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Knaggs H, Tabor G, Williams J. An initial investigation into the effects of the equine transeva technique (pulsating current electrotherapy) on the equine Gluteus superficialis. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3920/cep210001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The equine transeva technique (ETT), is a novel electrotherapy, which utilises pulsating current electrotherapy to target sensory and motor neurons. The technique may facilitate increased circulation and correction of musculoskeletal issues and injuries, such as tendon and ligament tears and muscle atrophy. Despite the importance of understanding the impact of ETT on horses, no current scientific research exists in this area. This preliminary study investigated the effects of ETT on the musculoskeletal system of the horse, specifically within the Gluteus superficialis (GS). Using surface electromyography, muscle workload was measured in 11 sound and healthy horses of varying breeds and disciplines within the inclusion criteria. Integrated electromyography (iEMG) calculated the percentage change in maximal contractions before and after ETT treatment during one minute trials at 30 s intervals. An ANCOVA determined if these constituted significant changes (Bonferroni adjusted alpha: P≤0.02). Significant differences in muscle workload were found on the left side between pre- and post-treatment readings across trials (P≤0.02), however no significant changes occurred for the right side. The majority of horses (82%; n=9) experienced bilateral changes, with 78% of these (n=7) exhibiting a negative change in muscle workload recorded from the pretreatment condition, which may indicate muscular relaxation. The results suggest ETT may have some effect on muscle workload in the athletic horse, however further research is needed to confirm the effects observed. Future studies should include randomising the side which is treated first, a larger sample size, expansion of temporal variables and consideration of a longitudinal study to determine if these trends accrue over multiple maintenance-purposed treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- H. Knaggs
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - G. Tabor
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J.M. Williams
- Hartpury University, Hartpury, Gloucester, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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Zsoldos RR, Khayatzadeh N, Soelkner J, Schroeder U, Hahn C, Licka TF. Comparison of gluteus medius muscle activity in Haflinger and Noriker horses with polysaccharide storage myopathy. J Anim Physiol Anim Nutr (Berl) 2021; 105:549-557. [PMID: 33609063 PMCID: PMC9291294 DOI: 10.1111/jpn.13504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Type 1 polysaccharide storage myopathy caused by genetic mutation in the glycogen synthase 1 gene is present in many breeds including the Noriker and Haflinger horses. In humans, EMG has already been used to document changes in the muscle activity patterns of patients affected by human glycogen storage disorders. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to describe gluteus muscle activity with surface electromyography (sEMG) in Haflinger and Noriker horses with known GYS1 mutation status during walk and trot. Thirty‐two horses (11 Haflinger and 21 Noriker horses) with homozygous non‐affected (GG), heterozygous affected (GA) and homozygous affected (AA) status of GYS1 mutation without overt clinical signs of any myopathy were selected for the current study. Using surface electromyography gluteus medius muscle activity at walk and at trot was measured, and muscle activity was described in relation to the maximum observed value at the same sensor and the same gait. In order to further describe the signals in detail comprising both frequencies and amplitudes, the crossings through the baseline and the 25, 50 and 75 percentile lines were determined. The result of the relative muscle activity did not show a consistent difference between affected and non‐affected horses. Genetically affected (GA and AA) horses showed significantly less density of muscle activity for both gaits and horse breeds except for the crossings per second at the baseline and 75 percentile at walk in the Haflinger horses and 75 percentile at trot in the Noriker horses. The medians of all calculated density values were significantly lower in the GA Haflingers compared to the GG Haflingers (p = 0.012) and also in the AA Norikers compared to the GG Norikers (p = 0.011). Results indicate that the GYS1 mutation reduces the number of functional muscle fibres detected by sEMG measurements even in the absence of overt clinical signs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebeka Roza Zsoldos
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,School of Agriculture and Food Sciences, The University of Queensland, Gatton, Qld, Australia
| | - Negar Khayatzadeh
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Johann Soelkner
- Division Livestock Sciences, Department of Sustainable Agricultural Systems, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ulrike Schroeder
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Hahn
- Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
| | - Theresia Franziska Licka
- Department for Companion Animals and Horses, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, University of Edinburgh, Midlothian, UK
