FREE SHIPPING over $40
OVER 9000 FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
5% OFF ALL SUBSCRIPTIONS
100% HAPPINESS GUARANTEE
Analyze Diet
0
Home / Equine Research Bank / Animals (Basel) / A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterin...
Animals : an open access journal from MDPI2022; 13(1); 64; doi: 10.3390/ani13010064

A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Electrotherapy.

Abstract: Electrotherapy modalities are currently used in the treatment of animals, but the evidence base supporting their use has not yet been systematically reviewed. Cochrane guidelines, as adapted by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, were followed for this systematic review. A literature search regarding all currently known electrotherapy modalities applied to horses, dogs, and cats was conducted for the years 1980-2020 using three databases: CABI, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection. Of the 5385 references found, 41 articles were included in the review: 13 papers on pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT), 7 on neural electrical muscle stimulation (NEMS), 5 on transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), 4 on static magnets, 3 on interference, 2 each on percutaneous electrical neural stimulation (PENS), bioelectricity, and diathermy, and 1 each on micro-pulsed stimulation, capacitive coupled electrical stimulation, and microwave therapy. The literature per modality was limited in quantity (mean 3.7 papers). Half of the articles were assessed to have a high risk of bias (20 high, 7 moderate, and 14 low). The existing literature used a spectrum of indications and treatment parameters, which makes comparisons and drawing conclusions to support the use of these modalities in clinical practice challenging. The current scientific evidence is not sufficient to support the clinical effects of electrotherapies for any clinical indication in horses, dogs or cats. The selected suggestive results warrant further high-quality research on PEMFT, NEMS, TENS, and PENS.
Get Full Text
Publication Date: 2022-12-23 PubMed ID: 36611674PubMed Central: PMC9817672DOI: 10.3390/ani13010064Google Scholar: Lookup
The Equine Research Bank provides access to a large database of publicly available scientific literature. Inclusion in the Research Bank does not imply endorsement of study methods or findings by Mad Barn.
LinkedInCopy
  • Journal Article
  • Review

Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research systematically reviews the current body of scientific knowledge on complementary and alternative electrotherapy modalities used in veterinary medicine, particularly for sport and companion animals like horses, dogs, and cats. The study concludes that current scientific evidence is not sufficient to endorse the clinical effects of these therapies.

Methodology

  • The researchers followed the Cochrane guidelines, as adapted by the Swedish Agency for Health Technology Assessment and Assessment of Social Services, for conducting a systematic review.
  • A literature search was performed using the CABI, PubMed, and Web of Science Core Collection databases for studies done between the years 1980 to 2020.
  • The search focused on all known electrotherapy modalities applied to horses, dogs, and cats.

Findings

  • Out of 5385 references found, 41 articles were included in the review. These works covered various electrotherapy modalities like pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT), neural electrical muscle stimulation (NEMS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and more.
  • The authors found that the quantity of literature per modality was limited (mean 3.7 papers).
  • Approximately half of the reviewed articles were determined to have a high risk of bias (20 high, 7 moderate, and 14 low). Hence, their influence on the overall conclusions of this review is potentially skewed.
  • The reviewed papers utilized a wide range of indications and treatment parameters, making comparisons and conclusions about the benefits of these modalities in clinical practice challenging.

Conclusion

  • The researchers conclude that current scientific evidence is not sufficient to support the clinical effects of electrotherapies for any clinical indications in horses, dogs, and cats.
  • However, they do mention that selected promising results might justify further high-quality research on PEMFT, NEMS, TENS, and PENS.

Cite This Article

APA
Hyytiäinen HK, Boström A, Asplund K, Bergh A. (2022). A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Electrotherapy. Animals (Basel), 13(1), 64. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani13010064

Publication

Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
ISSN: 2076-2615
NlmUniqueID: 101635614
Country: Switzerland
Language: English
Volume: 13
Issue: 1
PII: 64

Researcher Affiliations

Hyytiäinen, Heli K
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
Boström, Anna
  • Department of Equine and Small Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Helsinki, P.O. Box 57, 00014 Helsinki, Finland.
Asplund, Kjell
  • Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Umeå University, SE 901 87 Umeå, Sweden.
Bergh, Anna
  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, SE 750 07 Uppsala, Sweden.

Grant Funding

  • SLU.ua.2020.4.2-3148. / SLU Future One Health

Conflict of Interest Statement

The authors have no conflict of interest to declare.

