Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed a temperature controlled plate to measure the sensitivity of temperature stimuli on dogs with chronic joint pain in a clinical setting named COOLPAWS™.
The use of cold temperature stimuli to assess hypersensitive paw withdrawal responses is an established protocol in laboratory research on pain states. The results have now been successfully replicated in freely moving dogs with chronic joint disease or injury.
The COOLPAWS™ temperature controlled platform (1000mm x 500mm) can be stabilised at any temperature from about 0-40oC, generated from an array of computer-controlled Peltier elements. It can simulate any temperature surfaces experienced by dogs during their exercise, especially cold icy pavements which are particularly hard for the dogs with chronic joint pain.
By applying a cold stimulus of 6.9-7.9oC to a dog's paw, COOLPAWS™ provides a reliable and rapid quantitative sensitivity assessment tool to address aspects of care for the dogs.
Key Benefits
- Repeatable and accurate sensory assessment to quantify chronic joint pain in a clinical setting
- Identify patients that may benefit from improved analgesic relief
- Assessment tool for veterinary research in chronic pain
Applications
- Veterinary research and animal hospitals
- Commercial animal health research facilities
- Veterinary practices
IP Status
A prototype has been developed and used in clinical research of dogs with chronic joint pain for assessment and treatment management.
The University of Edinburgh is seeking a commercial organisation interested in licensing for manufacture and sales of the temperature controlled platform in the veterinary sector.
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