Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials in Raccoon Dogs (Nyctereutes procynoides)

Abstract

Raccoon dogs (Nyctereutes procynoides) are canids indigenous to Eastern Asia being one of the most invasive non-native animals in Europe and potential vectors for several hazardous parasitic and viral diseases. To present, there is a lack of studies regarding objective techniques used to appreciate the integrity and functionality of the nervous system in this species. Brainstem auditory evoked potentials (BAER) is a cost-effective, quick and noninvasive technique to assess the functionality of nervous system. The aim of the study is to provide reference values and evaluates the reliability of BAER recording with needle electrodes in clinically healthy raccoon dogs. Nine individuals were investigated for BAER under xylazine and ketamine general anesthesia. Four waves (I, II, III and V) were identified and evaluated for latencies, morphologically similarity to those previously reported for other species (dogs, horses, cats, and ferret). Our data can be used in further studies to asses objectively the auditory system function in raccoon dogs.

Brainstem auditory‐evoked response in healthy African pygmy hedgehogs (Atelerix albiventris)

“…2014) and raccoon dogs (Ștefănescu et al . 2020). However, in humans, wave II has been reported to be poorly defined in some adults and most infants, either appearing as a small peak along the downward slope of wave I or merging into the upgoing slope of wave III (Zaher 2012).…”

“…The brainstem auditory‐evoked response (BAER) procedure is a non‐invasive, neurodiagnostic tool utilised in multiple species to objectively evaluate auditory functions (Scheifele & Clark 2012, Ștefănescu et al . 2020). The integrity of auditory pathway structures (Wilson & Mills 2005, Scheifele & Clark 2012) is tested by recording brain electrical activity travelling through the peripheral and central auditory pathways in response to an externally applied stimulus, creating specific waveform responses with each wave being associated with specific neuroanatomic structures along the pathway (Scheifele & Clark 2012).…”