Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy for Dogs and Cats

Teri Willard, RVT, CCRP, VCC, CCAS
Dec 3
4 min read

Updated: Dec 3

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is gaining attention in veterinary medicine to help manage pain, musculoskeletal injuries, and more. But what exactly is it, and how can it benefit our pets? In this post, we’ll break down the basics of ESWT and how it can help dogs and cats lead more comfortable, active lives.

What is Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ESWT)?

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to promote healing in damaged tissues, alleviate pain, and improve circulation. The therapy involves the application of shockwaves to the affected area of the body, which stimulates the natural healing processes.

ESWT is often used in human medicine for musculoskeletal injuries and has made its way into veterinary practices as an effective treatment for dogs and cats, especially those suffering from chronic pain or mobility issues due to joint diseases, arthritis, and soft tissue injuries.

How Does ESWT Work?

When the shockwaves are directed at the area needing treatment, they create small vibrations that penetrate deep into the tissue. This process can have several beneficial effects on the body, including:

Increased Blood Flow: The shockwaves stimulate blood circulation in the affected area, which can help accelerate the healing process.
Pain Relief: The shockwaves disrupt pain signals, helping to provide relief from chronic pain conditions.
Collagen Production: ESWT promotes the production of collagen, which is essential for tissue repair and regeneration.
Increased Mobility: For pets with arthritis or joint pain, ESWT can help reduce stiffness and improve movement.
Wound Healing: Shockwave therapy can also accelerate the healing of chronic or non-healing wounds. By stimulating the production of growth factors and increasing blood flow to the area, ESWT can speed up tissue regeneration and enhance recovery from surgical wounds or injuries.

What Conditions Can ESWT Help Treat in Dogs and Cats?

ESWT is commonly used to treat a range of musculoskeletal conditions, including but not limited to:

Arthritis and Joint Pain: Aging pets, especially larger breeds, are prone to arthritis, which can severely impact their mobility. ESWT can help reduce inflammation, alleviate pain, and improve joint function.
Soft Tissue Injuries: Dogs and cats who are active or who have had injuries (such as sprains, strains, or tears) can benefit from ESWT, which helps with healing and reduces the risk of scar tissue formation.
Hip/Elbow Dysplasia: This common condition in dogs, especially in large breeds, can cause chronic pain and mobility problems. Shockwave therapy can be a useful part of a treatment plan.
Tendon and Ligament Injuries: ESWT promotes faster healing of injuries in tendons and ligaments, which can speed up recovery time and improve function. Great for CCL injuries.
Chronic Pain or Degenerative Conditions: Pets with long-term pain or degenerative conditions like disc disease can also experience relief with shockwave therapy.
Myofascial Trigger Points Release: Trigger points can cause mobility issues and lead to lameness. ESWT can help eradicate trigger points and relieve pain and stiffness.
Wound Healing: ESWT has proven beneficial for pets recovering from surgery or dealing with chronic wounds that are slow to heal, including deep or complicated skin wounds, post-surgical scars, or wounds from trauma. The therapy can stimulate the production of growth factors that are essential for tissue repair, making it an effective treatment for speeding up healing in these areas.
Spinal/Lumbosacral disease

Is ESWT Safe for Dogs and Cats?

Yes! ESWT is considered safe for pets when performed by a trained veterinary professional. The procedure is non-invasive, does not require sedation in most cases, and there is minimal risk of side effects. Most pets tolerate the therapy very well, with little to no discomfort during or after treatment.

What to Expect During an ESWT Session

An ESWT session typically lasts between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on how many sites are being treated.

Preparation: Your pet will be positioned comfortably, and the affected area is prepped with a water base gel to get the best connection.
Shockwave Application: The veterinarian or technician will apply the shockwaves to the treatment area using a handheld device. Some pets may feel a mild sensation, but it’s usually well-tolerated. The machine makes a clicking sound but most pets get very used to it, quickly.
Post-Treatment Care: After the treatment, your pet may experience some mild soreness or may be tired for about a day or two. There’s typically little downtime, and your pet can return to normal activities soon after.

How Many Sessions Are Needed?

The number of ESWT sessions your pet needs depends on the severity of the condition being treated. In most cases, a series of treatments (usually 3 to 5) spaced a week or two apart is recommended for optimal results. Some pets may require ongoing maintenance treatments to manage chronic conditions.

Benefits of ESWT for Dogs and Cats

Non-invasive and drug-free: ESWT is an alternative to surgery and long-term medication, which may have side effects.
Fast recovery time: Since it's a non-invasive treatment, pets can usually return to their normal activities right away.
Pain relief: Many pets experience noticeable relief from pain, leading to improved mobility and quality of life.
Faster healing: ESWT accelerates tissue repair, which can shorten recovery times for injuries. Max benefits are typically noted in 3 to 6 months from treatment.

Conclusion: A Game-Changer for Pet Health

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy has proven to be a valuable treatment for dogs and cats suffering from a variety of musculoskeletal issues, chronic pain, and soft tissue injuries. Whether your pet is recovering from an injury, managing arthritis, or struggling with joint pain, ESWT may offer a drug-free and effective solution to help improve their quality of life.

If you think your pet could benefit from ESWT, be sure to consult with your veterinarian. They can assess your pet’s condition and determine if this therapy is right for them.

To learn more about shockwave or to read published research on it, please check out our shockwave resources on our website! https://www.redsagevets.com/shockwave