Repeatability of quantitative sensory testing in healthy cats in a clinical setting with comparison to cats with osteoarthritis

Addison, E. S. and Clements, D. N. (2017) Repeatability of quantitative sensory testing in healthy cats in a clinical setting with comparison to cats with osteoarthritis. Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 19(12), pp. 1274-1282. (doi: 10.1177/1098612X17690653) (PMID:28181856)

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Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the repeatability of quantitative sensory tests (QSTs) in a group of healthy untrained cats (n = 14) and to compare the results with those from cats with osteoarthritis (n = 7). Methods: Peak vertical force (PVF) and vertical impulse were measured on a pressure plate system. Thermal sensitivity was assessed using a temperature-controlled plate at 7°C and 40°C. Individual paw lifts and overall duration of paw lifts were counted and measured for each limb. Paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using manual and electronic von Frey monofilaments (MVF and EVF, respectively) applied to the metacarpal or metatarsal pads. All measurements were repeated twice to assess repeatability of the tests. Results: In healthy cats all tests were moderately repeatable. When compared with cats with osteoarthritis the PVF was significantly higher in healthy hindlimbs in repeat 1 but not in repeat 2. Cats with osteoarthritis of the forelimbs showed a decrease in the frequency of paw lifts on the 7°C plate compared with cats with healthy forelimbs, and the duration of paw lifts was significantly less than healthy forelimbs in the first repeat but not in the second repeat. Osteoarthritic limbs had significantly lower paw withdrawal thresholds with both MVF and EVF than healthy limbs. Conclusions and relevance: QSTs are moderately repeatable in untrained cats. Kinetic gait analysis did not permit differentiation between healthy limbs and those with osteoarthritis, but thermal sensitivity testing (cold) does. Sensory threshold testing can differentiate osteoarthritic and healthy limbs, and may be useful in diagnosis and monitoring of this condition in cats in the clinical setting.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Addison, Miss Elena
Authors: Addison, E. S., and Clements, D. N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine
Journal Name:Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery
Publisher:Elsevier
ISSN:1098-612X
ISSN (Online):1532-2750
Published Online:01 February 2017
Copyright Holders:Copyright © 2017 The Authors
First Published:First published in Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery 19(12):1274–1282
Publisher Policy:Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

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