Professional paper
Application of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy and Photobiomodulation in the Treatment of Osteoarthritis in a Dog: A Case Report
Zoran Vrbanac
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
*
Anita Kraljević
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Mustapić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Barbara Mratović
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Jelena Adanić
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Javor
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Petar Krolo
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
Hrvoje Capak
orcid.org/0000-0001-6128-7365
; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
* Corresponding author.
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a progressive, degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone remodelling, and synovial inflammation. It is a common condition in dogs, particularly in geriatric patients, and represents a major cause of chronic pain and reduced mobility. Standard treatment typically includes non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, weight management, and physical rehabilitation; however, long-term pharmacological therapy may be limited due to potential adverse effects. This case report describes the combined use of focused extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) and photobiomodulation (PBM) in the rehabilitation of a 13-year-old dog with bilateral scapulohumeral osteoarthritis. The patient underwent a five-week rehabilitation protocol consisting of PBM administered twice weekly and ESWT once weekly. Joint range of motion was measured using a goniometer, and weight distribution was evaluated using a stance analyser. Following ten therapy sessions, measurable improvements were observed in joint
mobility and functional parameters. Right shoulder flexion improved from 65° to 55° and extension increased from 140° to 163°, while left shoulder flexion improved from 60° to 56° and extension from 163° to 164°. Improved weight-bearing symmetry between the forelimbs was also noted. The results suggest that the combined application of ESWT and PBM may be an effective, non-invasive therapeutic approach for managing osteoarthritis in dogs, particularly in geriatric patients, by reducing pain and improving mobility and quality of life.
Keywords
osteoarthritis; photobiomodulation; shockwave therapy; rehabilitation; chronic pain; dog
Hrčak ID:
348105
URI
Publication date:
19.6.2026.
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