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Journée SL, Journée HL, Reed SM, Berends HI, de Bruijn CM, Delesalle CJG. Extramuscular Recording of Spontaneous EMG Activity and Transcranial Electrical Elicited Motor Potentials in Horses: Characteristics of Different Subcutaneous and Surface Electrode Types and Practical Guidelines. Front Neurosci 2020; 14:652. [PMID: 32765207 PMCID: PMC7379335 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2020.00652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adhesive surface electrodes are worthwhile to explore in detail as alternative to subcutaneous needle electrodes to assess myogenic evoked potentials (MEP) in human and horses. Extramuscular characteristics of both electrode types and different brands are compared in simultaneous recordings by also considering electrode impedances and background noise under not mechanically secured (not taped) and taped conditions. Methods In five ataxic and one non-ataxic horses, transcranial electrical MEPs, myographic activity, and noise were simultaneously recorded from subcutaneous needle (three brands) together with pre-gelled surface electrodes (five brands) on four extremities. In three horses, the impedances of four adjacent-placed surface-electrode pairs of different brands were measured and compared. The similarity between needle and surface EMGs was assessed by cross-correlation functions, pairwise comparison of motor latency times (MLT), and amplitudes. The influence of electrode noise and impedance on the signal quality was assessed by a failure rate (FR) function. Geometric means and impedance ranges under not taped and taped conditions were derived for each brand. Results High coherencies between EMGs of needle-surface pairs degraded to 0.7 at moderate and disappeared at strong noise. MLTs showed sub-millisecond simultaneous differences while sequential variations were several milliseconds. Subcutaneous MEP amplitudes were somewhat lower than epidermal. The impedances of subcutaneous needle electrodes were below 900 Ω and FR = 0. For four brands, the FR for surface electrodes was between 0 and 80% and declined to below 25% after taping. A remaining brand (27G DSN2260 Medtronic) revealed impedances over 100 kΩ and FR = 100% under not taped and taped conditions. Conclusion Subcutaneous needle and surface electrodes yield highly coherent EMGs and TES-MEP signals. When taped and allowing sufficient settling time, adhesive surface-electrode signals may approach the signal quality of subcutaneous needle electrodes but still depend on unpredictable conditions of the skin. The study provides a new valuable practical guidance for selection of extramuscular EMG electrodes. This study on horses shares common principles for the choice of adhesive surface or sc needle electrodes in human applications such as in intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring of motor functions of the brain and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Lotte Journée
- Equine Diagnostics, Wyns, Netherlands.,Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
| | - Henricus Louis Journée
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands.,Department of Orthopedics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Stephen Michael Reed
- Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital, Lexington, KY, United States.,M.H. Gluck Equine Research Center, Department of Veterinary Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, United States
| | - Hanneke Irene Berends
- Department of Orthopedics, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Cathérine John Ghislaine Delesalle
- Research Group of Comparative Physiology, Department of Virology, Parasitology and Immunology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University, Merelbeke, Belgium
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State-of-the-Art Diagnostic Methods to Diagnose Equine Spinal Disorders, With Special Reference to Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Transcranial Electrical Stimulation. J Equine Vet Sci 2019; 81:102790. [PMID: 31668311 DOI: 10.1016/j.jevs.2019.102790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Spinal cord disorders are a common problem in equine medicine. However, finding the site of the lesion is challenging for veterinarians because of a lack of sensitive diagnostic methods that can assess neuronal functional integrity in horses. Although medical imaging is frequently applied to help diagnose corticospinal disorders, this approach does not reveal functional information. For the latter, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and more recently transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) can be useful. These are brain stimulation techniques that create either magnetic or electrical fields passing through the motor cortex, inducing muscular responses, which can be recorded either intramuscularly or extramuscularly by needle or surface electrodes. This permits the evaluation of the functional integrity of the spinal motor tracts and the nerve conduction pathways. The interest in TES in human medicine emerged these last years because unlike TMS, TES tends to bypass the motor cortex of the brain and predominantly relies on direct activation of corticospinal and extrapyramidal axons. Results from human medicine have indicated that TMS and TES recordings are mildly if not at all affected by sedation. Therefore, this technique can be reliably used in human patients under either sedation or full anesthesia to assess functional integrity of the corticospinal and adjunct motor tracts. This opens important new avenues in equine medicine.
