Effects of stimulus intensity for electroretinogram in conscious Miniature Schnauzers

J Vet Med Sci. 2008 Aug;70(8):857-9. doi: 10.1292/jvms.70.857.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the most effective light intensity for flash electroretinogram (ERG) examination in conscious dogs using ERG equipment with a contact lens electrode with a built-in LED light source. ERG was performed on the bilateral eyes of ten clinically healthy Miniature Schnauzers at 6 different intensities (0.025, 0.079, 0.25, 0.79, 2.5 and 7.9 cd.s/m2) after dark adaptation for 20 min. With the increase in stimulus intensity, the most significant increase in a and b-wave amplitudes were observed at 2.5 cd.s/m2 (p<0.05). As the intensity of light was increased, the implicit times of both waves significantly decreased. Therefore, the most effective intensity of stimulus was 2.5 cd.s/m2 in the conscious Miniature Schnauzers. This suggests that this procedure would be applicable for evaluation of retinal function in conscious dogs, especially in high-risk patients.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Consciousness
  • Dogs
  • Electroretinography / veterinary*
  • Light
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Retina / physiology*