Shockwave Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Helping Pets and Horses Heal

Introduction

When our animals are hurt or in pain, we often look for the fastest and safest way to get them back to comfort. One treatment that has become increasingly popular in veterinary medicine is shockwave therapy. Although the name may sound a bit intimidating, this treatment is safe, non-invasive, and can be highly effective for many orthopedic and soft tissue problems. It has been widely used in human medicine for years — especially in sports medicine — and is now making a big difference for dogs, cats, and horses.

What Is Shockwave Therapy?

Shockwave therapy uses high-energy sound waves (not electrical shocks) to stimulate healing inside the body. A special machine sends these waves into the injured tissue. As the waves pass through, they trigger biological changes that:

• Increase blood flow

• Reduce inflammation and pain

• Encourage the body to repair bone, tendon, ligament, or joint tissue

• Help break up scar tissue and stimulate new cell growth

In simple terms, shockwave “wakes up” the body’s natural healing systems and speeds up recovery.

Conditions It Can Help With

In Horses

Shockwave is especially popular in equine sports medicine. It can be used for:

• Tendon and ligament injuries (suspensory desmitis, bowed tendons)

• Joint arthritis

• Back and sacroiliac pain

• Navicular disease

• Kissing spine

• Delayed healing of bone injuries or stress fractures

Because it can reach deep tissues without surgery, it’s often used to get performance horses back into training and competition more safely.

In Dogs (and Cats)

Small animals can also benefit, particularly for:

• Hip and elbow arthritis

• Knee injuries (CCL tears, post-surgery recovery)

• Chronic back pain

• Slow-healing fractures or bone injuries

• Wounds and skin ulcers (in some cases)

In older dogs with arthritis, shockwave may help reduce stiffness, improve mobility, and cut down on the need for high doses of pain medication.

What Does a Treatment Look Like?

• Non-invasive: No cutting or surgery is involved.

• Sedation: Most animals are lightly sedated to keep them calm and comfortable, since the sound waves can be startling.

• Application: A hand-held probe is placed against the skin over the injured area. Treatments usually take 10–20 minutes.

• Schedule: Often given every 2–3 weeks, for a total of 2–4 sessions depending on the condition.

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy

✔ Drug-free pain relief – helpful for animals that cannot tolerate certain medications.
✔ Faster healing – especially for stubborn tendon or ligament injuries.
✔ Non-invasive – no surgery or long recovery times.
✔ Improved mobility – many owners notice their pets moving more freely within days to weeks.
✔ Versatile – can be used for bones, joints, tendons, ligaments, and even certain wounds.

Is It Safe?

When performed by a trained veterinarian, shockwave therapy is considered very safe. The main risks are mild soreness at the treatment site or temporary swelling. Because sedation is often used, your vet will make sure your pet or horse is healthy enough for that beforehand.

Importantly, shockwave is not allowed in some equine competitions within a certain time frame before showing, since it can temporarily reduce pain. Your veterinarian will know the specific rules for your discipline.

Limitations to Keep in Mind

• Not a “magic bullet” — best results come when it’s part of a complete treatment plan (rest, controlled exercise, rehab, medications when needed).

• Some conditions need multiple sessions before real improvement is seen.

• Works better on certain tissues (tendons, ligaments, bone) than on others.

• Cost may be higher than traditional treatments, though often less than surgery.

Conclusion

Shockwave therapy is one of the most promising tools in veterinary medicine today for managing pain and speeding healing. For horses with sports injuries or dogs with arthritis and joint pain, it offers a safe, effective, and non-invasive option.

If your pet or horse is struggling with chronic pain or a slow-healing injury, ask your veterinarian whether shockwave therapy could be the right choice. It may just be the spark their body needs to start healing again.

Non-Surgical Management of Canine Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Indications and Treatment Strategies 

Abstract
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common cause of spinal cord dysfunction in dogs. While surgical intervention remains the standard of care for many cases, non-surgical (conservative) management plays a critical role in treatment, especially for patients with mild neurologic deficits, surgical contraindications, economic concerns or as an adjunct to post-operative recovery. This article outlines the indications for conservative treatment, goals of therapy, and practical approaches to maximize outcomes in affected dogs.

Introduction
IVDD is characterized by degeneration and herniation of intervertebral discs, resulting in varying degrees of pain, paresis, or paralysis. Non-surgical management—also referred to as conservative treatment—aims to optimize comfort, restore function, and prevent complications in dogs for whom surgery is not indicated or feasible. This review summarizes when to initiate conservative therapy and provides a comprehensive approach to its implementation.

Indications for Non-Surgical Treatment
Non-surgical management may be selected under the following circumstances:

• Mild Clinical Signs: Dogs exhibiting only mild neurologic deficits (e.g., pain, mild ataxia) and retaining ambulatory function.
• Contraindications to Surgery: When surgery is not feasible due to financial limitations, lack of surgical availability, anesthetic risk, or owner preference.
• Trial Prior to Surgery: Owners may choose to attempt conservative management before considering surgical intervention.
• Adjunct to Surgical Recovery: Following spinal surgery, dogs often require weeks to months for optimal neurologic recovery and may benefit from continued non-surgical therapies to regain mobility and function.

