Mechanical nociception thresholds in lame sows: Evidence of hyperalgesia as measured by two different methods

E Nalon, D Maes, S Piepers, M M J van Riet, G P J Janssens, Sam Millet, F A M Tuyttens

    Research output: Contribution to journalA1: Web of Science-articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Lameness is a frequently occurring, painful condition of breeding sows that may result in hyperalgesia, i.e., an increased sensitivity to pain. In this study a mechanical nociception threshold (MT) test was used (1) to determine if hyperalgesia occurs in sows with naturally-occurring lameness; (2) to compare measurements obtained with a hand-held probe and a limb-mounted actuator connected to a digital algometer; and (3) to investigate the systematic left-to-right and cranial-to-caudal differences in MT. Twenty-eight pregnant sows were investigated, of which 14 were moderately lame and 14 were not lame. Over three testing sessions, repeated measurements were taken at 5min intervals on the dorsal aspects of the metatarsi and metacarpi of all limbs. The MT was defined as the force in Newtons (N) that elicited an avoidance response, and this parameter was found to be lower in limbs affected by lameness than in normal limbs (P
    Original languageEnglish
    JournalThe Veterinary Journal
    Volume198
    Issue number2
    Pages (from-to)386-390
    Number of pages5
    ISSN1090-0233
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2013

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