Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Magnetic nerve test predicts recovery in dogs and cats with limb
By Van Soens, Iris et al.·Published in Veterinary journal (London, England : 1997)·2009·Department of Small Animal Medicine and Clinical Biology·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Magnetic stimulation of the radial nerve in dogs and cats with brachial plexus trauma: a report of 53 cases.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of dogs and cats with brachial plexus trauma, which can cause weakness or paralysis in the front leg, were evaluated using a technique called magnetic stimulation to assess nerve function. The study found that pets showing no deep pain perception or certain reflexes were less likely to recover. The results indicated that this magnetic stimulation could help vets determine how well the nerves are functioning and predict recovery outcomes. This information can guide treatment decisions for pets suffering from this type of injury.
People also search for: dog front leg weakness treatment · cat brachial plexus injury prognosis · magnetic stimulation for dog nerve damage
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.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18602850/