Goals of Conservative Management
The primary objectives are:

• Maximizing patient comfort and pain control
• Facilitating return to standing and ambulation
• Supporting restoration of bladder and bowel control
• Preventing secondary complications, such as skin sores, urinary infections, and behavioral disturbances

Core Components of Non-Surgical Management

1. Pain Management - pharmacologic
   Pharmacologic pain control, guided by the veterinarian, is the cornerstone of conservative therapy. This may include steroids, NSAIDs, muscle relaxers and analgesics.

      2.Pain Management – non-pharmacologic

• Ozone Therapy: reducing inflammation, improving oxygen delivery to tissues, and promoting tissue repair. It works by modulating oxidative stress, stimulating the immune system, and potentially shrinking the herniated disc.
• Photo biomodulation – also known as “Laser Therapy” reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting tissue healing and regeneration. It works by stimulating cellular activity and boosting ATP production, the energy source for cells, which is crucial for repair and regeneration.
• Acupuncture: reducing pain, inflammation, and promoting nerve regeneration, ultimately improving mobility and quality of life. It works by stimulating specific acupuncture points on the body, which can trigger the release of endorphins, reduce inflammation, and improve blood flow to the affected area.
• Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: The pain reduction, anti-inflammatory effects, and enhanced healing offered by PEMF therapy can significantly improve a dog's overall quality of life, mobility, and comfort when dealing with IVDD.

3. Activity Modification
• Strict rest, particularly in the initial phase, to minimize exacerbation of injury
• Avoidance of high-risk activities (e.g., running, jumping)
• Controlled, supported ambulation (using hands or a hindquarter sling)
• Brief, low-frequency exercise and toilet breaks to prevent fatigue
• Prevention of compensatory behaviors, such as dragging, which may impede functional recovery

4. Nursing Care
• Maintenance of hygiene, with frequent cleaning and turning for recumbent patients
• Sling support for mobility and toileting when necessary
• Assisted bladder expression if voluntary control is impaired
• Provision of attentive, individualized care

5. Mental Stimulation
• Structured daily routine to reduce stress and boredom
• Engagement with toys, gentle games, or supervised outings in a stroller to promote psychological well-being

6. Nutritional Support
• A balanced, high-quality diet tailored to the patient’s needs
• Caloric management to prevent weight gain during periods of reduced activity

Discussion
Conservative management of IVDD demands a coordinated, multifaceted approach involving pain control, environmental modification, attentive nursing care, and owner education. The success of non-surgical treatment depends on early recognition, consistent implementation of management strategies, and ongoing assessment of neurologic function.

Conclusion
Non-surgical therapy remains an essential component of IVDD management, whether as primary treatment or in support of surgical recovery. Individualized care plans, diligent owner participation, and regular veterinary follow-up are key to optimizing patient outcomes.

References

1. Brisson BA. Intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2010;40(5):829–858.
2. Levine JM, et al. Prognosis for dogs with thoracolumbar myelopathy undergoing conservative treatment. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2007;230(11):1674–1679.
3. Mann FA, et al. Conservative vs. surgical management of acute intervertebral disc herniation in dogs. Vet Surg. 2016;45(7):S46–S54.
4. Jeffery ND, et al. Intervertebral disc degeneration in dogs: Treatment and prognosis. J Small Anim Pract. 2013;54(6):339–347.

Managing Osteoarthritis (OA) in Pets: Advanced Treatments for Enhanced Mobility

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a progressive, irreversible condition characterized by the deterioration of cartilage within the joints. This leads to inflammation, pain, stiffness, and swelling, ultimately resulting in permanent bone changes visible on x-rays. OA is a significant health concern, particularly in dogs, where it stands as the leading cause of chronic pain. It affects approximately 80% of dogs over the age of eight and up to 35% of dogs across all age groups. If left untreated, OA can severely impact a pet's quality of life, making effective management critical.

One of the most promising approaches to managing OA is intra-articular injection therapy. These treatments deliver medication directly into the affected joint, bypassing the liver and kidneys to reduce systemic side effects while providing targeted relief. Intra-articular injections not only address inflammation and pain but also offer cartilage protection and lubrication—benefits that oral medications like carprofen or meloxicam cannot achieve. Additionally, these therapies can slow disease progression and potentially reduce or eliminate the need for long-term oral medications.

Treatment selection depends on the stage of OA and the specific needs of the patient. Advanced options include:

Precise PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), which releases growth factors and anti-inflammatory cytokines to reduce pain and promote tissue repair.

ArthramidVet, a polyacrylamide hydrogel, integrates into the synovial lining to create a cushion-like membrane that reduces friction and enhances joint function.

Noltrex Vet, a synthetic joint lubricant, adheres to damaged cartilage surfaces, providing essential protection while reducing friction and supporting overall joint health.

These therapies represent a significant advancement in veterinary medicine, offering hope for pets suffering from arthritis. If you are seeking innovative solutions to improve your pet's mobility and comfort, consider consulting a Certified Veterinary Pain Practitioner. You can locate a practitioner near you by visiting https://www.ivapm.org/find-an-ivapm-pain-practitioner

Take proactive steps today to ensure your pet enjoys a more comfortable and active life.