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Shockwave Therapy for Musculoskeletal Disease in Zoo Animals

ELvation Marketing Team

Discover the potential benefits of shockwave therapy for musculoskeletal disease in zoo animals. This comprehensive blog post dives into the science behind this cutting-edge treatment, its applications in the zoo setting, and case studies that showcase its effectiveness. Learn how this innovative therapy is revolutionizing veterinary care for the well-being of our cherished zoo animals. 

by Julie E. Blossom, DVM*, Carol M. Bradford, DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Callihan E. Hamlin, BS, Amber M. Alink, and Philip M. Mayhew, BS.
ABQ BioPark, Albuquerque, NM 87102 USAgoa-india-close-view-of-elephant-cow-2022-01-28-05-11-42-utc (1)-1

Abstract

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment used for both acute and chronic musculoskeletal diseases in both human and domestic animal patients. It involves delivery of focused, pressurized acoustic impulses to affected tissues via a hand-held therapy device. The impulses generate a mechanical stimulus and prompt a variety of cellular responses that can aid in pain relief and stimulate healing via tissue regeneration.1 Historically, analgesia and/or anesthesia were required for veterinary ESWT treatment, as the machine was noisy and the impulses it generated had the potential to be painful.2 After refinements in technology, ESWT can now be applied safely and comfortably to unanesthetized animals who may choose to participate in their own treatments. This case series was designed to apply piezoelectric ESWT voluntarily to two different species of zoo animals (Elephas maximus, n=1 and Varanus salvator, n=1) and to subjectively measure their responses during and after treatment. In addition, objective measurements were taken via video gait analysis, thermal imaging, measurement of acute phase proteins, biochemical and electrophoretic bloodwork parameters, and measuring muscle mass circumferences prior to and after treatment. Piezoelectric ESWT was comfortable for the animals to experience voluntarily, did not have adverse effects on the parameters monitored, and has the potential to produce significant benefits for zoo species when used as an adjunctive tool for pain management and physical rehabilitation.
ELvation Marketing Team

ELvation Marketing Team

Combining sales and flexible customer support with many years’ in-depth knowledge of medical equipment we offer customized solutions to create value with long-term investments and medical supplies. ELvation’s strength lies in its ability to combine the apparently contradictory needs of improving the standards of patient care by providing high-quality medical technology and good corporate profitability. We have a special partnership with Richard Wolf GmbH as their long-term authorized Sales & Service Team for piezo shockwave systems.