Outcome of eight working dogs with fibrotic myopathy following extracorporeal shockwave and rehabilitation therapy: a case series

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

• Level A · Stronger Clinical Evidence
• Level B · Emerging clinical evidence with positive signals
• Level C · Early human research exploring benefits
• Level D · Scientific groundwork from lab and animal studies
• Emerging · Emerging topic under active research

Abstract (original English)

Introduction Fibrotic myopathy of the gracilis, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus is described primarily in working German Shepherd dogs. The purpose of this case series is to describe the rehabilitation modalities and treatments utilized in working dogs with fibrotic myopathy and the time frame they were able to continue working. Methods Medical records of patients with hindlimb lameness that were presented to the Schwarzman Animal Medical Center in New York City from 2012 to 2023 were retrospectively searched. Signalment, history, clinical evaluation, gait analysis, goniometry of stifles, and follow-up evaluation were compared among patients. Ten male working dogs met inclusion criteria. Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy (ECSWT) was administered under sedation or general anesthesia. Rehabilitation therapy (RT), including massage, hamstring stretch, photobiomodulation, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, warm compress, therapeutic ultrasound, underwater treadmill, and therapeutic exercises, were performed once every one to 3 weeks with varying protocols according to patient assessments. Follow-up phone calls and emails were conducted to determine long-term outcome. Results On average, dogs were able to work full-time for 32.1 months (range 6-82; SD 23.6) from the time of diagnosis. No activity limitation was reported by the owners/handlers. Discussion This report is the fir

Evidence level

Early human evidence such as case series or small samples is exploring possible benefits.

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