The potential and limitations of quantitative electromyography in equine medicine.
Abstract: This review discusses the scope of using (quantitative) electromyography (EMG) in diagnosing myopathies and neuropathies in equine patients. In human medicine, many EMG methods are available for the diagnosis, pathophysiological description and evaluation, monitoring, or rehabilitation of patients, and some of these techniques have also been applied to horses. EMG results are usually combined with other neurophysiological data, ultrasound, histochemistry, biochemistry of muscle biopsies, and clinical signs in order to provide a complete picture of the condition and its clinical course. EMG technology is commonly used in human medicine and has been subject to constant development and refinement since its introduction in 1929, but the usefulness of the technique in equine medicine is not yet widely acknowledged. The possibilities and limitations of some EMG applications for equine use are discussed.
Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2015-09-25 PubMed ID: 26831156DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.07.024Google Scholar: Lookup
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- Journal Article
- Review
- Anatomy
- Bioinformatics
- Biomechanics
- Biotechnology
- Clinical Pathology
- Clinical Signs
- Clinical Study
- Diagnosis
- Diagnostic Technique
- Disease Diagnosis
- Equine Diseases
- Equine Health
- Equine Medicine
- Musculoskeletal System
- Myography
- Nervous System
- Neurological Diseases
- Pathophysiology
- Physiology
- Veterinary Medicine
- Veterinary Research
Summary
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The study examines the application of electromyography (EMG), a method used in human medicine for analyzing nerve and muscle functions, for diagnosing muscle and nerve diseases in horses. The effectiveness and limitations of EMG technology in equine medicine is also considered.
Overview of the Study
- This review paper delves into the potential of applying EMG in equine medicine. EMG is a diagnostic technique extensively used in human medicine for diagnosing and monitoring neuromuscular disorders.
- Though EMG has been applied to some extent on horses, its adoption in equine medicine is not yet widespread.
Electromyography: A Brief Background
- Since its inception in 1929, EMG has seen consistent progression in human medicine. It allows for the diagnosis and evaluation of pathophysiological conditions, keeps track of patients’ progress, and aids in their rehabilitation.
- Typically, results obtained from EMG are combined with other sets of data from neurophysiology, ultrasound imaging, histochemistry, muscle biopsy biochemistry, and clinical signs to generate an all-encompassing view of the patient’s condition and its clinical progression.
Current Status of EMG in Equine Medicine
- The research points out that the importance and utility of EMG in equine medicine have not yet been widely recognized.
- While several EMG methods have been employed in human medicine, their transition into equine medical practice remains at a relatively early stage.
The Way Forward
- The paper discusses the potential applications and limitations of EMG in the field of equine medicine.
- While EMG can provide useful insights into equine neuromuscular health, its limitations need to be recognized, and more research is called to perfect its use in equine medicine.
In conclusion, there lies a certain potential in the adoption of EMG in equine medicine. However, its limitations and the requirements for effective application warrant further investigation and development.
Cite This Article
APA
Wijnberg ID, Franssen H.
(2015).
The potential and limitations of quantitative electromyography in equine medicine.
Vet J, 209, 23-31.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.07.024 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht, The Netherlands. Electronic address: i.d.wijnberg@uu.nl.
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Brain Centre Rudolf Magnus, University Medical Centre Utrecht, Heidelberglaan 100, 3584 CX Utrecht, The Netherlands.
MeSH Terms
- Animals
- Electromyography / statistics & numerical data
- Electromyography / veterinary
- Horse Diseases / diagnosis
- Horses
- Humans
- Mononeuropathies / diagnosis
- Mononeuropathies / veterinary
- Muscle, Skeletal / physiology
- Muscle, Skeletal / physiopathology
- Muscular Diseases / diagnosis
- Muscular Diseases / veterinary
Citations
This article has been cited 5 times.- van Spijk JN, Beckmann K, Wehrli Eser M, Boxler M, Stirn M, Rhyner T, Kaelin D, Saleh L, Schoster A. Adverse effects of polymyxin B administration to healthy horses. J Vet Intern Med 2022 Jul;36(4):1525-1534.
- Story MR, Haussler KK, Nout-Lomas YS, Aboellail TA, Kawcak CE, Barrett MF, Frisbie DD, McIlwraith CW. Equine Cervical Pain and Dysfunction: Pathology, Diagnosis and Treatment. Animals (Basel) 2021 Feb 6;11(2).
- Journée SL, Journée HL, Reed SM, Berends HI, de Bruijn CM, Delesalle CJG. Extramuscular Recording of Spontaneous EMG Activity and Transcranial Electrical Elicited Motor Potentials in Horses: Characteristics of Different Subcutaneous and Surface Electrode Types and Practical Guidelines. Front Neurosci 2020;14:652.
- Mirra A, Klopfenstein Bregger MD, Levionnois OL. Suspicion of Postanesthetic Femoral Paralysis of the Non-Dependent Limb in a Horse. Front Vet Sci 2018;5:12.
- Verhaar N, Geburek F. Real-time ancillary diagnostics for intraoperative assessment of intestinal viability in horses-looking for answers across species. Vet Surg 2025 May;54(4):648-664.
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