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Parkinson S, Wills A, Tabor G, Williams J. Effect of water depth on muscle activity of dogs when walking on a water treadmill. COMPARATIVE EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.3920/cep170031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Evidence-informed practice is currently lacking in canine hydrotherapy. This study aimed to investigate if the estimated workload of the gluteus medius (GM) and longissimus dorsi (LD) increased in dogs at different water depths when walking on a water treadmill. Seven dogs were walked for 2 min continuously on a water treadmill at depths of no submersion (depth 1), mid-tarsal (depth 2), between lateral malleolus and lateral epicondyle (depth 3) and between the lateral epicondyle and greater trochanter (depth 4). Continuous electromyographic data from the right and left sides of GM and LD were collected simultaneously during exercise. Friedman’s analyses with post-hoc Wilcoxon tests established if significant differences in GM and LD muscle activity occurred between the water depths for mean estimated-workload. Significant differences occurred in estimated-workload in GM and LD between water depths (P<0.05). Mean estimated-workload decreased in the right and left GM between depths 2 (mid-tarsal) and 3 (between lateral malleolus and epicondyle) (P<0.007) and depths 2 and 4 (between lateral epicondyle and greater trochanter) (P<0.001), a pattern which was repeated for left and right LD (P<0.007). Right GM mean estimated-workload increased between depth 1 (no submersion) and depth 2 only (P<0.013). Water depth influences GM and LD activity in dogs walking on a water treadmill. Increasing knowledge of canine locomotion in water treadmills could be used to inform individualised rehabilitation regimes for dogs undertaking hydrotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Parkinson
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - A.P. Wills
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - G. Tabor
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
| | - J.M. Williams
- Animal Welfare Research Group, University Centre Hartpury, Hartpury, Gloucestershire, GL19 3BE, United Kingdom
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Hardeman LC, van der Meij BR, Back W, van der Kolk JH, Wijnberg ID. The use of electromyography interference pattern analysis to determine muscle force of the deep digital flexor muscle in healthy and laminitic horses. Vet Q 2015; 36:10-5. [PMID: 26610153 DOI: 10.1080/01652176.2015.1106116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In equine laminitis, the deep digital flexor muscle (DDFM) appears to have increased muscle force, but evidence-based confirmation is lacking. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to test if the DDFM of laminitic equines has an increased muscle force detectable by needle electromyography interference pattern analysis (IPA). ANIMALS AND METHODS The control group included six Royal Dutch Sport horses, three Shetland ponies and one Welsh pony [10 healthy, sound adults weighing 411 ± 217 kg (mean ± SD) and aged 10 ± 5 years]. The laminitic group included three Royal Dutch Sport horses, one Friesian, one Haflinger, one Icelandic horse, one Welsh pony, one miniature Appaloosa and six Shetland ponies (14 adults, weight 310 ± 178 kg, aged 13 ± 6 years) with acute/chronic laminitis. The electromyography IPA measurements included firing rate, turns/second (T), amplitude/turn (M) and M/T ratio. Statistical analysis used a general linear model with outcomes transformed to geometric means. RESULTS The firing rate of the total laminitic group was higher than the total control group. This difference was smaller for the ponies compared to the horses; in the horses, the geometric mean difference of the laminitic group was 1.73 [geometric 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.29-2.32], and in the ponies this value was 1.09 (geometric 95% CI 0.82-1.45). CONCLUSION AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE In human medicine, an increased firing rate is characteristic of increased muscle force. Thus, the increased firing rate of the DDFM in the context of laminitis suggests an elevated muscle force. However, this seems to be only a partial effect as in this study, the unchanged turns/second and amplitude/turn failed to prove the recruitment of larger motor units with larger amplitude motor unit potentials in laminitic equids.
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Affiliation(s)
- L C Hardeman
- a Department of Equine Sciences , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - B R van der Meij
- a Department of Equine Sciences , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - W Back
- a Department of Equine Sciences , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht , The Netherlands.,b Department of Surgery and Anaesthesiology , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ghent University , Salisburylaan 133, 9820 Merelbeke , Belgium
| | - J H van der Kolk
- c Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine , Swiss Institute for Equine Medicine, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Bern and Agroscope , Bern , Switzerland
| | - I D Wijnberg
- a Department of Equine Sciences , Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University , Yalelaan 114, 3584 CM Utrecht , The Netherlands
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The potential and limitations of quantitative electromyography in equine medicine. Vet J 2015; 209:23-31. [PMID: 26831156 DOI: 10.1016/j.tvjl.2015.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
This review discusses the scope of using (quantitative) electromyography (EMG) in diagnosing myopathies and neuropathies in equine patients. In human medicine, many EMG methods are available for the diagnosis, pathophysiological description and evaluation, monitoring, or rehabilitation of patients, and some of these techniques have also been applied to horses. EMG results are usually combined with other neurophysiological data, ultrasound, histochemistry, biochemistry of muscle biopsies, and clinical signs in order to provide a complete picture of the condition and its clinical course. EMG technology is commonly used in human medicine and has been subject to constant development and refinement since its introduction in 1929, but the usefulness of the technique in equine medicine is not yet widely acknowledged. The possibilities and limitations of some EMG applications for equine use are discussed.
