Pet Shockwave Therapy

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How Shockwave Therapy Works

Shockwave therapy delivers high-energy acoustic pressure waves into a targeted area of tissue. Those waves create a mechanical stimulus that can prompt an increase in local blood flow and cellular activity. There is no incision, and nothing is injected. The device is simply placed against the skin over the treatment site.

Courses are usually short, often a small number of sessions spaced a couple of weeks apart. That is different from laser therapy, which tends to run more frequently. Because the device is loud and the sensation is firm, some patients do better with sedation. Our team will tell you what your pet is likely to need.

Common Questions About Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave therapy may be unfamiliar, and it’s easy to confuse it with laser therapy. Below, we explain the difference and what treatment may involve. We’ll examine your pet first to determine whether shockwave therapy is appropriate for their condition.

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How is shockwave therapy different from laser therapy?
Laser therapy uses light, while shockwave therapy uses acoustic waves. Both may be considered for some painful joint or soft tissue conditions, but the treatment schedule and what your pet experiences can differ. At V.E.T. Care Hospital, we’ll recommend the option that best fits your pet’s diagnosis rather than treating shockwave as a stronger version of laser therapy.
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Will my pet need to be sedated?
Some pets may need sedation for shockwave therapy. The device makes a loud sound and produces a firm sensation, and pets vary in how well they tolerate it. We’ll assess your pet individually and discuss sedation with you beforehand if we think it’s needed.
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How many sessions does it take?
Shockwave therapy is usually given as a short series of visits spaced a few weeks apart. The number and timing depend on your pet’s condition and response. We’ll check their comfort and mobility during the course and adjust the plan as needed.
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Is shockwave therapy right for my dog's limp?
A limp can have many causes, including a fracture, ligament injury, joint infection, or arthritis. We’ll examine your pet and may recommend X-rays or other tests to find the cause before deciding whether shockwave therapy is appropriate.

Conditions Shockwave Therapy May Help

We may consider shockwave therapy for pets with chronic joint pain from conditions such as osteoarthritis or hip dysplasia, or for certain tendon and ligament injuries. It may also be considered during recovery after cruciate ligament surgery or for some slow-healing wounds.

A limp alone does not tell us whether shockwave therapy will help. We’ll examine your pet first and may recommend X-rays or other imaging to identify the cause. Once we have a diagnosis, we can discuss whether shockwave belongs in your pet’s treatment plan.

Where Shockwave Fits in Pain Management

Shockwave therapy is usually one part of a broader treatment plan.

Pain management often begins with weight management, medication, and changes to your pet’s activity. Depending on the diagnosis, we may also discuss pet laser therapy or shockwave therapy as part of the plan.

For older dogs with arthritis, a senior pet care visit is a good time to talk about comfort and mobility. We’ll review the options, recommend what fits your pet, and reassess how they respond. Explore all our veterinary services for related care.

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What it treats
Shockwave therapy may be considered for pets with osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, or certain tendon and ligament injuries. In some cases, it may also support healing of wounds or bone injuries. We’ll examine your pet and recommend it only when it fits their diagnosis.
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What a course involves
Shockwave therapy is typically given as a short series of sessions spaced a few weeks apart. The device is loud and creates a firm sensation, so some pets may need sedation. We’ll discuss the plan with you before treatment.
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