Radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy® for horses with chronic insertion desmopathy of the proximal suspensory ligament – a controlled study

Radiale extrakorporale Stoßwellentherapie bei Pferden mit chronischer Insertionsdesmopathie am Fesselträgerursprung - eine kontrollierte Studie

Löffeld S, Boening K J, Weitkamp K, Stadler P

DOI: 10.21836/PEM20020203
Year: 2002
Volume: 18
Issue: 2
Pages: 147-154

In the present study the results of the radial extracorporeal shock wave therapy® (RESWT®) for the treatment of chronic proximal suspensory ligament desmitis are represented. These results were compared to conventional therapy (local application of antiphlogistics and corticoids, long periods no workouts, blistering) in a control group. 31 horses with a history of lameness for more than 3 months and several unsuccessful treatments, were now treated by RESWT®. In a control group of 30 horses with chronic proximal suspensory desmitis treatment was based on conventional methods exclusivly. 71% (22 of 31) horses treated by RESWT® resumed full work 6 months after treatment. In the control group only 50% (15 of 30) of the horses returned to full work. The result of the group treated by RESWT® was statistical significantly better (p < 0.05).