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Jose-Cunilleras E, Wijnberg ID. Quantitative motor unit action potential analysis of supraspinatus, infraspinatus, deltoideus and biceps femoris muscles in adult Royal Dutch sport horses. Equine Vet J 2015; 48:234-9. [DOI: 10.1111/evj.12419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2014] [Accepted: 12/29/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. Jose-Cunilleras
- Servei de Medicina Interna Equina; Department of Animal Medicine and Surgery; Veterinary Faculty; Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona; Bellaterra Spain
| | - I. D. Wijnberg
- Department of Equine Sciences; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; Utrecht University; The Netherlands
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Wijnberg ID, Owczarek-Lipska M, Sacchetto R, Mascarello F, Pascoli F, Grünberg W, van der Kolk JH, Drögemüller C. A missense mutation in the skeletal muscle chloride channel 1 (CLCN1) as candidate causal mutation for congenital myotonia in a New Forest pony. Neuromuscul Disord 2012; 22:361-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nmd.2011.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2011] [Revised: 09/26/2011] [Accepted: 10/03/2011] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Abstract
NMD is an important cause of morbidity in horses. Signs of dysfunction could be variable depending on the specific area affected. NM disease can go unrecognized if a thorough evaluation is not performed in diseased horses. Electrodiagnostic testing is an area that has the potential to document and improve our understanding of NM disease yet is uncommonly performed. Keeping an open and observant mind will enhance our ability to search and find answers.
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Wijnberg ID, Sleutjens J, Van Der Kolk JH, Back W. Effect of head and neck position on outcome of quantitative neuromuscular diagnostic techniques in Warmblood riding horses directly following moderate exercise. Equine Vet J 2011:261-7. [PMID: 21059016 DOI: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00224.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY There has been growing interest in training techniques with respect to the head and neck position (HNP) of the equine athlete. Little is known about the influence of HNP on neuromuscular transmission in neck muscles. OBJECTIVE To test the hypothesis that different HNPs have effect on single fibre (SF), quantitative electromyographic (QEMG) examination and muscle enzyme activity directly after moderate exercise. METHODS Seven Warmblood horses were studied using a standard exercise protocol in 5 HNPs: HNP1: unrestrained; HNP2: neck raised; bridge of nose around the vertical; HNP4: neck lowered and considerably flexed, bridge of nose pointing towards the chest; HNP5: neck raised and considerably extended; bridge of nose in front of the vertical; HNP7: neck lowered and flexed; bridge of nose pointing towards the carpus. Mean consecutive difference (MCD) of single muscle fibre potentials and motor unit action potential (MUP) variables (amplitude, duration, area, turns and phases) were recorded in each fixed position directly after exercise at rest using commercial EMG equipment. Muscle enzyme activity was measured before and 4, 6 and 24 h after exercise. RESULTS Mean consecutive difference in all HNPs was higher than in HNP1 (22 µs, P < 0.001) of which HNP4 was highest with 39 µs compared to 30 µs in HNP2 (P = 0.04); MCD in HNP 5,7 was with 25 µs lower than in HNP 2 and 4 (P < 0.001). Odds ratio for MCD suggestive for conduction delay or block was 13.6 in HNP4 compared to HNP1 (P < 0.001). Motion unit action potential variables followed the same pattern as MCD. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity increased in HNP4 at 4 h (P = 0.014), 6 h (P = 0.017) and 24 h (P = 0.038) post exercise and in HNP5 and HNP7 at 4 h (P = 0.037; 0.029). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE HNP4 in particular leads to a higher rise in LDH activity, MCD and MUP variables, indicating that HNPs have effect on variables characterising neuromuscular functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Wijnberg
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
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Wijnberg ID, Franssen H, Jansen GH, van den Ingh TSGAM, van der Harst MR, van der Kolk JH. The role of quantitative electromyography (EMG) in horses suspected of acute and chronic grass sickness. Equine Vet J 2010; 38:230-7. [PMID: 16706277 DOI: 10.2746/042516406776866309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING THE STUDY Clinical evidence of motor neuron involvement in equine grass sickness (EGS) has not been reported. HYPOTHESIS Quantitative electromyography (EMG) analysis can elucidate subtle changes of the lower motor neuron system present in horses with EGS, performed ante mortem. METHODS Fourteen horses diagnosed clinically with acute, subacute or chronic EGS were examined and quantitative EMG performed. Previously published data on healthy horses and horses with proven lower motor neuron