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Discussion on Extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) may help
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, May 11, 2004 - 11:43 am:
As regular readers of Horseadvice.com know the research supporting the use of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy (ESWT) in tendon and ligament injury has been experimental with little controlled scientific support for its use. In fact, we have opined that its disruptive force may be detrimental to some soft tissue injuries. However in the scientific report section of this article is a summary of a report on its use in suspensory desmitis that is supportive. It may stimulate healing of desmitis in horses. Though the research is preliminary, in what is the best study to date, four mature horses had suspensory ligament (SUL) desmitis induced in both forelimbs. Beginning 3 weeks after induction of the lesions, one ligament per horse was treated 3 times at 3-week intervals with ESWT. After 15 weeks the treated SULs had a improved the rate of healing as assessed ultrasonographically. Though this study was specifically done to suspensory ligaments, it's results may be applicable to other ligaments and tendons. It's use in arthritis, other than where arthrodesis (fusion) is being attempted is still controversial. For more see Equine Diseases » Lameness » Rehabilitating Injuries to the Tendons and Ligaments.
DrO
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Member:
spinosa
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 - 1:45 pm:
Dr O,
Can you give us an update on shockwave treatment? Results of new studies etc?
Thanks
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Saturday, Feb 23, 2008 - 7:41 pm:
Hello Michelle,
You will find the latest information in the article Diseases of Horses » Lameness » Treatment Methods » Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy. Don't forget by using the PubMed button at the bottom you can read the research published today on the subject.
DrO
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Member:
pbauer
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Posted on Monday, Feb 25, 2008 - 5:30 pm:
Dear Michelle,
I was searching my files and came across this article. You probably already have this information ( from this site ), but wanted to let you know.
https://vmthpub.vetmed.wisc.edu/new/shockwave_news.htm.
Tonya
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Member:
kayfry
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Posted on Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008 - 10:40 am:
This is strictly anecdotal, of course, but my vet incorporated shock wave therapy in the treatment of my horse's fractured splint bone last year. It was a fairly bad fracture, in the sense that the splint bone was shattered into many small fragments (from an accidental kick from his pasture mate while playing), and at first my vets were pretty sure he'd need surgery to remove the fragments. But Dean Richardson at New Bolton Center of the U. of PA, with whom we consulted, advised against immediate surgery. He was treated with stall rest, initially some bute, and wrapping the leg, and once some healing was visible on x-rays, the shock wave therapy was added. He didn't need to be sedated, as I recall, though it's loud and maybe somewhat uncomfortable for the horse (Dr. O?). Anyway, my horse had a great outcome, no surgery was needed, and maybe the shock wave therapy played a part in speeding the healing. It took several months, but he's completely sound and you can barely see where the injury occurred.
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