In many cases, dogs suffering from chronic pain and lameness must undergo prolonged medication and surgical interventions. These treatments can be costly, necessitate an extended recovery period, and may not provide satisfactory results. Shock wave treatment offers a non-invasive treatment option that provides enduring results with minimal recovery.

What are Shock Waves?

Shock waves are high-energy sound waves which are directed to the affected area. Shock wave treatment works by triggering the body’s own repair  mechanisms, helping the body to heal. Shock wave therefore provides a long-term improvement. In human medicine, shock wave treatment has been performed for over 20 years to treat a number of urologic and orthopedic conditions in a non-invasive manner.

For Which Conditions is Shock Wave Treatment Suitable?

VersaTron 4 Paws shock wave treatment is recommended for the management of a variety of musculoskeletal disorders in dogs. It can be used in combination with anti-inflammatory drugs, surgical intervention, and physical treatment. Please discuss with your veterinarian whether the non-invasive treatment option is suitable.

How is Shock Wave Treatment Performed?

Having diagnosed the problem, the veterinarian determines whether the dog’s condition is suitable for shock wave treatment. The treatment is usually carried out on an outpatient basis at your veterinarian’s clinic. Only a sedation or short anesthesia is required and depending on the underlying condition, the procedure takes 10-20 minutes. The details of the subsequent resting and follow-up requirements should be discussed with your veterinarian. Since shock wave treatment is non-invasive, recovery time is minimal and typically the dog can leave within 1-2 hours.

What Results Can Be Anticipated?

In most cases, patients begin experiencing pain relief immediately following treatment and full effects are seen in three weeks to three months following the treatment. Frequently, positive results are achieved in cases where conventional methods failed. A second shock wave treatment within two to three weeks often improves the results further. Most importantly, the positive effects are lasting.