; D012160:Retina / Q000502:physiology*
D007093:Imidazoles; C041255:detomidine