A team of scientists discovers a method to scan cats' brains while conscious, potentially aiding in managing persistent pain in these pets.

In a groundbreaking development, Canadian researchers at Université de Montréal have introduced a novel technique for scanning chronic pain in cats, using tiny crocheted caps that secure brain scanning sensors comfortably on cats' heads[1].

This innovative approach addresses the challenges faced in traditional brain scanning methods with feline subjects, who are often restless and hard to keep calm during procedures. By employing these custom-made caps, scientists can now observe and analyse the neural responses to chronic pain more effectively, leading to a better understanding and potentially better pain management therapies for feline patients.

The preliminary findings suggest that these crocheted caps enable detailed brain scans with minimal distress to the animals, paving the way for new avenues in veterinary neuroscience research on chronic pain, a subject that has historically been difficult to measure objectively in cats due to their subtle pain behaviours[1].

Co-author Aliénor Delsart recently presented the team's work to the Royal Society of Medicine in London. The researchers plan to secure NSERC - Alliance funding to establish a genuine EEG signature for chronic pain, with the ultimate goal of automating chronic pain detection in the future.

The study, led by Éric Troncy and Aude Castel of UdeM's Groupe de recherche en pharmacologie animale du Québec, was published in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods. The research involved testing the technique on 11 adult cats who all have osteoarthritis. During the study, the cats were exposed to soothing stimuli like colored lights and comforting smells to minimise stress.

Traditionally, when cats are tested for chronic pain from conditions like osteoarthritis, they often shake off and chew the wired electrodes placed on their heads. However, the new technique involves concealing the electrodes under crocheted caps, ensuring a more comfortable and secure fit for the cats. The researchers assessed the cats' stress and pain levels through stimuli passed through the electrodes.

This pioneering research could significantly impact the way chronic pain is managed in cats, particularly in adult cats and those with conditions like osteoarthritis. It represents a significant stride in combining craft and clinical research to improve animal welfare in veterinary medicine.

[1] Reference: [The Journal of Neuroscience Methods, 2022]

This new veterinary approach introduces the use of crocheted caps for scanning chronic pain in cats, addressing traditional challenges in brain scanning methods.
The crocheted caps secure brain scanning sensors comfortably on cats' heads, enabling scientists to observe neural responses to chronic pain more effectively.
These feline subjects are often restless and hard to keep calm during procedures, but the custom-made caps minimize distress.
The team's innovative approach could lead to better understanding and potentially better pain management therapies for cats.
The preliminary findings suggest that these caps enable detailed brain scans with minimal distress to the animals.
Co-author Aliénor Delsart recently presented the team's work to the Royal Society of Medicine in London.
The researchers plan to secure funding from NSERC - Alliance to establish a genuine EEG signature for chronic pain and automate its detection in the future.
The study, led by Éric Troncy and Aude Castel, was published in the Journal of Neuroscience Methods.
The research involved testing the technique on 11 adult cats who all have osteoarthritis.
The researchers assessed the cats' stress and pain levels through stimuli passed through the electrodes.
Traditionally, cats often shake off or chew wired electrodes placed on their heads.
However, the new technique conceals the electrodes under crocheted caps, ensuring a more comfortable and secure fit for the cats.
The cats were exposed to soothing stimuli like colored lights and comforting smells to minimize stress.
This pioneering research could significantly impact the way chronic pain is managed in cats, particularly in adult cats and those with conditions like osteoarthritis.
It represents a significant stride in combining craft and clinical research to improve animal welfare in veterinary medicine.
This advancement in feline health care could lead to improvements in the health and wellness of cats with chronic diseases such as chronic kidney disease, COPD, type-2 diabetes, and cancer.
In terms of workplace-wellness, pet owners may benefit from reduced stress due to improved care for their pets with chronic conditions.
The science behind the technique may also contribute to the understanding and treatment of respiratory conditions, digestive health, eye health, hearing, and skin conditions in cats.
The potential applications of this research extend beyond veterinary medicine; studying chronic pain in cats could provide insights into the neural mechanisms of pain and its management in humans.
In the realm of human health, this research could lead to advancements in managing chronic diseases such as multiple sclerosis, migraines, cardiovascular health, neurological disorders, autoimmune disorders, Alzheimer's disease, and breast cancer.
Additionally, the technique could be adapted to study other medical-conditions, mental-health, men's-health, women's-health, parenting, weight-management, and various therapies and treatments, including nutrition, aging, fitness and exercise, sexual-health, and skin-care.

A team of scientists discovers a method to scan cats' brains while conscious, potentially aiding in managing persistent pain in these pets.