F-wave latency and F-wave conduction velocity for the tibial nerve in clinically normal dogs

OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of F-wave examinations and to determine values of F-wave conduction velocity (FWCV) and F-wave latency for the tibial nerve of clinically normal dogs. ANIMALS: 21 clinically normal dogs. PROCEDURE: The F-waves were elicited from the interosseous muscles via stimulation of the tibial nerve. The FWCV was determined by using the F-wave shortest value and the surface distance corresponding to the tibial nerve length. Correlation between the smallest latency value of the F-wave and the length of the tibial nerve and between the FWCV and rectal temperature were closely examined. RESULTS: F-wave latency was proportional to the length of the tibial nerve (correlation coefficient, 0.929). Mean +/- SD FWCV was 77.98 +/- 8.62 m/s. Regression equation was as follows: F-wave latency = 2.799 + (0.029 X length of the tibial nerve). The FWCV was increased when the measured rectal temperature was high. Correlation coefficient between FWCV and rectal temperature was 0.665. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In the study reported here, we established a reliable method for clinical evaluation of the F-wave. When assessing nerve conduction velocity, it is essential to measure nerve length along the pathway that the nerve impulse travels. This method of F-wave examination is a useful diagnostic tool for the evaluation of suspected dysfunction of the peripheral nervous system.