Motor Evoked Potentials in Standing and Recumbent Calves by Magnetic Stimulation at the Foramen Magnum

Introduction

Magnetic stimulation of the nervous system is a quick and relatively cheap test which could offer diagnostic and prognostic support in the decision making process in bovine neurological cases. Therefore, the objectives of the present study were to determine reference values for magnetic motor evoked potentials (MMEP) in calves and the influence of position during examination (standing or lateral recumbency).

Material and Methods

Reference values were determined on 41 healthy Holstein Friesian bull calves, between 1 and 10 months old. The effect of position was examined in 11 calves. Maximal magnetic stimulation was performed at the level of the foramen magnum with a magnetic field of 4 Tesla at the coil surface. [...]