References

This article includes 59 references
  1. Robertson V, Ward A, Low J, Reed A. Electrotherapy Explained: Principles and Practice. Elsevier Health Sciences; Amsterdam, The Netherlands: 2006.
  2. Upariputti R, Vijarnsorn M, Niyom S, Boonyong S. Effect of interferential current therapy on ground reaction force in dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A randomized placebo controlled cross-over clinical trial. Thai J. Vet. Med. 2018;48:111–116.
  3. Alvarez LX, McCue J, Lam NK, Askin G, Fox PR. Effect of Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Canine Postoperative Hemilaminectomy: A Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial.. J Am Anim Hosp Assoc 2019 Mar Apr;55(2):83-91.
    doi: 10.5326/JAAHA-MS-6798pubmed: 30776260google scholar: lookup
  4. Ansari M.M, Zama M.M.S, Amarpal, Saxena A.C, Gugjoo M.B. Clinical studies on therapeutic ultrasound and diathermy in dogs with hind quarter weakness. Indian J. Vet. Surg. 2012;33:136–139.
  5. Sharifi D, Kazemi D, Latifi H. Evaluation of tensile strength of the superficial digital flexor tendon in horses subjected to Transcutaneous Electrical Neural Stimulation therapeutic regimen. Am. J. App. Sci. 2009;6:816–819.
    doi: 10.3844/ajassp.2009.816.819google scholar: lookup
  6. Bergenstrahle A, Nielsen B.D. Attitude and behavior of veterinarians surrounding the use of complementary and alternative veterinary medicine in the treatment of equine musculoskeletal pain. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2016;45:87–97.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2016.05.019google scholar: lookup
  7. Meredith K, Bolwell CF, Rogers CW, Gee EK. The use of allied health therapies on competition horses in the North Island of New Zealand.. N Z Vet J 2011 May;59(3):123-7.
    doi: 10.1080/00480169.2011.562861pubmed: 21541885google scholar: lookup
  8. Lange CD, Axiak Flammer S, Gerber V, Kindt D, Koch C. Complementary and alternative medicine for the management of orthopaedic problems in Swiss Warmblood horses.. Vet Med Sci 2017 Aug;3(3):125-133.
    doi: 10.1002/vms3.64pmc: PMC5645843pubmed: 29067209google scholar: lookup
  9. Sohlberg L. Investigation of the Use of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine Methods in Swedish Dogs—A Survey. Master’s Thesis. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Uppsala, Sweden: 2021.
  10. Gilberg K. Investigation of the Use of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine for Horses in Sweden. Master’s Thesis. Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences; Uppsala, Sweden: 2001.
  11. . Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Version 6.2. 2021.
  12. . Utvärdering av Metoder i Hälso- Och Sjukvården Och Insatser I Socialtjänsten: En Metodbok. Statens Beredning för Medicinsk och Social Utvärdering (SBU) 2020.
  13. Collier M.A, Loree R.L, Antosiewicz P.J. Radioisotope uptake in normal equine bone under the influence of a pulsed electromagnetic field. Mod. Vet. Pract. 1985;66:971–974.
  14. Kold SE, Hickman J, Meisen F. Preliminary study of quantitative aspects and the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment on the incorporation of equine cancellous bone grafts.. Equine Vet J 1987 Mar;19(2):120-4.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.1987.tb02603.xpubmed: 3552658google scholar: lookup
  15. Biermann N.M, Rindler N, Buchner H.H.F. The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields on back pain in polo ponies evaluated by pressure algometry and flexion testing—A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2014;34:500–507.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.10.177google scholar: lookup
  16. Kahanovitz N, Arnoczky SP, Hulse D, Shires PK. The effect of postoperative electromagnetic pulsing on canine posterior spinal fusions.. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1984 Apr;9(3):273-9.
    doi: 10.1097/00007632-198404000-00009pubmed: 6729593google scholar: lookup
