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Bronson, DVM: Shockwave Ther
By Dr. Joanna Bronson | http://bronsonvetservices.com/ Equine lameness can develop in any horse at anytime. Just as with human athletes, strains, sprains, and related injuries affect a horse’s physical performance and his ability to perform daily tasks. Some problems can be genetic in nature, others develop from trauma, and still others might follow an illness. Traditionally, there have been several standard ways of treating these conditions. However, basic treatments that include the use of steroids, surgery, and corrective shoeing are typically invasive and often take a long time for results to appear and may not provide long-term solutions. One of the newest and most effective therapies for treating humans and animals is ESWT (extracorporeal shockwave therapy). This procedure can be used for treating muscle and skeletal issues, soft tissue conditions, and even bone injuries. ESWT can be used to treat chronic, infected wounds that have not responded to traditional therapies. The primary benefit of this form of therapy is that it is non-invasive and does not require drugs or other extensive measures for effective treatment. Shockwave therapy uses sound waves that are higher than ultrasound waves to penetrate deep into the body and compress the denser body tissues such as ligaments, tendons, and bones. The effect is an inner-body massage that distorts the deeper body tissues at the cellular level. A shockwave can be compared to the ripple effect when a stone is thrown into a pond. The waves are transmitted through the skin, fat, and muscle. When the waves hit the area of higher acoustic mass, such as a bone, the waves slow dramatically and a large amount of energy is released into the surrounding tissue. The waves trigger the body’s natural repair mechanisms into stimulating immune-competent cells. These cells then release beneficial bio-chemicals that stimulate the growth of a new blood supply to the injured areas. These shockwaves are called acoustic sound waves and are approximately 100 times higher than the energy used in ultrasound machines. This therapy is at the forefront of joint therapies for treating the early stages of degenerative joint disease and can actually interrupt the progression of arthritis and alter the process of cartilage degradation. ESWT is commonly used to treat suspensory injuries and is also effective for treating injuries of the soft tissue within the hoof. During treatment, high-pressure sound waves stimulate the growth of new blood vessels in the tissues while providing pain control at the site of injury or distress. Shockwave therapy has been shown to stimulate new bone growth for fractures, stimulate the in-growth of new blood vessels, and increase cell permeability, while stimulating fibroblast formation for cells which is especially important for repairing tendons and ligaments. Reducing inflammation is particularly helpful in horses suffering from arthritis. Treatments produce a localized analgesic effect at the treatment site which usually lasts around 3 days following treatment. During the procedure, the horse is usually mildly sedated so that he will stand quietly and not feel the effects of the stimulus which can be mildly uncomfortable. On the cleaned site, contact gel is used to conduct the shock wave. An external probe is set to an exact depth dependent on the need and then shockwaves are applied for a prescribed amount of time, usually a few minutes. Treatments vary with each animal and individual condition. Treatments are generally repeated in two to three week intervals for between three to five sessions total. Progress can be checked through ultrasounds. Ideally, the horse should be rested for the first week after the first treatment, but then can gradually be returned to mild work, if the case is not severe such as a deep laceration, fractured or broken bone, or tear. The benefits of shockwave therapy in equines are numerous. Foremost is that it's a non-invasive technique with virtually no sideeffects. It also leads to a rapid reduction in pain and a decreased healing time. Being a great alternative to drugs and their side effects, shockwave therapy works on both acute and chronic conditions to promote healing. Since it requires no deep sedation, medication, or anesthesia, it is ideal for both clinic and on-site treatments, although the clinic setting is preferable. Another benefit is that this type of therapy helps to reduce scarring at the site of an injury as it recruits stem cells that can grow locally. This is especially helpful with injuries that produce proud flesh. Bronson Veterinary Services has been offering shockwave treatments for cats, dogs, and horses with great success. Dr. Joanna Bronson graduated from MSU College of Veterinary Medicine in 2000 at the top of her class. Following graduation, she worked as an intern at a large equine referral practice in Cleveland, OH, specializing in lameness, surgery, and racetrack medicine. In 2005, she opened Bronson Veterinary Services in Coldwater, MI. What started as an ambulatory only practice, quickly grew to a fullservice equine, small ani-mal hospital and surgical center. The now three doctor practice provides medical, surgical, reproductive, and preventative care services for Branch County and the surrounding area.
