By Dr. Shannon Leggieri, Claremont Veterinary Hospital
Advances in veterinary care continue to help us take care better of our four-legged kids. More research has lead to a wider menu of options for treating your dog's challenges, including trauma, pain, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, anxiety and neurological inflammation.
An exciting new device that offers a safe, scientifically proven treatment option at home for your dog is now available. The Assisi Loop, by Assisi Animal Health, is an non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device (NPAID) that can be an adjunct or an alternative to traditional treatments like NSAIDs, analgesics and opioids.
This first-of-its-kind NPAID uses targeted Pulsed ElectroMagnetic Field ( tPEMF) therapy to reduce inflammation, control pain and promote healing in your pet's body. The magnetic field helps to decrease the ongoing damaging effects of inflammation on joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments and organs by increasing nitric oxide, a key molecule involved in healing. Unlike with other treatment options, there are no side effects for your dog from this treatment, which can be used in the comfort of your own home, in the field or when traveling.
We have effectively used the Loop to reduce many of the effects of arthritis, tendon injuries and myofascial pain. Studies have shown this portable device can reduce the inflammation involved in spinal cord trauma, as seen with pets who suffer from trauma or Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a painful, debilitating disease that often leads to the need for surgery.
The therapy can be provided at home while your dog remains confined, and can be used with or without other medications and other treatments. A recent pilot study has shown this NPAID can significantly reduce the signs of Canine Separation Anxiety, a disease that impacts the quality of life of many families and leads to surrender of so many dogs. It can be used in conjunction with, or in place of, prescription medications and behavior modifications.
We have prescribed the Assisi device to our general, rehabilitation and pain management patients for over 10 years, and it has been an integral part of our successful therapy plans. It is important to have a full assessment and diagnosis by a veterinarian familiar with the use of this device to assure this is an appropriate treatment, to guide the proper placement and frequency,s and to help with monitoring the response.
For more information about this technology please visit https://www.assisianimalhealth.com
Other options for pain management can be found at https://www.mullerveterinaryhospital.com/integrative-care-pain-management/.