  17. Enzler MA, Sumner-Smith G, Waelchli-Suter C, Perren SM. Treatment of nonuniting osteotomies with pulsating electromagnetic fields. A controlled animal experiment.. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1984 Jul-Aug;(187):272-6.
    doi: 10.1097/00003086-198407000-00041pubmed: 6744729google scholar: lookup
  18. Skerry TM, Pead MJ, Lanyon LE. Modulation of bone loss during disuse by pulsed electromagnetic fields.. J Orthop Res 1991 Jul;9(4):600-8.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.1100090417pubmed: 2045987google scholar: lookup
  19. Kahanovitz N, Arnoczky SP, Nemzek J, Shores A. The effect of electromagnetic pulsing on posterior lumbar spinal fusions in dogs.. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 1994 Mar 15;19(6):705-9.
    doi: 10.1097/00007632-199403001-00010pubmed: 8009336google scholar: lookup
  20. Inoue N, Ohnishi I, Chen D, Deitz LW, Schwardt JD, Chao EY. Effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on late-phase osteotomy gap healing in a canine tibial model.. J Orthop Res 2002 Sep;20(5):1106-14.
    doi: 10.1016/S0736-0266(02)00031-1pubmed: 12382979google scholar: lookup
  21. Pinna S, Landucci F, Tribuiani A.M, Carli F, Venturini A. The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field in the treatment of osteoarthritis in dogs: Clinical study. Pakistan Vet. J. 2013;33:96–100.
  22. Zidan N, Fenn J, Griffith E, Early PJ, Mariani CL, Muñana KR, Guevar J, Olby NJ. The Effect of Electromagnetic Fields on Post-Operative Pain and Locomotor Recovery in Dogs with Acute, Severe Thoracolumbar Intervertebral Disc Extrusion: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled, Prospective Clinical Trial.. J Neurotrauma 2018 Aug 1;35(15):1726-1736.
    doi: 10.1089/neu.2017.5485pubmed: 29310504google scholar: lookup
  23. Stefani RM, Barbosa S, Tan AR, Setti S, Stoker AM, Ateshian GA, Cadossi R, Vunjak-Novakovic G, Aaron RK, Cook JL, Bulinski JC, Hung CT. Pulsed electromagnetic fields promote repair of focal articular cartilage defects with engineered osteochondral constructs.. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020 May;117(5):1584-1596.
    doi: 10.1002/bit.27287pmc: PMC8845061pubmed: 31985051google scholar: lookup
  24. Crowe MJ, Sun ZP, Battocletti JH, Macias MY, Pintar FA, Maiman DJ. Exposure to pulsed magnetic fields enhances motor recovery in cats after spinal cord injury.. Spine (Phila Pa 1976) 2003 Dec 15;28(24):2660-6.
    doi: 10.1097/01.BRS.0000099385.46102.0Dpubmed: 14673366google scholar: lookup
  25. Bergh A, Nordlöf H, Essén-Gustavsson B. Evaluation of neuromuscular electrical stimulation on fibre characteristics and oxidative capacity in equine skeletal muscles.. Equine Vet J Suppl 2010 Nov;(38):671-5.
    doi: 10.1111/j.2042-3306.2010.00180.xpubmed: 21059079google scholar: lookup
  26. Schils S, Turner T. Functional electrical stimulation for equine epaxial muscle spasms: Retrospective study of 241 clinical cases. Comp. Exerc. Physiol. 2014;10:89–97.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP13031google scholar: lookup
  27. Ravara B, Gobbo V, Carraro U, Gelbmann L, Pribyl J, Schils S. Functional Electrical Stimulation as a Safe and Effective Treatment for Equine Epaxial Muscle Spasms: Clinical Evaluations and Histochemical Morphometry of Mitochondria in Muscle Biopsies.. Eur J Transl Myol 2015 Mar 11;25(2):4910.
    doi: 10.4081/bam.2015.2.109pmc: PMC4749012pubmed: 26913151google scholar: lookup
  28. Schils S, Carraro U, Turner T, Ravara B, Gobbo V, Kern H, Gelbmann L, Pribyl J. Functional Electrical Stimulation for Equine Muscle Hypertonicity: Histological Changes in Mitochondrial Density and Distribution. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2015;35:907–916.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2015.08.013google scholar: lookup
  29. Hernández-Fernández T, Gutiérrez-Cepeda L, López-Sanromán J, Manso-Díaz G, Cediel R. Electromyographic and ultrasonographic evaluation of neuromuscular electrical stimulation training on the equine rectus abdominis muscle. Comp. Exerc. Physiol. 2020;16:87–100.
    doi: 10.3920/CEP190004google scholar: lookup
