Effects of Cryotherapy on Temperature Change in Caudal Thigh Muscles of Dogs

Abstract

Objective The aim of the study reported here was to determine the effect of cryotherapy on the caudal thigh muscles of dogs. We hypothesized that temperature changes would be greatest in superficial tissues and decrease with tissue depth.

Study Design Eight mixed-breed dogs (mean weight 21.2 kg, mean age 3.3 years) were studied. Temperature was measured at the skin surface and at depths of 1.0 and 3.0 cm below the skin using needle thermistor probes that were inserted beneath the site of cold pack application. Treatment consisted of a standard 1.0°C cold pack applied for 20 minutes. Temperature was recorded every minute for the 20 minute cold pack treatment, and for 80 minutes following treatment.

Results Cutaneous temperatures significantly decreased (p < 0.01), with rapid rewarming of the skin following cold pack removal. Tissue cooling was less profound with increasing tissue depths, but was still significant (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle temperature between haired and clipped limbs.

Conclusion A single application of a cold pack to the caudal thigh muscles of dogs for 20 minutes resulted in significant temperature reduction at all tissue depths (p < 0.05). This decrease persisted for ∼60 minutes. The presence of hair did not have a significant effect on muscle cooling (p > 0.05).

Keywords

cryotherapy - musculoskeletal - hair - dog - thigh muscle

Authors' Contributions

D.M., D.L. and M.K. contributed to conception of study, study design and acquisition of data. K.J., D.M. and D.L. analyzed and interpreted the data. All the authors drafted, revised and approved the submitted manuscript. They are publically accountable for relevant content.

Publication History

Received: 19 December 2019

Accepted: 24 December 2020

Article published online:
25 February 2021

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