Whole-Body Vibration Exercise on Hematology and Serum Biochemistry in Healthy Dogs

Client-based evaluation of the effects of localized vibration therapy on pain and mobility scores in dogs with radiographic bilateral hip dysplasia

Introduction

This study evaluated the effects of localized vibration (LV) in 37 dogs with bilateral hip dysplasia (HD). HD is a common cause of lameness in dogs, and is a contributory factor to osteoarthritis, which can reduce the dog's overall quality of life.

Materials and methods

This was a multi-center, prospective survey-based study of 37 dogs with bilateral HD and no prior history of surgical management. Dogs were given LV therapy daily for 14 consecutive days using the same commercially available handheld vibration device. Canine Brief Pain Index (CBPI) data was collected prior to the initiation of therapy, then for 14 days following daily LV therapy. The dogs' medications, supplements, additional rehabilitation modalities, and activity level were unchanged during the study period. Baseline CBPI pain severity and pain interference scores were compared to scores after 7 or 14 days of LV.

Results

There were significant decreases in average pain severity and average pain interference CBPI scores in response to 7 and 14 days of therapy compared to baseline. When response to therapy was defined as a decrease in both pain severity score and pain interference score, 62% (23/37) of dogs responded to therapy at 7 days of treatment and 73% (27/37) responded at 14 days of treatment. Of the individuals that responded to treatment at 7 days, 91% (21/23) continued to respond at 14 days.

Conclusion

Daily LV resulted in a significant reduction in CBPI scores in 73% of dogs with bilateral HD in this study. Randomized and blinded studies should be performed to further assess daily LV as a treatment modality for canine HD.

Long-Term Effects of Whole-Body Vibration on Hind Limb Muscles, Gait and Pain in Lame Dogs with Borderline-to-Severe Hip Dysplasia-A Pilot Study

This pilot study aimed to evaluate the long-term effects of Whole-Body Vibration (WBV) on hind limb muscles, gait and pain in lame dogs with borderline-to-severe hip dysplasia. Ten lame client-owned dogs with borderline-to-severe hip dysplasia, aged from 1.5 to 9.0 years and weighing 14.5 to 53.0 kg, were enrolled. The WBV training program consisted of 15 min sessions three times weekly for 16 weeks. Muscles of the hind limbs were evaluated using measurements of thigh circumference, the cross-sectional thickness of selected hind limb muscles by ultrasound assessment, and vastus lateralis muscle activity determined by surface electromyography (EMG). Lameness and clinical signs of pain were assessed by visual lameness scoring, orthopedic examination and an owner-based questionnaire. Kinetic analysis was performed by using a pressure-sensitive walkway. Manual thigh circumference measurements of both hind limbs showed significant increases over the trial period with a greater degree of change observed after week 8. Ultrasound measurements of the left gluteal muscles and the quadriceps femoris muscles of both hind limbs showed significant increases in the cross-section thickness post WBV. Owner's perception of pain also showed a decrease in signs of pain at week 12 and week 16 compared to baseline. Based on graphs of the EMG activity patterns of the vastus lateralis muscle, 65% of the hind limbs had an improvement after 48 WBV sessions when compared to pre-session patterns. However, no significant differences were observed in visual lameness evaluation and kinetic analysis. Therefore, further studies will help to better clarify the role of WBV in canine rehabilitation protocols.

Short-term effects of Whole-Body Vibration on clinical, cardiac, and ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) parameters of healthy younger and older adult male non-athletic crossbreed dogs