  30. Pelizzari C, Mazzanti A, Raiser A.G, Lopes S.T.A, Graca D.L, Ramos A.T, Salbego F.Z, Festugatto R, Beckmann D.V, Souza L.B. Neuromuscular electric stimulation in dogs with induced muscle atrophy. Arq. Bras. Med. Vet. Zootec. 2008;60:76–82.
    doi: 10.1590/S0102-09352008000100012google scholar: lookup
  31. Pelizzari C, Raiser A.G, Mazzanti A, Salbego F.Z, Festugatto R, Beckmann D.V, Cunha M.G.M.C.M, da Santos R.P, dos Serafini G.M.C, Marques J. Different times of neuromuscular electrical stimulation medium frequency (kotz) in dogs. Cienc. Rural. 2011;41:1593–1599.
    doi: 10.1590/S0103-84782011005000118google scholar: lookup
  32. Sharifi D, Bakhtiari J, Sarhadi M, Dadmehr B, Tagavi H.R. Comparative use of electromyography in the evaluation of electroacupuncture and transcutaneous electrical neural stimulation (TENS) effect on regeneration of sciatic nerve in dog. Iran J. Vet. Surg. 2007;2:14–23.
  33. Krstić N, Macanović M.L, Prokic B, Mustur D, Stanisavljevic D. Testing the effect of different electrotherapeutic procedures in the treatment of canine ankylosing spondylitis. Acta Veter- 2010;60:585–595.
    doi: 10.2298/AVB1006585Kgoogle scholar: lookup
  34. Srivastava A.K, Saurabh C, Srivastava S, Yadav V.K, Srivastava A. Electromyographic evaluation of sciatic nerve regeneration following transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation in dogs. Indian, J. Vet. Surg. 2011;32:63–64.
  35. Mercado M.C, Garcia Lineiro J.A, Lightowler C.H. Electroanalgesia and ultrasonotherapy relationship in the treatment of inflammatory lesions of Longissimus dorsi muscle in the horse. Rev. Cient. Fac. Cienc. Vet. Univ. Del Zulia. 2002;12:127–132.
  36. Edner A, Lindberg LG, Broström H, Bergh A. Does a magnetic blanket induce changes in muscular blood flow, skin temperature and muscular tension in horses?. Equine Vet J 2015 May;47(3):302-7.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12291pubmed: 24779912google scholar: lookup
  37. Steyn PF, Ramey DW, Kirschvink J, Uhrig J. Effect of a static magnetic field on blood flow to the metacarpus in horses.. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2000 Sep 15;217(6):874-7.
    doi: 10.2460/javma.2000.217.874pubmed: 10997160google scholar: lookup
  38. Rogachefsky RA, Altman RD, Markov MS, Cheung HS. Use of a permanent magnetic field to inhibit the development of canine osteoarthritis.. Bioelectromagnetics 2004 May;25(4):260-70.
    doi: 10.1002/bem.10192pubmed: 15114635google scholar: lookup
  39. Saifzadeh S, Rezazadeh G, Naghadeh B.D, Ajodani M. Enhancement of bone healing by static magnetic field in the dog: Biomechanical study. Iran. J. Vet. Surg. 2006;1:58–64.
  40. Maiti S.K, Sharma A, Kumar N, Gupta O.P, Sharma A.K. Effects of ultrasound and interferential therapies on hindquarter weakness in dogs. Indian J. Anim. Sci. 2007;77:1273–1276.
  41. Roberts VLH, Bailey M, Patel NK. The safety and efficacy of neuromodulation using percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking in 168 horses.. Equine Vet J 2020 Mar;52(2):238-243.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.13174pmc: PMC7317358pubmed: 31461784google scholar: lookup
  42. Roberts VL, Patel NK, Tremaine WH. Neuromodulation using percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal-mediated headshaking: A safe procedure resulting in medium-term remission in five of seven horses.. Equine Vet J 2016 Mar;48(2):201-4.
    doi: 10.1111/evj.12394pubmed: 25475743google scholar: lookup
  43. Maijer A, Gessner A, Trumpatori B, Varhus JD. Bioelectric Dressing Supports Complex Wound Healing in Small Animal Patients.. Top Companion Anim Med 2018 Mar;33(1):21-28.
    doi: 10.1053/j.tcam.2018.02.001pubmed: 29793725google scholar: lookup
  44. Varhus J.D. A Novel Bioelectric Device Enhances Wound Healing: An Equine Case Series. J. Equine Vet. Sci. 2014;34:421–430.
    doi: 10.1016/j.jevs.2013.07.011google scholar: lookup
  45. Zama M, Ansari M, Dimri U, Hoque M, Maiti S, Kinjavdekar P. Effect of therapeutic ultrasound and diathermy on oxidant–antioxidant balance in dogs suffering from hind quarter weakness. J. Appl. Anim. Res. 2013;41:82–86.
