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Research Hub


Short term use of balance pads on postural sway and musculus multifidus cross sectional area in horses
Jessica Cathcart , Katherine L. Ellis , Valerie J. Moorman https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2024.100006 This study evaluated the effects of balance pad use on postural stability and multifidus muscle size in horses. Six healthy horses stood on pads twice daily for 4 weeks. Motion and ultrasound data showed reduced body sway and increased muscle cross-sectional area at T14. While asymmetry did not change, results suggest balance pads can improve stability and muscle development,
1 min read


Selected Techniques for Physiotherapy in Dogs
Marta Dybczynska, Małgorzata Goleman, Aleksandra Garbiec and Mirosław Karpinsk Physiotherapy in Dogs. Animals 2022, 12, 1760. https://doi.org/10.3390/ ani12141760 Animal physiotherapy is increasingly supported by scientific research, yet remains underused by pet owners. Dogs are the second most commonly treated species after horses. This review compiles key aspects of canine physiotherapy, most of which are adapted from human protocols. Success depends on selecting appropria
1 min read


Veterinary applications of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy
James S. Gaynora , Sean Hagbergb , Blake T. Gurfeinc https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.005 Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy can non-invasively treat a variety of pathologies by delivering electric and magnetic fields to tissues via inductive coils. The electromagnetic fields generated by these devices have been found to affect a variety of biological processes and basic science understanding of the underlying mechanisms of action of PEMF treatment has accelera
1 min read


Survey of factors associated with return to ridden exercise in horses with overriding dorsal spinous processes in Australia
Genna Louise Harkness, Catherine M. McGowan , Lesley Goff https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2025.100031 This study explored horse-specific factors and management strategies linked to successful outcomes in horses with overriding dorsal spinous processes (ORDSP). Fifty-one horses were assessed via owner questionnaires. While 59% returned to riding, only 27.5% regained previous athletic function, and 17% maintained it for 12 months. Factors improving return to riding included high
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Dynamic Mobilization Exercises Improve Activity and Stride Parameters Measured with Accelerometry in Sedentary Horses
by Aritz Saitua , Joaquín Pérez-Umbría , Karelhia García-Álamo and Ana Muñoz Animals 2025 , 15 (20), 2943; https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15202943 Dynamic mobilization exercises (DME) help prevent musculoskeletal injuries and improve back health in sport horses. This study assessed locomotor changes in 14 sedentary horses over 8 weeks, comparing a DME group with a control group. Accelerometry showed that DME improved dorsoventral, mediolateral, and longitudinal activity, leadin
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Assessment of Noninvasive Low-Frequency Ultrasound as a Means of Treating Injuries to Suspensory Ligaments in Horses: A Research Paper
Ugo Carrozzo a , Matteo Toniato a , Adrian Harrison b https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jevs.2019.07.007 Therapeutic ultrasound is a noninvasive, well-tolerated treatment for horses that requires no sedation and is easily applied in clinical settings. In this study, 23 sport horses with suspensory ligament injuries were treated using EQ Pro, a low-frequency ultrasound device. After an average of 3.3 weeks of treatment and routine rehabilitation, 87% returned to competition. Ultrasoun
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Effects of High Intensity Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Tendon and Ligament Injuries in Performance Horses
Paulina Zielińska 1 , Jakub Nicpoń 1 , Zdzisław Kiełbowicz 1 , Maria Soroko 2 , Krzysztof Dudek 3 , Daniel Zaborski 4 PMID: 32751968 PMCID: PMC7459490 DOI: 10.3390/ani10081327 This study evaluated the effects of high intensity laser therapy (HILT) on tendon and ligament injuries in horses. Twenty-six horses with tendinopathies were randomly assigned to either a HILT-treated or control group, all following the same rehabilitation programme. The treatment grou
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Percutaneous enzymatic chemonucleolysis of intervertebral disks appears safe and effective in treatment of acute-onset paraparesis and paraplegia in small dogs
Freeman, P., Atiee, G., Donoghue, E. M. & Jeffery, N. D. (2025). Percutaneous enzymatic chemonucleolysis of intervertebral disks appears...
1 min read


Canine Geriatric Rehabilitation: Considerations and Strategies for Assessment, Functional Scoring, and Follow Up
Frye, C., Carr, B.J., Lenfest, M. and Miller, A. (2022) ‘Canine Geriatric Rehabilitation: Considerations and Strategies for Assessment,...
1 min read


Physical rehabilitation of cats: 1. Common conditions benefiting from physiotherapy
Goldberg, M.E. (2025) ‘Physical rehabilitation of cats: 1. Common conditions benefiting from physiotherapy’, Journal of Feline Medicine...
1 min read


Efficacy of physiotherapy program on treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial
Altinkaya, N., Kavlak, E. and Özgencİl, F.E. (2025). Efficacy of physiotherapy program on treatment in dogs with osteoarthritis: A...
1 min read


Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture in Dogs: Review on Biomechanics, Etiopathogenetic Factors and Rehabilitation
Spinella, G., Arcamone, G., & Valentini, S. (2021). Cranial cruciate ligament rupture in dogs: Review on biomechanics, etiopathogenetic...
1 min read


Investigating Associations between Horse Hoof Conformation and Presence of Lameness
Mata, F., Franca, I., Araújo, J., Paixão, G., Lesniak, K. and Lima Cerqueira, J., 2024. Investigating associations between horse hoof...
1 min read


Effect of Water Depth on Limb and Back Kinematics in Horses Walking on a Water Treadmill
Tranquille, C. A., Tacey, J. B., Walker, V. A., Mackechnie‑Guire, R., Ellis, J., Nankervis, K. J., Newton, R., & Murray, R. C. (2022)....
2 min read


Physiotherapeutic Strategies and Their Current Evidence for Canine Osteoarthritis
Mille, M. A., McClement, J., & Lauer, S. (2023). Physiotherapeutic strategies and their current evidence for canine osteoarthritis....
1 min read


Equine back pain is a diagnostic challenge: A physiotherapist’s perspective
Harrison, L. M., Sole Guitart, A., Ahern, B., & Goff, L. M. (2024). Equine back pain is a diagnostic challenge: A physiotherapist's...
1 min read


Objective Assessment of Chronic Pain in Horses Using the Horse Chronic Pain Scale (HCPS): A Scale-Construction Study
Petzinger, E., Schweizerhof, M., & Schmied, W. (2021). Objective assessment of chronic pain in horses using the Horse Chronic Pain Scale...
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How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: an investigation of factors that are associated with pain using the Animal Welfare Assessment Grid
Malkani, R., Paramasivam, S., & Wolfensohn, S. (2024). How does chronic pain impact the lives of dogs: An investigation of factors that...
1 min read


First evidence for an association between joint hypermobility and excitability in a non-human species, the domestic dog
Bowen, Jonathan, Jaume Fatjó, James A. Serpell, Andrea Bulbena-Cabré, Eldin Leighton, and Antoni Bulbena. 2019. "First Evidence for an...
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A Critical Review into The Rehabilitation Techniques for Dogs With IVDD
A Critical Review into The Rehabilitation Techniques Utilized by Neurological Veterinary Specialists for The Recovery of Dogs Following...
15 min read
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