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Flash Visual Evoked Potentials in Conscious Horses: A Preliminary Study.
Mariana Isa Poci Palumbo1, Luiz Antonio de Lima Resende2, Giovane Olivo3
1Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia, Universidade Federal de Mato Grosso do Sul, Campo Grande, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil.
Journal of Equine Veterinary Science
|November 28, 2021
Summary
This study presents a reliable method for recording flash visual evoked potentials (F-VEPs) in horses without sedation. These findings establish normal F-VEP values for clinical use in veterinary neurology.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Ophthalmology
- Neurophysiology
Background:
- Visual evoked potential (VEP) testing has applications in veterinary neurology but is not routinely used.
- A standardized, reliable method for recording VEPs in horses is needed for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a reliable method for recording flash visual evoked potentials (F-VEPs) in nonsedated horses.
- To establish normal F-VEP parameters in healthy horses for future diagnostic comparisons.
Main Methods:
- F-VEPs were recorded from 20 healthy adult horses without sedation, anesthesia, or mydriatic drugs.
- Latency and amplitude of specific peaks (N38, P53, N72) were measured.
- F-VEPs were also recorded in 3 horses during sedation with xylazine or detomidine to assess sedation's impact.
Main Results:
- Reliable F-VEPs were obtained in nonsedated horses, with a mean P53 latency of 52.76±2.37 ms.
- Sedation significantly affected F-VEP results, decreasing amplitudes and increasing latencies or obscuring responses.
Conclusions:
- A reliable method for recording F-VEPs in nonsedated horses was established.
- The data provide a normal reference range for F-VEPs in horses, useful for diagnosing neurological conditions.
- Sedation's impact on F-VEPs requires careful consideration due to observed alterations.
