Electrophysiological examination

Diseases affecting the nerves or muscles are often difficult to diagnose. Dogs and cats suffering from neuromuscular disease may show symptoms of weakness, fatigue, lameness or muscular atrophy.

Neuromuscular diseases include polyneuropathies, myasthenia gravis and traumatic or neoplastic nerve damage. Electrophysiological examination, carried out by a veterinary specialist specialist in neurology, provides an opportunity to objectively test the function of peripheral muscles and nerves. The principle is to measure muscle electrical activity (EMG: electromyography) and nerve conduction (ENG: electroneurography) using small needles on the body surface. A general anaesthetic is required, so that the animal does not move during the examination. This examination has no side effects on the animal.

Examples of EMG and ENG

EMG: Spontaneous electrical activity measured in the quadriceps muscle of a dog with polyneuropathylegende

ENG: Normal evoked potential after stimulation of the proximal sciatic nerve