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Pressure algometry for the detection of induced back pain in horses: a preliminary study.
Abstract: Pressure algometry (PA) is a potential modality for objectively measuring mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) in horses. Its ability to differentiate musculoskeletal pain sites from nonpain sites is unknown and must be assessed prior to its clinical application. Objective: To assess the ability of PA to detect induced musculoskeletal pain. Methods: Twenty clinically normal mature horses (2 groups of 10 horses, over 2 years) were used to measure MNTs before and after implantation and removal of 2 fixation half-pins in the dorsal spinous processes of 2 adjacent vertebrae. To assess hyperalgesia, MNTs near the surgical sites were pooled and compared to surrounding landmarks. MNTs were also compared on 2 consecutive days immediately after surgical implantation. To assess longer-term adaptation or sensitisation, changes from the beginning to the end of the study were evaluated. Results: The precise surgical sites could be recognised due to substantial and localised decreases in the MNTs compared with surrounding landmarks. At most sites distant to the surgical sites, the distribution of the median percentage change in MNTs was centred around 0 (suggesting unbiased repeatability). MNTs compared from the beginning to the end of this study did not demonstrate obvious adaptation or sensitisation. Conclusions: PA provides a quantitative and repeatable method for assessing the presence of musculoskeletal pain. Further studies are needed to evaluate PA clinically for assessing musculoskeletal injuries and pain management strategies in horses.
Publication Date: 2006-01-18 PubMed ID: 16411591DOI: 10.2746/042516406775374225Google Scholar: Lookup The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
- Journal Article
- Research Support
- Non-U.S. Gov't
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.
The research article is about a preliminary study of Pressure Algometry (PA) as a potential method for objectively measuring mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNTs) in horses, particularly for detecting induced musculoskeletal pain. The study also assesses PA’s ability to differentiate between painful and nonpainful sites.
Objective of the Research
The main objective of the research was to test the effectiveness of Pressure Algometry (PA) as a tool for detecting musculoskeletal pain in horses. This involved assessing PA’s capacity to differentiate between pain sites and non-pain sites.
Methodology of the Research
- Twenty horses, divided into two groups of ten, were utilized for the study over two years.
- Before and after surgically implanting and removing 2 fixation half-pins into the dorsal spinous processes of 2 adjacent vertebrae, Mechanical Nociceptive Thresholds (MNTs) were measured in the horses.
- To assess hyperalgesia, MNTs near the surgical sites were pooled and compared with MNTs from surrounding landmarks.
- In the immediate aftermath of the surgical implantation, MNTs were compared across two consecutive days.
- To evaluate whether there was any long-term adaptation or sensitisation, changes in MNTs from the start of the research to the end were assessed.
Results of the Study
- The findings indicated that the exact surgical sites could be identified due to significant and localized decreases in the MNTs when compared to adjacent landmarks.
- Furthermore, at most points distant from the surgical sites, the distribution of the median percentage change in MNTs was centered around zero, indicating unbiased repeatability.
- Comparison of MNTs from the beginning to the end of the study did not show any clear patterns of adaptation or sensitisation.
Conclusion of the Research
Based on the study, it was concluded that Pressure Algometry provides a quantitative and repeatable method for identifying the presence of musculoskeletal pain in horses. However, further investigations are necessary to assess the utility of PA in a clinical setting for examining musculoskeletal injuries and formulating pain management strategies for horses.
Cite This Article
APA
Haussler KK, Erb HN.
(2006).
Pressure algometry for the detection of induced back pain in horses: a preliminary study.
Equine Vet J, 38(1), 76-81.
https://doi.org/10.2746/042516406775374225 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853-6401, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Back Pain / diagnosis
- Back Pain / veterinary
- Female
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Lumbar Vertebrae / physiology
- Male
- Pain Measurement / methods
- Pain Measurement / veterinary
- Pain Threshold / physiology
- Pressure
- Thoracic Vertebrae / physiology
Citations
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