Experience of Shockwave therapy?

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GiraffetheMonkey

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My 12 year old mare has recently been prescribed a course of three shockwave therapy treatments for a very tense and sore back.

She has had ongoing back problems which got so bad last summer it was getting dangerous to mount her. After seeing the physio, having saddles checked and re-checked, x-rays, injections, treatment for gastric ulcers, and 6 months of, we resorted to a bone scan, which thankfully (or not!) showed nothing significant. This was done last week, and now after ruling out everything else we have gone back to assuming the source of her problems lies in the soft tissue in her back.

What I want to know is has anyone else had experience of using shockwave therapy for a similar problem? What sort of success did you experience from it?

My problem is that we have exhausted all other options, and are now out of insurance, my vet has recommonded that we see the treatment through as we have come this far, but if it doesn't work, there isn't much else we can do. So I'm just looking for other peoples experiences with shockwave.

Thanks
 
Yes, my mare had it for her back a few years ago, and it was v effective for her :)

It's worth noting though that a lot of back problems stem from hind lameness. When my mare injured the ligaments in her back, then it was due to PSD in her hind legs. I'd be looking for the cause as well as treatment if I were you. Best of luck.
 
Thanks for your reply, she has had a full lamness assessment and nothing notable was found. The reason for the bone scan and other investigations was to find the cause of her back pain. My vet does think it is partly behavioural issues and not physical pain. We are going to go ahead with the shockwave and see how it goes.
 
The use of shockwave therapy was first applied to shattering gallstones. Destructive interference of the shock wave with its reflected counterpart blew apart the gallstones in EXACTLY the same way an explosives expert destroys a building.Shock wave therapy correctly applied is very effective for certain conditions.My greatest concern is that the equipment is relatively cheap and a veterinary practice might well invest in one, but do they have the knowlege to use it? I did once ask a vet using this equipment, "How does it work? "He hadnt a clue. Would I let him near my horse with it? Not a bloody chance. The trouble with shockwave therapy is that it works extremely well, just like a stick of Dynamite does, but you need an expert for using either safely.
 
I did once ask a vet using this equipment, "How does it work? "He hadnt a clue. Would I let him near my horse with it? Not a bloody chance. The trouble with shockwave therapy is that it works extremely well, just like a stick of Dynamite does, but you need an expert for using either safely.

couldnt have put it better!

worrying but soooo true!
 
Agh! I have just asked a similar question - see my post further down.

My mare has bone fragments in her tendon and shock wave therapy has been suggested along with box rest.

In this case though they are hoping that enough scar tissue will develop with natural healing to counteract the presence of bone but with just a 20/30% chance of recovery :(

I just don't know what to do :(
 
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