The Effect of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy on Lumbosacral Pain in 10 Dogs: A Pilot Study

Introduction: The objective of this study was to investigate the use of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) in dogs with lumbosacral pain. We hypothesized that ESWT would decrease lumbosacral pain as assessed via owner outcome questionnaire (Canine Brief Pain Inventory [CBPI]) and objective gait analysis.

Materials and Methods: Client-owned dogs (n = 10) with pain in the caudal lumbosacral vertebral column were enrolled. The study was divided into four time points: day 0, 14, 28, and 60. Dogs received ESWT days 0, 14, and 28. Data were collected at all time points. The primary outcome was the percentage of dogs improving more than two points on the CBPI from day 0 to 60 with an assumed historical control percentage of 20%.

Results: Mean age was 7.3 years, and the mean weight was 25 kg. Improvement in CBPI scores (>2 points) was reported for six dogs, which was statistically different from 0.2 (p = 0.006). CBPI scores on average declined over time with scores at day 14 1.9 points lower, at day 28 2.2 points lower and at day 60 2.8 points lower (all p < 0.05 compared with day 0). Hind limb symmetry measures on gait analysis became more symmetrical but did not reach statistical significance in this pilot study.

Discussion/Conclusion: Previous studies have demonstrated the positive effect of ESWT on stifle osteoarthritis, shoulder tendinopathies and bone healing. The results of this study revealed a significant improvement in lumbosacral pain based on CBPI assessment. These findings support the further study of ESWT as a modality to address lumbosacral pain in dogs.

Acknowledgment

Funding was provided by Morris Animal Foundation Grant D22CA-010.

 

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Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025