Detection of neurectomy by testing skin sensitivity using an electrical stimulus.

This research explores a method for detecting neurectomy in horses through electrical stimulation of their skin. The study found that an area of insensitivity occurred immediately after neurectomy, which gradually reduced over time but was still detectable after 14 months.

Research Methodology

• The researchers developed an electrical stimulation device for this study.
• They tested this device to determine the minimum peak voltage which would bring out a reaction in horses that had not undergone the process of neurectomy.
• They carried out these experiments on 27 horses.
• Following the process of neurectomy, the reactions of the horses were recorded at regular intervals.

Key Findings

• The researchers discovered that precisely after the process of neurectomy, an insensitivity area with clearly defined borders extended from the back of the pastern down to the bulbs of the heels.
• This area of insensitivity started to decrease in size in the months that followed neurectomy as re-innervation took place.
• 14 months after the neurectomy had taken place, it was still possible to identify areas with reduced sensitivity in all the horses that were tested.

Conclusions

• This method of detecting neurectomy using electrical stimulus on the skin proved to be safe and accurate.
• Additionally, the method was deemed ethically acceptable for use on horses.