Willem Becker, DVM, DACVS-SA and Michael Kowaleski, DVM, BS, DACVS, at Tufts University found that 100% of dogs with shoulder lameness had short-term improvement or resolution after 3 shockwave treatments, and 64% of those dogs had long-term improvement or symptom resolution 8.Īt the University of Tennessee, dogs presenting with osteoarthritis of the elbows either received 2 shockwave treatments or were in a sham group. Shockwave therapy was performed in all the patients without complications. at Seattle Veterinary Specialists (2016), 87% of dogs with biceps or supraspinatus tendinopathies had a good or excellent outcome after 1 to 3 shockwave treatments, especially in those with moderate to severe lesions 7. 1,2,3,4Ī treatment takes less than 5 minutes, for a total of 1-3 sessions about 2-3 weeks apart, can be performed without sedation, has little to no side effects, and the research shows that ESWT is effective in treating difficult forelimb lameness cases 7,8,9. This biological response causes a cascade of healing effects that modulates inflammation, improves vasodilation and neovascularization, increases osteogenesis, and improves the fiber alignment in tendon and ligament repair. The physical stimulus to the cells causes the release of anti-inflammatory, angiogenic, and osteogenic proteins, such as TNF, VEG-f, PCNAA, eNOs, and BMP. The energy is applied non-invasively and deposited in the tissue around the site of injury.

This new technology takes the sting out of treatment and diminishes the need for sedation in small animals. However, a new handpiece released by PulseVet Technologies, the X-Trode, allows the same energy to be deposited to a greater focal area. Until recently, shockwave therapy frequently required small animal patients to be lightly sedated due to discomfort associated with the high-energy sound waves the technology generates. However, there are limited studies documenting the efficacy of these treatments, and many of the options come with their own set of hurdles.Įlectrohydraulic shockwave therapy is one exception, with more than 20 years of clinical, published research proving its efficacy in treating veterinary patients. In the past, treatment options included activity restriction, joint supplements, NSAID or pain medication, laser therapy, rehabilitation, joint injections, and arthroscopic surgery. Due to this, veterinarians and owners will often choose to treat certain conditions empirically. Since these diagnostics can be cost-prohibitive for the owner and may not be available at all clinics.

Patients rarely demonstrate overt pain on forelimb palpation, and although the dog’s age and medical history can help steer veterinarians in one direction or another, advanced diagnostics, such as ultrasound, CT, and MRI, are often required for a definitive diagnosis 10. Differentials include biceps tendinopathy, supraspinatus tendinopathy, medial shoulder instability, and elbow osteoarthritis. Cases can present as either a chronic symptom or an acute injury, which several pathologies could cause. However, shockwave therapy, may make treatments easier, particularly now that these treatments can be performed without sedation or anesthesia. Diagnosing and treating forelimb lameness in canine patients can be challenging.

Lame dog and infection