The use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of orthopedic diseases in horses

This paper aims at presentation of advantages of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT), as a form of rehabilitation of the musculoskeletal system in horses. ESWT is a stream of acoustic waves generated outside the body. The equipment builds up pressure ranging from 10 to 100 MPa in the time from 30 to 120ns with short pulse duration equal to 5us. The appropriate parameters depend on energy level, pulse frequency, type of injury, type of treated tissue and depth of penetration. ESWT has an analgetic effect in the treated tissue, accelerates the healing process, increases collagen production, improves microcirculation and angiogenesis. Indications for the use of ESWT are insertional desmopathies, superficial and deep digital flexor tendonitis, metacarpal and metatarsal fractures, osteroarthritis and back pain. The number of treatments depends on the type of tissue and the size of the lesion. The tissue response to treatment is also very important. As a rule, 3 to 5 treatments are performed with a break of 5 to 7 days between sessions. The horse during treatment should have limited movement and orthopedic control is very important