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BMC veterinary research2017; 13(1); 80; doi: 10.1186/s12917-017-1002-y

Algometry to measure pain threshold in the horse’s back – An in vivo and in vitro study.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to provide information on algometric transmission of pressure through the dorsal thoracolumbar tissues of the equine back. Using a commercially available algometer, measurements were carried out with six different tips (hemispheric and cylindrical surfaces, contact areas 0.5 cm2, 1 cm2, and 2 cm2). In nine live horses the threshold of pressure that lead to any reaction was documented. In postmortem specimens of five euthanized horses the transmission of algometer pressure onto a pressure sensor placed underneath the dorsal thoracolumbar tissues at the level of the ribs or the transverse lumbar processes respectively was measured. Results: Algometer tips with a contact area of 1 cm2 led to widely similar results irrespective of the surface shape; these measurements also had the lowest variance. Contact areas of 0.5 cm2 resulted in a lower pressure threshold, and those of 2 cm2 resulted in a higher pressure threshold. The hemispheric shape of the contact area resulted in a higher pressure threshold, than the cylindrical contact area. Compared to the thoracic region, a significantly higher pressure threshold was found in the lumbar region in the live horses. This result corresponds to the increased tissue thickness in the lumbar region compared to the thoracic region, also documented as less pressure transmission in the lumbar region on the in vitro specimens. Conclusions: Algometry is an easily practicable and well tolerated method to quantify pain but it is important to consider the many factors influencing the results obtained.
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Publication Date: 2017-03-29 PubMed ID: 28356118PubMed Central: PMC5372265DOI: 10.1186/s12917-017-1002-yGoogle Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

This research study aimed to examine how algometry, the measurement of pain response to pressure, works in horses’ backs. Different sizes and shapes of algometer tips were used on both live and euthanized horses to observe pressure thresholds and how these vary depending on factors like contact area shape and size and location on the horse’s back.

Research Methodology

  • The study was carried out using a variety of algometric tools with different tips. The variety included hemispheric and cylindrical surfaces of three different sizes (contact areas of 0.5 cm, 1 cm, and 2 cm).
  • The testing was applied on both live horses and postmortem specimens. In the live horses, reactions to pressure thresholds were observed and recorded. In postmortem specimens, the pressure transmission onto a sensor placed under the horse’s back tissues was measured.
  • The research is distinguished by its in vivo (on live horses) and in vitro (on euthanized horses) approach, offering comparisons from both living and deceased subjects.

Key Findings

  • The algometer tips with a contact area of 1 cm consistently produced similar results no matter the surface shape and also had the smallest variance in measurements.
  • Smaller contact areas (0.5 cm) were associated with a lower pressure threshold, while larger contact areas (2 cm) resulted in a higher pressure threshold.
  • The research showed that hemispheric contact areas consistently resulted in higher pressure thresholds compared to cylindrical areas.
  • Notably, the study found that the lumbar region (lower back) of the horses had a significantly higher pressure threshold than the thoracic region (upper back). This aligns with the greater thickness of tissue in the lumbar region, which was also seen to transmit less pressure in the in vitro testing.

Conclusion

  • Algometry was concluded to be an effective method of quantifying pain in horses, but the results can be influenced by numerous variables.
  • The size and shape of the contact area, along with location on the horse’s back, significantly impact the pressure threshold and thus the resultant measurements.
  • Such findings underscore the importance of taking these factors into account when utilizing algometry in a practical clinical context for pain assessment in horses.

Cite This Article

APA
Pongratz U, Licka T. (2017). Algometry to measure pain threshold in the horse’s back – An in vivo and in vitro study. BMC Vet Res, 13(1), 80. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12917-017-1002-y

Publication

BMC veterinary research
ISSN: 1746-6148
NlmUniqueID: 101249759
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
Pages: 80

Researcher Affiliations

Pongratz, Una
  • Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria.
Licka, Theresia
  • Equine Clinic, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni Vienna), Veterinaerplatz 1, 1210, Vienna, Austria. theresia.licka@vetmeduni.ac.at.
  • Department of Veterinary Clinical Science, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush, Edinburgh, EH25 9RG, UK. theresia.licka@vetmeduni.ac.at.

MeSH Terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Horses
  • Male
  • Pain / physiopathology
  • Pain / veterinary
  • Pain Measurement / instrumentation
  • Pain Measurement / veterinary
  • Pain Threshold
  • Pressure
  • Reproducibility of Results

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Citations

This article has been cited 11 times.
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