Magnetic stimulation of the radial nerve in dogs and cats with brachial plexus trauma: A report of 53 cases

Abstract

Brachial plexus trauma is a common clinical entity in small animal practice and prognostic indicators are essential early in the course of the disease. Magnetic stimulation of the radial nerve and consequent recording of the magnetic motor evoked potential (MMEP) was examined in 36 dogs and 17 cats with unilateral brachial plexus trauma.Absence of deep pain perception (DPP), ipsilateral loss of panniculus reflex, partial Horner's syndrome and a poor response to MMEP were related to the clinical outcome in 29 of the dogs and 13 of the cats. For all animals, a significant difference was found in MMEP between the normal and the affected limb. Absence of DPP and unilateral loss of the panniculus reflex were indicative of an unsuccessful outcome in dogs. Additionally, the inability to evoke a MMEP was associated with an unsuccessful outcome in all animals. It was concluded that magnetic stimulation of the radial nerve in dogs and cats with brachial plexus trauma may provide an additional diagnostic and prognostic tool.

Muscle potentials evoked by magnetic stimulation of the sciatic nerve in unilateral sciatic nerve dysfunction

“…Magnetic stimulation of the sciatic nerve was performed in dogs and cats with unilateral sciatic nerve dysfunction to evaluate the integrity and the conduction along the sciatic–peroneal nerve. The technique of magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation has proven useful in veterinary medicine (Van Soens and others 2008, 2009) as it is an easy, rapid, minimally invasive and almost painless method that can be performed under sedation or a light plane of anaesthesia (Barker and others 1987).…”

“…Therefore, peripheral nerve injuries may decrease peak‐to‐peak amplitude and prolong the onset latency (Sims and Redding 1979). In severe cases, the inability to evoke an MEP can also be seen (Welch 1996, Van Soens and others 2009). With time, a normalisation of the amplitude is possible through collateral re‐innervation, remyelination of acutely demyelinated areas and axon regrowth.…”

“…Localisation of the lesion along the sciatic nerve is most commonly based on history, clinical signs, findings on neurological examination and results of electrodiagnostic testing. The technique of magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation has been described in dogs and cats with brachial plexus avulsion (Van Soens and others 2009) and can be used as an additional diagnostic and prognostic tool. Magnetic stimulation has several advantages over electrical stimulation: it is minimally invasive, almost painless and a safe technique that requires less time for the investigator (Barker and others 1987, Evans 1991, Barker 1999).…”

Validating the use of a carbon dioxide laser for assessing nociceptive thresholds in adult domestic cats (Felis catus)

“…There is also complete absorbance of thermal energy by the skin, regardless of pigmentation (Gülsoy et al, 2001;Le Bars et al, 2001). In addition, laser stimulation followed by a clear behavioural response should require relatively little behavioural monitoring experience, particularly if the response is a stereotypic reflex, such as the panniculus reflex (a skin twitch), that has been associated with normal neural functioning (Van Soens et al, 2009).…”

Return of function in a feline thoracic limb after suspected traumatic brachial plexus injury with loss of nociception

“…This case report shows that recovery is indeed possible when nociception is absent following (suspected) traumatic BPI. Therefore, ample time (at least 8–12 weeks) should be taken to assess whether any regain of function is noticeable (Van Soens and others 2009, Lorenz and others 2011). …”