ABSTRACT This study investigated the effects of WBV in clinical, cardiac, and ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) parameters of healthy young and aged male non-athletic dogs. Fourteen dogs were divided into two groups of seven animals: Group I (GI) - young dogs (12.0 and 84.0 months old); Group II (GII) - aged dogs (above 84.0 months old). Dogs were submitted to a single session of WBV (frequencies of 30 and 50 Hz), for 15-min. Variations were identified in the thickness of the interventricular septum and thickness of the left ventricle-free wall values: GI < GII at 5-min before the session. The diameter of the left atrium values showed a difference: GI < GII at 5-min before and 1-min after the session; and a decrease in GII between 5-min before and 1 min after the WBV. Several ambulatory electrocardiography (Holter) parameters demonstrated significant differences between both groups and time-points. A single session of WBV at frequencies of 30 and 50 Hz during 15-min by using a vibrating platform that delivered a vortex wave circulation did not induce significant changes in clinical, cardiac, and ambulatory electrocardiographic (Holter) parameters in healthy young and aged dogs.

A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: "Miscellaneous Therapies"

Simple Summary

Complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM) is commonly used in animals. However, there is limited knowledge of how the methods affect the animal. Therefore, this study reviews the scientific literature of 24 different CAVM therapies used in cats, dogs, and horses. Three core bibliographic sources were used. Relevant articles were assessed for scientific quality, and information was extracted on study characteristics, species, type of treatment, indication, and treatment effects. Of 982 unique publications screened, 42 were eligible for inclusion, representing nine different CAVM therapies, which were aromatherapy, gold therapy, homeopathy, leeches (hirudotherapy), mesotherapy, mud, neural therapy, sound (music) therapy, and vibration therapy. For the other 15 predefined therapies, no study was identified. The risk of bias was assessed as high in 17 studies, moderate to high in 10, moderate in 10, low to moderate in four, and low in one study. In those studies where the risk of bias was low to moderate, there was considerable heterogeneity in reported treatment effects. Therefore, the 24 CAVM therapies do not have scientific documentation of sufficient quality to draw clear conclusions regarding their clinical effect.

Abstract

There is an increasing interest in complementary and alternative veterinary medicine (CAVM). There is, however, an uncertainty of the efficacy of these methods. Therefore, the aim of this systematic literature review is to assess the evidence for clinical efficacy of 24 CAVM therapies used in cats, dogs, and horses. A bibliographic search, restricted to studies in cats, dogs, and horses, was performed on Web of Science Core Collection, CABI, and PubMed. Relevant articles were assessed for scientific quality, and information was extracted on study characteristics, species, type of treatment, indication, and treatment effects. Of 982 unique publications screened, 42 were eligible for inclusion, representing nine different CAVM therapies, which were aromatherapy, gold therapy, homeopathy, leeches (hirudotherapy), mesotherapy, mud, neural therapy, sound (music) therapy, and vibration therapy. For 15 predefined therapies, no study was identified. The risk of bias was assessed as high in 17 studies, moderate to high in 10, moderate in 10, low to moderate in four, and low in one study. In those studies where the risk of bias was low to moderate, there was considerable heterogeneity in reported treatment effects. Therefore, the scientific evidence is not strong enough to define the clinical efficacy of the 24 CAVM therapies.

The dog as an exercise science animal model: a review of physiological and hematological effects of exercise conditions

[Purpose]

Exercise is a fundamental way to maintain and improve health and physical fitness. Many human studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of exercise on various biological parameters. However, studies investigating the effects of exercise in dogs are limited. This review summarized the current data from studies that examined the effects of different exercise conditions (treadmill vs. non-treadmill and acute vs. chronic) on physiological and hematological parameters in dogs.

[Methods]

Papers addressing the effects of exercise in dogs published from January 2000 to October 2020 were retrieved from the online databases of Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed and were selected and reviewed.

[Results]

The exercise conditions differentially affected physiological and hematological responses and adaptation in dogs. Therefore, the development and comprehensive evaluation of scientific exercise programs for dogs are necessary.

[Conclusion]

The dog would be a valuable exercise science animal model, and studies aiming at the optimal health, well-being, and quality of life of dogs need to be conducted.

