Shock Wave Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Small Animals

Shock Wave Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Further Therapeutic Indications for Small Animals. Shockwave therapy is a highly effective and gentle treatment method that has successfully transitioned from human applications to veterinary medicine. High-energy mechanical pulses stimulate the body's self-healing powers, offering low-risk and short treatments for small animals like dogs and cats. Treatment Methodology & Biofeedback. A critical aspect of veterinary shockwave therapy is utilizing a "biofeedback" method, where the practitioner closely observes the animal's reaction to adjust the dosage to their pain tolerance. Treatment begins with low energy at a constant frequency of approximately 5-6 shocks per second., Energy is increased to just below the pain threshold, ensuring no anaesthesia or sedation is required., The transducer must circle the pain point during treatment, and can even be placed directly on open wounds covered by a sterile dressing., Sessions are typically limited to a maximum of 1500-2000 shocks to allow cells to recover, with complete treatments lasting 3 to 4 sessions over roughly 6 weeks. The LIKAWAVE VARIO 3i Advantage. Once the ideal treatment zone is located, the device is switched to "Vario mode," an intelligent, cell-friendly operating technology developed by Likamed. Vario mode dynamically varies intensity and frequency in a programmed cycle between defined extreme points., This variation protects body cells; higher frequencies advance therapy efficiently, while a drop in parameters allows the animal to recover briefly during the session. Clinical Examples: Musculoskeletal Disorders. Cat with Tendon Inflammation & Lameness: Treated three times weekly with 2000 pulses using Vario mode (8-10 Hz, energy level 8-10) without sedation, resulting in no lameness., Cat with Back Pain: Treated three times weekly with 2000 pulses using Vario mode (7-9 Hz, energy level 6-8) without sedation, resulting in a return to normal movement., Dog with Slipped Disc & Spondyloarthrosis: Treated three times weekly with 2000 pulses using Vario mode (8-10 Hz, energy level 9-11) without sedation, resulting in restored movement and no lameness., Dog with Cauda Equina (Biceps treatment): Treated three times weekly with 2000 pulses using Vario mode (6-8 Hz, energy level 6-8) without sedation, resulting in significantly improved mobility. Clinical Examples: Wound Healing. Dog with Post-Tumor Surgery Wound Healing Disorder: Treated three times weekly with 2000 pulses using Vario mode (7-9 Hz, energy level 7-9) without sedation, leading to good granulation and healing., Dog with Recurrent Tail Abscess: Treated four times weekly with 2000 pulses using Vario mode (7-9 Hz, energy level 7-9) without sedation, resulting in good granulation and healing.