Replicate effects and test–retest reliability of quantitative sensory threshold testing in dogs with and without chronic pain. (May 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knazovicky, David; Helgeson, Erika S.; Case, Beth; Thomson, Andrea; Gruen, Margaret E.; Maixner, William; Lascelles, B. Duncan X.
• Is Part Of: Veterinary anaesthesia and analgesia. Volume 44:Number 3(2017)
• Page Start: 615
• Page End: 624
• Publication Date: 2017-05
• Subjects: central sensitization -- chronic pain -- dogs -- quantitative sensory testing -- replicate effect; Veterinary anesthesia -- Periodicals; 636.089
• DOI: 10.1016/j.vaa.2016.08.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1467-2987

Abstract

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate replicate effects and test–retest reliability of mechanical and thermal quantitative sensory testing (QST) in normal dogs and dogs with osteoarthritis (OA)-associated pain. Study design: A prospective clinical study. Animals: A total of 54 client owned dogs (OA, n = 31; controls, n = 23). Methods: Mechanical [electronic von Frey (EVF) and blunt pressure] and thermal (hot and cold) sensory thresholds were obtained in dogs with OA-associated pain and control dogs at two visits, 7 days apart, to assess test–retest reliability. Thresholds were measured at the OA-affected joint (hip or stifle), over the tibial muscle and over the midpoint of the metatarsals. Five replicates were obtained for each modality at each site bilaterally. Results: Overall, there was no significant effect of replicates on QST response. EVF thresholds were significantly lower at the second visit in OA dogs at the affected and metatarsal sites ( p = 0.0017 and p = 0.0014, respectively). Similarly for control dogs, EVF thresholds were significantly lower at the second visit at the metatarsal site ( p = 0.001). Significantly higher hot thermal latencies were seen in OA dogs at the affected and tibial testing sites ( p = 0.014 and p = 0.012, respectively), and in control dogs at the tibial site ( p = 0.004). Conclusions: In QST, a replicate does not show a strong effect. However, QST results show variability over time, particularly for EVF and hot thermal stimuli. Clinical relevance: If QST is to be used clinically to evaluate a sensitized state, the variability over time needs to be accounted for in the study design.