Serum Cortisol and Clinical Response to a Single Session of Whole-Body Vibration in Healthy Adult Dogs

This study evaluated the serum cortisol response to a single session of whole-body vibration (WBV) in healthy adult dogs. Ten healthy adult medium dogs, females and males, aged between 24 and 48 months and with body weight between 10.1 and 17.9 kg were used. A single WBV session at a frequency of 30 Hz for 5 min (3.10 mm peak displacement, 11.16 m/s² peak acceleration, and 0.29 m/s velocity), then 50 Hz for 5 min (3.98 mm peak displacement, 39.75 m/s² peak acceleration, and 0.62 m/s velocity), and finishing with 30 Hz for 5 min (3.10 mm peak displacement, 11.16 m/s² peak acceleration, and 0.29 m/s velocity) was performed. Serum cortisol, heart and respiratory rate, and systolic blood pressure were evaluated at different time points: 1 min before WBV (1PRE) and 1 min (1POST), 60 min (60POST), and 360 min (360POST) after the WBV session. An increase (P = 0.0417) of the serum cortisol values was observed between 1PRE and 1POST and a decrease (P = 0.0417) between 1POST and 60POST and between 60POST and 360POST. However, the values remained within the reference range. The heart and respiratory rate and the systolic blood pressure remained unchanged. Our findings suggest that a single bout of WBV (5 min of 30 and 50 Hz) using a vibrating platform that delivered a vortex wave circulation does not modify the serum cortisol levels and clinical parameters of healthy adult dogs.

Effects of a single session of whole-body vibration exercise on haematological and biochemical parameters, and serum cortisol levels in cats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a single-session of whole-body vibration (WBV) exercise on haematological and serum biochemical parameters and serum cortisol levels in healthy adult cats. Ten healthy neutered crossbred cats, five males and five females, aged 2 to 4 years and weighing 3.25-5.15 kg, were enrolled. All cats were tested in the same period starting at 12:00 a.m. and under same environmental conditions. A 1 h period of acclimatisation and rest was completed prior to the WBV session. During the WBV session, the cat was placed in a standing position on the centre of the vibrating platform. Each cat was exposed to a single WBV session. The protocol was 30 Hz for 5 min, followed by 50 Hz for 5 min and finishing with 30 Hz for 5 min. The peak displacements were 3.10 mm and 3.98 mm and the peak accelerations 55.0 m/s and 195.96 m/s. Complete blood cell count, serum biochemistry (alanine aminotransferase, creatinine, creatine phosphokinase) and serum cortisol were determined at three time-points: before (T0), immediately after (T1), and at 4 h after the end of the WBV session (T2). Immediately after increasing the frequency from 30 to 50 Hz, two cats (20%) tried to sit and showed signs of agitation that ceased after 15 s. No cat tried to jump out. The variables presented no statistically significant differences among the time-points. In conclusion, a 15 min session of WBV exercise at frequencies of 30, 50 and 30 Hz does not cause significant changes in haematological or serum biochemical parameters, nor in serum cortisol levels in healthy adult cats.

Condition of tiny dogs’ homeostasis diagnosed having “spuria polyodontia”

Nowadays special attention must be paid to pathology associated with the violation of the change of milk teeth to permanent of dogs of dwarf breeds. This fact is confirmed by the results of a statistical analysis of appeals from dog owners to specialized dental care at the “Veterinary Hospital”: 33 % of the animals were diagnosed with “false polyodontics” a general increase in the number of teeth due to non-temporal loss. In the literature, it is noted that the hormones of the thyroid and parathyroid glands, sex hormones regulate the exchange of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, thereby affecting the speed of tooth changes and the degree of bone mineralization. As a result of the research, the authors determined the features of hormonal and mineral homeostasis of the body during the period of teeth change in dogs of dwarf breeds at the age of 6 months in the blood serum, characterized by the thyroid gland profile, sex hormones – at the lower reference values, increased phosphorus and calcium levels.

