Measurement of Electrodermal Activity to Assess Distress in Hospitalized Cattle

Abstract

Skin impedance is a measurement of electrical conductivity on the surface of the skin. Impedence is affected by ion content at the surface of the dermal epithelium. Increased sympathetic tone changes skin impedence. Sympathetic tone is proportionately associated with pain or distress, therefore skin impedence may be measured in an attempt to quantify "clinical pain/ distress". This relatively new technology may be able to demonstrate differences with the intensity of patient "distress". Skin impedence is measured by use of a tool which measures electrodermal activity (EDA).