disease (LMND) were used as controls. In 8 horses post mortem examination was performed, and in 7 muscle biopsies of the lateral vastus muscle underwent histopathology and morphometry. RESULTS Clinical electrophysiological evidence of neuropathy was present in 12 horses. Analysis of data from the first 4 horses resulted in 95% confidence intervals (CI) of nontransformed data for motor unit action potential (MUP) duration in subclavian, triceps and lateral vastus muscle of 11.0-13.7, 14.8-20.3 and 12.2-17.2 msecs, respectively, and for MUP amplitude 291-453, 1026-1892 and 957-1736 microV, respectively. For number of phases the 95% CI was 3.6-4.4, 2.9-3.6 and 2.9-3.4, respectively, and for number of turns 5.0-6.5, 4.3-5.3 and 3.7-4.6, respectively. No changes in duration of insertional activity were measured. Pathological spontaneous activity was observed in all horses. EGS as evidenced by degenerative changes in the autonomic ganglia in combination with minor degenerative changes of the spinal lower motor neurons was observed on post mortem examination in all 8 available autopsies. In muscle biopsies of 4 out of 7 horses changes consistent with slight neurogenic atrophy were found. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE EMG results demonstrated the presence of a neuropathy of skeletal muscles in all horses suspected to have EGS. The combination of clinical and electrophysiological evidence may aid differential diagnosis of neurogenic disease in cases of weight loss and colic.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Wijnberg
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12, 3584 CM, The Netherlands
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Wijnberg ID, Back W, de Jong M, Zuidhof MC, van den Belt AJM, van der Kolk JH. The role of electromyography in clinical diagnosis of neuromuscular locomotor problems in the horse. Equine Vet J 2010; 36:718-22. [PMID: 15656503 DOI: 10.2746/0425164044848019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Systematically performed EMG needle examination of muscles provides essential information about the functional aspects of the motor unit. However, clinical studies in which information is given on the diagnostic and discriminative values of electromyography (EMG) in the horse are scarce. OBJECTIVES To determine to what extent inclusion of EMG analysis in clinical examination contributes to determination of type and localisation of abnormality. METHODS EMG analysis, complete clinical examination and diagnosis of 108 horses (mean +/- s.d. age 75 +/- 3.8 years; bodyweight 548 +/- 86 kg; height 1.67 +/- 0.07 m) were performed, and results without and with EMG analysis compared. RESULTS Without EMG, myopathy and neuropathy were diagnosed in 20 and 58 horses, respectively, and with EMG in 17 and 82 horses. EMG changed localisation in myopathy and neuropathy in 12 and 37% of cases, respectively. Lesions in the C1-T2, T2-L3 and L3-S3 segments were, respectively, diagnosed without EMG in 7, 11 and 30%, and with EMG in 27, 7 and 17% of cases. Where no clinical diagnosis could be made prior to EMG, many patients appeared to be suffering from localised cervical lesions (29%) or generalised neuropathy (54%). CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The assistance of EMG in discriminating between normal, neuropathy and myopathy, and in locating pathology, contributes to diagnosis of neuromuscular problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Wijnberg
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Yalelaan 12-16, 3584 TD, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Macgregor J, Graf von Schweinitz D. Needle electromyographic activity of myofascial trigger points and control sites in equine cleidobrachialis muscle--an observational study. Acupunct Med 2006; 24:61-70. [PMID: 16783281 DOI: 10.1136/aim.24.2.61] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Myofascial trigger points are commonly described in humans, and many studies have shown abnormal spontaneous electrical activity, spike activity and local twitch responses at these sites. Myofascial trigger points have only rarely been described in horses, and studies of their electrophysiological characteristics have not previously been published. The objective of this study was to explore the electromyographic (EMG) and other characteristics of myofascial trigger points in equine muscle, and to compare them with normal muscle tissue. METHODS Four horses with chronic pain signs and impaired performance were examined. They had previously been examined at the second author's practice, and showed signs compatible with the diagnosis of myofascial trigger points in their cleidobrachialis (brachiocephalic) muscle, ie localised tender spots in a taut band of skeletal muscle which produced a local twitch response on snapping palpation. They had therefore been selected for treatment with acupuncture. Needle EMG activity and twitch responses were recorded at 25 positions at the trigger point and at a nearby control point during the course of each horse's acupuncture treatment. RESULTS All subjects demonstrated objective signs of spontaneous electrical activity, spike activity and local twitch responses at the myofascial trigger point sites within taut bands. The frequency of these signs was significantly greater at myofascial trigger points than at control sites (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Equine myofascial trigger points can be identified, and have similar objective signs and electrophysiological properties to those documented in human and rabbit skeletal muscle tissue. The important differences from findings in human studies are that referred pain patterns and the reproduction of pain profile cannot be determined in animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne Macgregor
