Are you looking to heal and improve your animal’s physical performance? Shock wave therapy is a non-invasive high-pressure treatment that uses sound waves for healing both small and large animals. This advanced technology caters to show and racehorses, equine athletes, as well as companion animals or domestic pets. The procedure only lasts a few minutes, and the pressure released by the sound waves must be focused on to accomplish the finest quality treatment.
 

What Conditions Respond to the Shockwaves?

The technology can be applied to treat ligament and tendon tears, arthritis and joint abrasions, navicular disease or foot lameness, sore backs, stress fractures, splints, muscle tension, and the healing of chronic wounds.
 

Shockwave Therapy for Small Animals

The vet will first do a routine analytical examination of the animal. The examination will include a physical assessment, urine test, blood work, and perhaps a fecal checkup. Along with that, the vet will take an ultrasound of the wounded area before carrying out the shockwave treatment procedure. The shockwave unit comprises a hand-held wand that links to the energy source.

Here is the step-by-step process of a shock wave procedure:

• The vet will lightly sedate the animal to keep him calm and ensure the accurate application of the treatment.

• Then, the vet will shave the part of the animal’s body that needs treatment to provide a better view of the area.

• Next, the vet will apply a contact gel on the animal’s clean-shaven skin, similar to the gel used in an ultrasound.

• Finally, the vet will place the hand-held wand on the animal’s wound and begin delivering the shock waves.
   

Shockwave Therapy for Large Animals

In large animals, the veterinarian conducts a full lameness examination before starting any treatment. The workup includes the vet observing the animal move in

Afterward, a bone scan or an ultrasound will be used to achieve a diagnosis, and the vet can determine whether the treatment requires shockwave therapy. This treatment includes sedating the animal with a mild stimulus to keep him stable and calm. Clean the area requiring therapy and apply the contact gel. Choose a hand-held wand that treats at the appropriate depth and applies shock waves at the recommended pressure level. The vet will repeat the shockwave therapy at the interval of two to three weeks for up to five sessions, depending on the wound’s healing progress.
 

Shockwave Treatment Recovery

The recovery time varies, depending on the severity of the injury. For small animals, recovery can take a few days. Large animals can take a few days or weeks to recuperate before they can return to their routine. If an injury needs more time to recover, the animal, large or small, will rest the whole time between therapy and treatments.

To know more about shock wave therapy, visit South Willamette Veterinary Clinic at our office in Creswell, Oregon. You can also call (541) 313-3352 to book an appointment today.