Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) leads to alteration in mobility and sensory function in elderly cats, which can be quantified through quantitative sensory testing (QST). Hypothesis/
Objectives: Prospective, randomized comparison of nerve conduction (NC) in healthy and OA cats, to determine NC changes with health condition and its correlation with age and QST assessment. Animals: Research colony cats, 2 groups: 6 healthy control (CTRL) or 12 natural OA confirmed by radiographs.
Methods: Under standardized general anesthesia and controlled temperature, amplitude and conduction velocity (CV) of motor and sensory tibial and ulnar nerves were measured. Between-group single comparisons were conducted using tests adapted to data distribution. Correlations between NC alterations, age, and QST were tested using Pearson’s or Spearman’s rank correlation.
Results: Amplitudes and conduction velocities along both sciatic/tibial (amplitude, p=0.041; distal CV, p=0.004) and ulnar motor nerves (amplitude, p=0.013; distal CV, p=0.002), and amplitude for the sensory ulnar nerve (p=0.04), were significantly decreased in older cats. Negative correlation was found between age and distal motor amplitudes and CV and sensory ulnar amplitude. Decreased distal CV were associated with the severity of functional impairment and higher radiographic scores indicating more severe OA. Interestingly, QST threshold was correlated with CV (tibial r=0.48, p=0.045; ulnar: r=0.67, p=0.002), where increased tactile sensitization meant reduced CV. Conclusions and clinical importance: Elderly OA cats exhibited alterations in NC, correlated with age, functional impairment, radiographic score and QST suggesting hypersensitization, likely contributing to impaired mobility and discomfort.
Learning Objectives:
Upon completion, the participant will be able to describe possible alterations in nerve conduction that can be observed in elderly cats.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to list tests that could be used to assess more objectively mobility impairment and sensory abnormalities in cats with chronic pain.
Upon completion, the participant will be able to discuss possible correlations between altered nerve conduction, posture and gait impairment and mechanical sensitivity in older cats.
