Quantitative sensory testing of the equine face.

Background: Quantitative sensory testing methods are now standard in the evaluation of sensory function in man, while few normal equine values have been reported.

Objectives: The aim of this experimental study was (a) to define the tactile sensory, mechanical nociceptive and thermal nociceptive thresholds of the equine face; (b) to assess the effect of age, sex, stimulation site and shaving; (c) to evaluate the reliability of the methods and (d) to provide reference facial quantitative sensory testing values.

Study Design: Method description.