Electrodiagnostic evaluation of peripheral nerve function in rheas and barred owls

OBJECTIVE: To establish reference values for electrodiagnostic evaluation of peripheral nerve function in birds. ANIMALS: 6 rheas and 6 barred owls. PROCEDURE: Birds were anesthetized with propofol or isoflurane in oxygen. Using a computer-based electromyograph system and needle electrodes for stimulation and recording, electromyography (EMG) was performed on the pectoral, biceps brachialis, and gastrocnemius muscles, and evoked EMG was performed on the tibial and ulnar nerves. Motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) was calculated. Repetitive stimulation was performed on these 2 nerves. Late F waves were recorded for each nerve, when possible. RESULTS: Activity was evident during insertion of the electrodes, but muscles tested were electrically quiescent after spontaneous EMG. Motor nerve conduction velocity was faster in the tibial nerve than ulnar nerve but did not differ significantly between species. Mean +/- SEM MNCV was 132.3+/-7.8 m/s for the tibial nerve and 59.7+/-7.8 m/s for the ulnar nerve. A significant difference was not observed in responses at the fourth or ninth stimulation during repetitive stimulation. Subsequent to the initial stimulation, amplitudes were +/-22.7% of the initial motor potential amplitude. Recorded F waves were inconsistent, which may have been associated with technique. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Reference range (mean +/-2 SEM) for MNCV was 34.1 to 75.3 m/s for the ulnar nerve and 116.7 to 147.9 m/s for the tibial nerve in barred owls and rheas. After repetitive stimulation, motor potential amplitudes may be +/-22.7% of the initial amplitude response.