Editorial Type:
Neurology

F-wave parameters for the tibial nerve in Miniature Dachshunds with and without naturally acquired thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation

Seiichi Okuno 1Laboratory of Physiology II, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan.
2ACORN Veterinary Clinic of Neurology, Isesaki, Gunma 372-0814, Japan.

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 DVM, PhD
and
Kensuke Orito 1Laboratory of Physiology II, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan.

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 DVM, PhD
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.81.5.422
Volume/Issue:
Volume 81: Issue 5
Online Publication Date:
01 May 2020
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Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine values of F-wave parameters for the tibial nerve in clinically normal Miniature Dachshunds and those with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH).

ANIMALS

53 Miniature Dachshunds (10 clinically normal and 43 with various clinical grades of thoracolumbar IVDH).

PROCEDURES

F-waves were elicited in the interosseous muscles of 1 hind limb in each dog by stimulation of the tibial nerve. F-wave parameters were measured for 32 stimuli/dog, and mean values were calculated. Linear regression was performed to assess correlations between F-wave parameters and clinical severity of IVDH.

RESULTS

For clinically normal dogs, mean ± SD values of shortest F-wave latency, mean F-wave conduction velocity, mean F-wave duration, and ratio of the mean F-wave amplitude to M response amplitude were 8.6 ± 0.6 milliseconds, 83.7 ± 6.1 m/s, 6.6 ± 1.5 milliseconds, and 9.8 ± 8.5%, respectively. F-wave persistence was 100%. Mean F-wave duration was positively correlated with clinical grade of IVDH. Linear regression yielded the following regression equation: F-wave duration (milliseconds) = 6.0 + 2.7 × IVDH grade. One dog with grade 2 IVDH had a mean F-wave duration shorter than that of all 5 dogs with grade 1 IVDH; 1 dog with grade 3 IVDH had a longer duration than that of all 10 dogs with grade 4 IVDH.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mean F-wave duration was correlated with the severity of inhibitory motor tract dysfunction in the spinal cord of dogs. F-wave examination may be useful for objective functional evaluation of upper motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE

To determine values of F-wave parameters for the tibial nerve in clinically normal Miniature Dachshunds and those with thoracolumbar intervertebral disk herniation (IVDH).

ANIMALS

53 Miniature Dachshunds (10 clinically normal and 43 with various clinical grades of thoracolumbar IVDH).

PROCEDURES

F-waves were elicited in the interosseous muscles of 1 hind limb in each dog by stimulation of the tibial nerve. F-wave parameters were measured for 32 stimuli/dog, and mean values were calculated. Linear regression was performed to assess correlations between F-wave parameters and clinical severity of IVDH.

RESULTS

For clinically normal dogs, mean ± SD values of shortest F-wave latency, mean F-wave conduction velocity, mean F-wave duration, and ratio of the mean F-wave amplitude to M response amplitude were 8.6 ± 0.6 milliseconds, 83.7 ± 6.1 m/s, 6.6 ± 1.5 milliseconds, and 9.8 ± 8.5%, respectively. F-wave persistence was 100%. Mean F-wave duration was positively correlated with clinical grade of IVDH. Linear regression yielded the following regression equation: F-wave duration (milliseconds) = 6.0 + 2.7 × IVDH grade. One dog with grade 2 IVDH had a mean F-wave duration shorter than that of all 5 dogs with grade 1 IVDH; 1 dog with grade 3 IVDH had a longer duration than that of all 10 dogs with grade 4 IVDH.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Mean F-wave duration was correlated with the severity of inhibitory motor tract dysfunction in the spinal cord of dogs. F-wave examination may be useful for objective functional evaluation of upper motor neurons in the spinal cord.

Contributor Notes

Address correspondence to Dr. Orito (oritok@azabu-u.ac.jp).
Cover American Journal of Veterinary Research
American Journal of Veterinary Research
Publication Date:
01 May 2020

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