Thermal, mechanical and electrical stimuli in antinociceptive studies in standing horses: an update

Objective: To perform a literature review of the thermal and mechanical antinociceptive devices used in pharmacological studies in standing horses published after 2011 (2012–2019). To complete a full literature review about electrical stimulation used for evaluation in similar studies. Databases used: PubMed, Google Scholar and Web of Science. Conclusions: A high level of standardization has been reached in antinociceptive studies in standing horses using thermal and mechanical stimuli in most recent years. Commercially available testing devices to deliver thermal, mechanical and electrical stimuli, with observation of aversive responses to these stimuli, are reliable, sensitive and specific. For electrical stimulus testing, there is evidence that the resistance between the electrodes should be measured and should not exceed 3 kΩ to guarantee consistent and reproducible stimuli. The specific analysis of electromyographic activity after an electrical stimulus provides more detailed information about the neurons stimulated.