- Equine Veterinary Clinic, Greyfriars Farm, Puttenham, Guildford, UK
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Benders NA, Dyer J, Wijnberg ID, Shirazi-Beechey SP, van der Kolk JH. Evaluation of glucose tolerance and intestinal luminal membrane glucose transporter function in horses with equine motor neuron disease. Am J Vet Res 2005; 66:93-9. [PMID: 15691042 DOI: 10.2460/ajvr.2005.66.93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To confirm whether the plasma glucose concentration curve obtained during oral glucose tolerance tests (OGTTs) in horses with equine motor neuron disease (EMND) is decreased, compared with that obtained in clinically normal horses, and determine whether that decrease is a result of defective glucose metabolism or intestinal glucose transport dysfunction. ANIMALS 8 horses with EMND and 44 matched control horses. PROCEDURE Electromyography and OGTTs were performed in all 8 affected horses and 10 control horses. Intravenous GTTs (IVGTTs) were performed in 6 affected horses and another 11 control horses. The activity and levels of jejunal luminal membrane glucose transporter (Na+ / glucose cotransporter isoform 1 [SGLT1]) were measured in 2 affected horses and 23 control horses. RESULTS In horses with EMND, generalized neuropathy was detected via quantitative electromyography; the mean increase in plasma glucose concentration during the OGTT was significantly decreased, compared with the value in control horses. During the IVGTT the mean increase in plasma glucose concentration was significantly lower than that of control horses. The activity and levels of SGLT1 in 2 affected horses were similar to those of control horses. Diagnosis of EMND was confirmed postmortem in all affected horses. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Data suggest that the decreased plasma glucose curve obtained in horses with EMND during OGTTs (compared with control horses) is a result of overall enhanced glucose metabolism or abnormalities in the facilitated glucose transporters; definitive identification of the underlying mechanisms could aid in the development of appropriate treatments of EMND in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikkie A Benders
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, 3508 TD Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Wijnberg ID, Franssen H, Jansen GH, Back W, van der Kolk JH. Quantitative electromyographic examination in myogenic disorders of 6 horses. J Vet Intern Med 2003; 17:185-93. [PMID: 12683619 DOI: 10.1111/j.1939-1676.2003.tb02432.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Electromyographic needle examination (EMG), including the semiautomatic quantitative analysis of motor unit action potential (MUAP), is an important diagnostic tool for myopathy in humans. The diagnostic possibilities of this technique have not been fully explored in horses; however, recent studies have shown that MUAP analysis can be performed in conscious horses. To determine the diagnostic possibilities of EMG in horses, we compared the EMG results of the subclavian muscle, the triceps, and the lateral vastus muscle in 6 equine patients thought to have myogenic disorders with those in 7 normal control horses. The EMG results were compared with the results of the histopathologic examination of the lateral vastus muscle in patients and controls. Histopathologic examination showed muscle disease in 3 patients. In the patient group, several types of abnormal spontaneous activities were observed (mainly fibrillation potentials and positive sharp waves), and the MUAPs of the patient group had a markedly shorter duration and lower amplitude than those of the control group. In the subclavian muscle, triceps, and lateral vastus muscle of affected horses, the MUAP duration was 5.0 +/- 0.4 (mean +/- SD), 3.9 +/- 0.3, and 4.7 +/- 1.1 milliseconds, respectively. The MUAP amplitude was 217 +/- 55, 150 +/- 74, and 180 +/- 54 microV; the number of phases was 2.4 +/- 0.2, 2.5 +/- 0.3, and 2.3 +/- 0.1; and the number of turns was 2.6 +/- 0.2, 2.4 +/- 0.2, and 2.8 +/- 0.5, respectively. In conclusion, it appears that the EMG may be a more sensitive method than other techniques for examining muscle biopsies for diagnosis of early-stage myopathy in horses.
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Affiliation(s)
- I D Wijnberg
- Department of Equine Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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