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What is ultrasound?
Ultrasound waves are produced by synthetic crystals that are made to vibrate at a particular frequency because of their geometry. The crystals contract and expand when exposed to electric current. This movement of the crystals creates sound waves that can penetrate the skin. Ultrasound has both thermal and non thermal effects. The thermal effect of ultrasound is used to heat the tissues where appropriate and the non thermal effect can be used for wound healing.
What is the history of ultrasound therapy in veterinary medicine?
In the late 1930's scientists first discovered that sound waves can be absorbed into the skin. In the 1940's some believed that ultrasound was therapeutically beneficial for humans in spite of the lack of scientific evidence at the time. Since the introduction of ultrasound into the human medical field many other applications have been discovered through decades of scientific case studies. Many of the earliest laboratory studies were successfully performed on animals so it was natural that veterinarians would start to use ultrasound technology in their practice. In the 1980's veterinarians began to use ultrasound for diagnostic purposes in animals, primarily for sonograms and other internal imaging. Not long after the interest in expanding ultrasound's use for therapeutic purposes in humans, animals followed suit.
On which types of animals is ultrasound therapy practiced?
Diagnostic ultrasound can be used to examine almost any type of animal, ranging from small rodents and birds to even large zoo and farm animals, but therapeutic ultrasound is used most frequently for horses, dog and cats.
Who practices ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound should only be used when prescribed by a veterinarian. At IPC our animal rehabilitation therapists (ARTs) work closely with our veterinarians to determine what specific frequency, intensity and cycle are best suited for your pet. The settings are unique to each patient and vary depending on breed, muscle quality, tissue type and treatment area. Because of this, our ARTs are trained in depth regarding the most appropriate way to prepare the treatment area and position the patient to optimize the positive effects of the ultrasound. They also manage the speed that the ultrasound wand passes over the skin during treatment. This is another important part of keeping ultrasound safe and effective.
What conditions are most often treated with ultrasound therapy?
The Integrative Pet Care veterinarian will generally prescribe ultrasound for conditions that involve restricted range of motion, muscle spasms, chronic inflammation or musculoskeletal pain. Ultrasound is also frequently used for wound healing, chronic sprains, low back dysfunction and joint contracture. Hip dysplasia, degenerative joint disease, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, tendonitis and bursitis are a few of the diagnoses for which ultrasound may be prescribed.
How can my pet benefit from ultrasound therapy?
Ultrasound is beneficial for soft tissue and fracture healing because it promotes the regeneration of new connective tissue at injury sites and accelerates the inflammatory phase of repair. It increases blood flow and enzyme activity in muscles, tendons and ligaments. This helps to reduce swelling. When ultrasound is used to warm the tissues it can decrease both muscle spasms and pain. It can also increase the extensibility of collagen resulting in increased range of motion. All of these benefits can help reduce the buildup of scar tissue and help your pet to be more comfortable while participating in therapy.
How successful is ultrasound therapy?
Studies have been completed that extensively show great improvement in humans with joint and nerve conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome. In some cases the positive effects of ultrasound have lasted as long as six months after treatment. Using the success in human studies as guidelines, veterinarians have accepted ultrasound as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program.
How safe is ultrasound therapy?
When administered by a well trained therapist such as our trained staff at IPC, ultrasound is a very safe treatment option. Ultrasound equipment, even for animals, must comply with FDA standards and our equipment is checked and recalibrated regularly.
Can ultrasound therapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?
Ultrasound integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If a non-veterinary therapist is used for ultrasound, the veterinarian and therapist must communicate to combine their knowledge and skill to develop an appropriate treatment plan. If your companion animal is receiving ultrasound from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences. At Integrative Pet Care our veterinarians, who are well-trained and versed in a variety of rehab modalities including ultrasound, collaborate with the pet's primary care veterinarian to appropriately coordinate care.
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