A method and apparatus for reducing chronic pain in animals by radio
frequency (RF) neuromodulation of peripheral nerves of the animal is
disclosed. The method, using the disclosed apparatus, comprises the steps
of attaching active and dispersive percutaneous probes at respective
active and dispersive locations relative to a peripheral nerve of the
patient associated with the pain to be reduced; generating a first pulsed
RF signal for coupling to the active and dispersive probes to verify the
location of the peripheral nerve; and generating a second pulsed RF
signal for coupling to the active and dispersive probes to modify
propagation of pain sensation in the peripheral nerve without ablation
thereof. In one embodiment of the apparatus, the active percutaneous
probe includes an RF cannula having a conductive spatulate blade
conformably attached to a dorsal side of a curved, blunt-ended tubular
tip portion of the RF cannula. In another embodiment of the apparatus, a
dispersive percutaneous probe includes a pair of 22 gauge needles
connected to ground return conductors. In yet another embodiment of the
apparatus, a pulsed RF generator is modified to provide specific outputs
adapted to the neuromodulation of peripheral nerves in veterinary
patients.