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Detection of neurectomy by testing skin sensitivity using an electrical stimulus
Author(s) -
MOORMAN G. H.,
NOORT J. H. C.,
NÉMETH F.,
BREUKINK H. J.,
GOOTJES P.,
VERZIJLENBERG F.
Publication year - 1988
Publication title -
equine veterinary journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.82
H-Index - 87
eISSN - 2042-3306
pISSN - 0425-1644
DOI - 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1988.tb01498.x
Subject(s) - neurectomy , medicine , stimulation , stimulus (psychology) , surgery , electric stimulation , anesthesia , psychology , alternative medicine , pathology , psychotherapist
Summary A method for detection of neurectomy by electrical stimulation of the skin, distal to the neurectomy site, was tested for accuracy and feasibility. An electrical stimulation device was designed and tested to find the minimum peak voltage that would elicit a response in normal horses. Twenty seven horses were then tested at regular intervals following neurectomy and their responses recorded. Immediately following neurectomy there was an area of insensitivity with sharply defined borders extending in an arc from the back of the pastern down towards the bulbs of the heels. In the months following neurectomy, re‐innervation occurred and this area gradually reduced in size, although it was still possible to detect insensitive areas 14 months after neurectomy in all horses tested. The method proved to be safe, accurate and ethically acceptable.