Shoulder Lameness in Dogs: Preliminary Investigation on Ultrasonography, Signalment and Hemato-Biochemical Findings Correlation

Forelimb lameness in medium and large breed dogs is frequently caused by traumatic or degenerative injuries of the shoulder. Patient history, physical examination, x-rays, blood, and chemical work are routinely used to achieve diagnosis, and may be associated with ultrasonography or magnetic resonance imaging. Ultrasonography is increasingly popular in small animal practice due to its low cost, ease of repetition, and the fact that it is non-invasive and can be performed in conscious patients. It is also widely accepted that muscular stress or injuries can induce detectable variations in blood and chemical work. The aim of this preliminary study is to search for correlation between measurements of selected hematobiochemical parameters and ultrasound diagnosis in dogs affected by shoulder injuries. A retrospective study was conducted on orthopedic clinical records of dogs presented to our Veterinary Teaching Hospital for lameness caused by shoulder problems over a period of 5 years. Dogs with both hematobiochemical and ultrasound examinations were selected. Patients were classified into 5 groups according to ultrasound diagnosis: (1) mild/moderate tendinopathy, (2) severe tendinopathy, (3) articular damage, (4) chronic myopathy, and (5) neoplastic injury. Statistical analysis was performed to detect possible correlations between group and hematobiochemical parameters. Forty-four dogs met the inclusion criteria and forty-nine shoulders were diagnosed as injured. Significant differences were found between the age, sex, body weight, neutrophil count, and AST levels. In particular, statistically significant increases were found for neutrophil count and AST concentration in case of ultrasonographically diagnosed severe tendinopathy, articular damage, and neoplastic pathology. Further and wider studies are suggested to determine whether these biomarkers can become a useful diagnostic aid.

Whole-body vibration on leg muscles thermography and femoral resistive index of in adult healthy dogs

This study aimed to assess the influence of WBV exercise on muscles by means of infrared thermography and on resistive index (RI) of the femoral artery. The hypothesis was that WBV exercise protocol will induce increase of the muscle activity detected through skin surface temperature change and decreased of RI with WBV exercise. Ten adult healthy medium dogs, were submitted to WBV session. Thermographic images were taken from regions of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles. Triplex Doppler was used to assess RI of the femoral artery. Exams were performed before and immediately after WBV exercise sessions for five days, and RI of the femoral artery was evaluated 24 h after the last WBV session. There were no statistically significant differences between thermographic temperatures of regions of biceps femoris muscle and vastus lateralis muscle before and immediately after the WBV sessions. Significant differences were observed between the mean RI values before WBV sessions between day 1 and day 3, day 3 and day 5, and before and immediately after session on day 3; between before and immediately after session on day 2, day 3, day 4 and day 5; between before session between day 2 and day 6, day 3 and day 6, day 5 and day 6; and before and immediately after session on day 5. The WBV exercises during five uninterrupted days in adult healthy dogs do not alter significantly the skin temperatures over regions of biceps femoris and vastus lateralis muscles, and increase the femoral RI.

Vibration in mice: A review of comparative effects and use in translational research

Sound pressure waves surround individuals in everyday life and are perceived by animals and humans primarily through sound or vibration. When sound pressure waves traverse through a solid medium, vibration will result. Vibration has long been considered an unwanted variable in animal research and may confound scientific endeavors using animals. Understanding the characteristics of vibration is required to determine whether effects in animals are likely to be therapeutic or result in adverse biological effects. The eighth edition of the "Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals" highlights the importance of considering vibration and its effects on animals in the research setting, but knowledge of the level of vibration for eliciting these effects was unknown. The literature provides information regarding therapeutic use of vibration in humans, but the range of conditions to be of therapeutic benefit is varied and without clarity. Understanding the characteristics of vibration (eg, frequency and magnitude) necessary to cause various effects will ultimately assist in the evaluation of this environmental factor and its role on a number of potential therapeutic regimens for use in humans. This paper will review the principles of vibration, sources within a research setting, comparative physiological effects in various species, and the relative potential use of vibration in the mouse as a translational research model.