    doi: 10.1080/09712119.2012.738217google scholar: lookup
  46. Nedvedova M, Chmelar M, Provaznik I, Zuffova K. Exploring the Therapeutic Effects of Micro-Pulse Stimulation. Proceedings of the APSAC 2018: International Conference on Applied Physics, System Science and Computers; Dubrovnik, Croatia. 26–28 September 2018; pp. 21–27.
  47. Pepper JR, Herbert MA, Anderson JR, Bobechko WP. Effect of capacitive coupled electrical stimulation on regenerate bone.. J Orthop Res 1996 Mar;14(2):296-302.
    doi: 10.1002/jor.1100140219pubmed: 8648509google scholar: lookup
  48. Jull G, Moore AP. Physiotherapy is not a treatment technique.. Musculoskelet Sci Pract 2021 Dec;56:102480.
    doi: 10.1016/j.msksp.2021.102480pmc: PMC8592644pubmed: 34801466google scholar: lookup
  49. Kroeling P, Gross A, Graham N, Burnie SJ, Szeto G, Goldsmith CH, Haines T, Forget M. Electrotherapy for neck pain.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2013 Aug 26;(8):CD004251.
    doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD004251.pub5pubmed: 23979926google scholar: lookup
  50. McClintock SM, Reti IM, Carpenter LL, McDonald WM, Dubin M, Taylor SF, Cook IA, O'Reardon J, Husain MM, Wall C, Krystal AD, Sampson SM, Morales O, Nelson BG, Latoussakis V, George MS, Lisanby SH. Consensus Recommendations for the Clinical Application of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) in the Treatment of Depression.. J Clin Psychiatry 2018 Jan Feb;79(1).
    doi: 10.4088/JCP.16cs10905pmc: PMC5846193pubmed: 28541649google scholar: lookup
  51. Jones S, Man WD, Gao W, Higginson IJ, Wilcock A, Maddocks M. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation for muscle weakness in adults with advanced disease.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2016 Oct 17;10(10):CD009419.
    doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD009419.pub3pmc: PMC6464134pubmed: 27748503google scholar: lookup
  52. Hill K, Cavalheri V, Mathur S, Roig M, Janaudis-Ferreira T, Robles P, Dolmage TE, Goldstein R. Neuromuscular electrostimulation for adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2018 May 29;5(5):CD010821.
    doi: 10.1002/14651858.CD010821.pub2pmc: PMC6494594pubmed: 29845600google scholar: lookup
  53. Carson RG, Buick AR. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation-promoted plasticity of the human brain.. J Physiol 2021 May;599(9):2375-2399.
    doi: 10.1113/JP278298pubmed: 31495924google scholar: lookup
  54. Sluka KA, Walsh D. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation: basic science mechanisms and clinical effectiveness.. J Pain 2003 Apr;4(3):109-21.
    doi: 10.1054/jpai.2003.434pubmed: 14622708google scholar: lookup
  55. Johnson MI, Paley CA, Howe TE, Sluka KA. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for acute pain.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015 Jun 15;2015(6):CD006142.
    pmc: PMC8094447pubmed: 26075732doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd006142.pub3google scholar: lookup
  56. Bedwell C, Dowswell T, Neilson JP, Lavender T. The use of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for pain relief in labour: a review of the evidence.. Midwifery 2011 Oct;27(5):e141-8.
    doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2009.12.004pubmed: 20170995google scholar: lookup
  57. Gibson W, Wand BM, Meads C, Catley MJ, O'Connell NE. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) for chronic pain - an overview of Cochrane Reviews.. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2019 Apr 3;4(4):CD011890.
    pmc: PMC6446021pubmed: 30941745doi: 10.1002/14651858.cd011890.pub3google scholar: lookup
  58. . Alle Behandlinger. Nasjonalt Forskningssenter Innen Komplementær of Alternativ Medisin [(accessed on 14 October 2022)].
  59. . Health Topics A–Z. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health [(accessed on 14 October 2022)].

Citations

This article has been cited 0 times.
Subscribe to our newsletter
Join 99,383 horse owners like you who receive our email updates on horse health and nutrition.