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Home / Equine Research Bank / Equine Vet J / Mechanical nociceptive thresholds in the axial skeleton of h...
Equine veterinary journal2006; 38(1); 70-75; doi: 10.2746/042516406775374315

Mechanical nociceptive thresholds in the axial skeleton of horses.

Abstract: An objective measure of neck, back and croup pain is needed in horses with musculoskeletal injuries, vague upper limb lameness or poor performance. Objective: 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 cm2 rubber 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: 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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Publication Date: 2006-01-18 PubMed ID: 16411590DOI: 10.2746/042516406775374315Google Scholar: Lookup
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  • Journal Article
  • Research Support
  • Non-U.S. Gov't

Summary

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The article investigates a method for objectively measuring pain in the neck, back and croup of horses suffering from musculoskeletal injuries, by assessing mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs). The study found the tool used for this measurement, a pressure algometer, to be objective, non-invasive, and repeatable, with mechanical nociception varying in horses based on their physical and activity characteristics.

Study Methods

  • The study involved 36 mature horses. Out of these, 10 were non-ridden while the other 26 were actively ridden.
  • The researchers utilized a tool called a pressure algometer that had a 1 cm2 rubber plunger tip, to evoke mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs).
  • The algometer was applied at 62 anatomical landmarks along the midline and bilaterally symmetrical anatomical landmarks of the axial skeleton in the horses.
  • Pressure was applied at a uniform rate until the horse showed a local avoidance reaction. This was repeated three times, and the repeatability of the measurements was evaluated.
  • The team conducted left-to-right comparisons and assessed the effects of the status of the subjects (whether they were non-ridden or actively ridden horses) and the level of ridden exercise on MNTs.

Results and Conclusions

  • The study found that the MNTs were repeatable and increased gradually from the front to the back of the horse’s axial skeleton. Importantly, there were usually no significant differences between left-to-right measurements, demonstrating the consistency of the test.
  • Despite this consistency within individual horses, the MNTs varied more significantly between different horses, showing a higher variability between horses than within the same horse.
  • Higher MNTs (implying less sensitivity to pain) were recorded in younger horses, heavier horses, horses not of the Thoroughbred variety, castrated male horses, and horses that were actively ridden and exercised.
  • Overall, the pressure algometer proved to be a valuable tool for measuring mechanical nociception in horses, providing an objective, noninvasive, and repeatable method for assessing pain thresholds. This can potentially allow for better management and treatment of horses suffering from musculoskeletal injuries and associated pain.

Cite This Article

APA
Haussler KK, Erb HN. (2006). Mechanical nociceptive thresholds in the axial skeleton of horses. Equine Vet J, 38(1), 70-75. https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406775374315

Publication

Equine veterinary journal
ISSN: 0425-1644
NlmUniqueID: 0173320
Country: United States
Language: English
Volume: 38
Issue: 1
Pages: 70-75

Researcher Affiliations

Haussler, K K
  • Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA.
Erb, H N

    MeSH Terms

    • Age Factors
    • Animals
    • Biomechanical Phenomena
    • Female
    • Horses / physiology
    • Male
    • Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
    • Pain Threshold / physiology
    • Physical Conditioning, Animal / physiology
    • Reference Values
    • Reproducibility of Results
    • Sensitivity and Specificity
    • Sex Factors
    • Weight-Bearing / physiology

    Citations

    This article has been cited 21 times.
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