Vetalgo: Algometer for Big Mammals

Presentation

Bioseb's new Algometer
for Big Mammals
3 different stimulator probes

Bioseb’s Vetalgo, or Algometer for Big Mammals, is a new pressure-based analgesimeter especially designed for big mammals. Delivered with a set of 3 different-size stimulators, the profile of mechanical stimulus and the application surface can be adapted to various animal’s size (horses, cats, dogs, pigs, sheep, calves) and to various testing sites : joints, vertebras, pelvic area, hoof, wound, soft tissue, muscle, horn, metatarsus, carpal pad etc.

Von Frey filaments are commonly used to quantify pain or to assess sensitivity, but this technique is time-consuming and does not avoid cross-contamination - moreover, it is limited to 300g of force. The full capacity of our Pressure Algometer being 5000g (ie. 50N), the device allows pain threshold measurement for most big mammals.

Veterinary studies, such as “Briley, J.D., et al. Feasibility and repeatability of cold and mechanical quantitative sensory testing in normal dogs. The Veterinary Journal (2013), “show the importance of quantitative sensory testing (QST) to evaluate pain threshold in mammals with OA inflammation, pelvic pain or muscle-related troubles.

The repeatability and the validity of Bioseb’s 'Vetalgo' Pressure Algometer have been demonstrated, and is now recommended as part of a multimodal and complete somatosensory evaluation set. It is a must on veterinary’s standard equipment for the improvement of Animal’s life quality.

Operating principle

Bioseb’s 'Vetalgo' Pressure Algometer for big mammals is simple to operate : a Force-gauge display is equipped to an external stimulator. The assembly is mounted on an ergonomic handle, that fits both left-handed and right-handed investigators. The type of stimulator is to be chosen according to the application surface and the type of nociceptive stimulus to be applied.

After placing the animal on a safe position, a progressive force is applied by the investigator on the area of interest. The increasing stimulus is applied until a response from the animal is noticed, for example deliberate escape movement away from the device, vocalization, attempts to bite or to scratch the instrument, turning the look at the testing site, etc.

Both maximum and current MNT (Mechanical Nociceptive Threshold) values are shown on real-time on the large led screen of the display. The MNT value correspond the value at which the animal reacts, being the Max. value of Pressure application, in the standard steadily increasing procedure.

The measurement is accomplished using a highly accurate sensor of 5000g Max. Capacity and an electronic device offering a sampling rate of 1000 Hz. This ensures that the maximum force is perfectly captured and displayed, even for short and low force peaks – this allowing test of a wide range of animal’s pain sensitivity.

Measurements can be recorder and displayed in grams, Newtons, or lbs. The unit is directly selected on the keyboard. Data output is available through a RS232 port. Individual measurements (up to 100) are stored in an internal memory, and can be downloaded after the experiment.

VETALGO 2.0: NEW FEATURES

• Improved battery time: 15 hours between charges
• Charging status indicator LED
• Improved readability of the color screen
• USB port for data transfer and battery charge
• Memory capacity increased to 500 values
• Animal counter
• «Limit» function: Visual/audio alarm for threshold detection
• I/O features : triggers actions for defined thresholds

Supplied with

• 1 Force-gauge display
• 1 handle
• 3 stimulator tips: Steel, Round, flat app.surface 314 mm2 / Steel, Round, flat app. surface 7 mm2 / Plastic, sharp tip
• 1 power adaptor (110-220 V)
• User Manual
• Delivered in its smart suitcase
• Optional: BIO-CIS2 Software