ecallenNon-Surgical Management of Sporting Dog Injuries: Effective Treatment Options
Sporting dogs, from agility competitors to flyball athletes, endure immense physical strain that can lead to frequent injuries. These active canine athletes require specialized care to ensure swift recovery and sustained performance. Dr. Ariel Markley’s recent webinar, Non-Surgical Management of Sporting Dog Injuries: Effective Treatment Options, provided veterinary professionals with an in-depth look at cutting-edge therapies that can help sporting dogs recover without surgery. In this blog, we’ll explore the key takeaways from Dr. Markley’s presentation, including advanced treatments like Zomedica’s PulseVet® shock wave therapy and other non-surgical options.
Common Sporting Dog Injuries
Understanding the injuries common to sporting dogs is the foundation for effective treatment. High-impact activities often result in repetitive stress and acute injuries, with the following being most prevalent:
- Agility dog injuries: Shoulder and stifle injuries caused by sharp turns and jumps.
- Flyball injuries: Iliopsoas injuries and soft tissue strains from explosive running and sudden stops.
- Canine shoulder injuries: Supraspinatus and bicep tendinopathies from repeated jumping or landing.
- Carpal ligament injuries: Impact-related injuries from navigating uneven surfaces.
- Iliopsoas injuries: Strains due to overuse or sudden deceleration during sprints.
Treatment success hinges on tailored rehabilitation plans that incorporate advanced non-surgical therapies. These options offer effective healing while minimizing downtime.
Non-Surgical Treatment Options for Sporting Dog Injuries
1. Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) is one of the most effective first-line treatments for soft tissue injuries in sporting dogs. It uses high-energy sound waves to accelerate healing and improve tissue quality.
Mechanism of Action:
Targets tendons, ligaments, and muscles to enhance blood flow and stimulate collagen production.
- Promotes tissue repair while reducing fibrous tissue formation.
- Encourages a faster return to athletic performance.
Studies highlight significant improvements in lameness and ultrasound findings following shockwave therapy, particularly in shoulder injuries such as supraspinatus tendinopathy. Zomedica’s PulseVet® shock wave therapy is a proven option in this domain, offering reliability and effectiveness for veterinary professionals.
2. PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has gained traction for treating chronic soft tissue injuries in sporting dogs. This regenerative technique leverages the dog’s own blood to stimulate healing.
Usage and Benefits:
- Often used in conjunction with shockwave therapy for enhanced recovery.
- Improves tissue quality, reducing the risk of re-injury.
- Provides significant relief from chronic injuries like bicep tendinopathy and carpal ligament injuries.
PRP therapy, when administered with ultrasound guidance, ensures precise delivery to the affected area, maximizing its effectiveness.
3. Photobiomodulation Therapy (Laser Therapy)
Laser therapy offers a non-invasive way to accelerate tissue repair and reduce inflammation using infrared light. Although canine-specific research is still emerging, studies on other species have shown promise.
Key Benefits:
- Enhances collagen organization and reduces inflammatory markers.
- Maintains flexibility and prevents stiffness during recovery.
- Supports long-term healing when combined with other therapies.
This modality is a valuable tool for veterinarians looking to complement shockwave and PRP therapies.
Importance of Rehabilitation and Injury Prevention
A structured rehabilitation plan is critical to a sporting dog’s recovery and long-term performance. These plans focus on rebuilding muscle strength, improving balance, and restoring neuromuscular control.
Rehabilitation Timeline:
- Initial rehabilitation (8–16 weeks): Controlled exercises like weight shifting, posture work, and balance drills.
- Sport-specific retraining (8–12 weeks): Gradual reintroduction to agility, flyball, or other athletic activities.
- Conditioning maintenance (ongoing): Exercises to prevent future injuries and maintain peak performance.
Owners should set realistic expectations, as soft tissue injuries can take 6–12 months for full recovery. Consistent home-based exercises and regular veterinary follow-ups are vital to successful outcomes.
Applying Injury Management in Your Practice
Offering clients comprehensive solutions for managing soft tissue injuries in their sporting dogs is of paramount importance. Advanced therapies like shockwave, PRP, and laser treatments enable faster recovery and safer returns to competition, while structured rehabilitation plans help prevent re-injury.
Sporting dogs require advanced care to meet the demands of their athletic lives. With therapies like shock wave, PRP, and laser treatment combined with structured rehabilitation, veterinary professionals can help their canine patients recover faster, stay healthy, and achieve their full potential.
To learn more about PulseVet® shock wave therapy, visit Zomedica’s website or contact your local representative.
