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Updated: Apr 28, 2026
Rapid Determination of the Thermal Nociceptive Threshold in Diabetic Rats
Published on: May 17, 2012
Sensory profile of cats with potential pain-related diabetic neuropathy
Hélène L M Ruel1,2, Vanessa Bruneau1, Berenice Conversy1
1Le Centre hospitalier universitaire vétérinaire, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Université de Montréal, St-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Canada.
Background:
Diabetes mellitus (DM) can cause peripheral neuropathy. This study aimed to evaluate sensory function by measuring the mechanical nociceptive thresholds (MNT) and diffuse noxious inhibitory control (DNIC) of cats with diabetes mellitus (DMcats).
Methods:
Eight cats with DM and 12 healthy controls were included in a prospective, randomised study. MNT were measured by applying pressure against the metatarsal pad (MNTbio). MNT were also measured using a mechanical actuator attached to one of the cat's pelvic limbs (MNTtop). The DNIC was assessed by comparing MNTtop before and after a conditioning stimulus.
Results:
MNTbio of the controls were significantly lower (2.1 ± 0.7 N) than those of DMcats (3.6 ± 1.2 N). DNIC and MNTtop were not different between groups.
Limitations:
This study had a small cohort of patients and an MNT cut-off to prevent injuries.
Conclusion:
DMcats showed hypoalgesia and loss of sensory function. This study could not differentiate DNIC between healthy and those with DM.
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