Modern pain therapy for a better quality of life
Chronic pain can have a significant impact on a dog’s life. Epidural infiltration in dogs can provide targeted pain relief, improve mobility and increase quality of life in the long term. But what exactly is this therapy and how does it work?
Epidural infiltration is an innovative method for treating such pain. This minimally invasive technique opens up new perspectives in pain therapy and shows how targeted treatments can restore a dog’s mobility and zest for life. In this article, we explain how epidural infiltration works, which cases it is suitable for and how it is used in combination with modern diagnostics such as kinematic movement analysis.
What is an epidural infiltration?
Epidural infiltration is a specific method in which pain-relieving or anti-inflammatory medication is injected directly into the epidural space. This space is located between the spinal canal and the protective layer of the spinal cord. This targeted administration allows pain to be treated directly at its source without the systemic side effects that often occur with orally administered painkillers.
Advantages of epidural infiltration
- Targeted pain therapy: medication acts directly on the affected area.
- Effective for chronic complaints: Especially for back pain, degenerative diseases or neurological problems.
- Minimally invasive technique: Reduces the risk and recovery time compared to surgical procedures.
- Improved quality of life: Rapid pain relief leads to increased mobility and activity.
This technique is often used for dogs with chronic back pain, lameness or other orthopaedic problems and can also be used in combination with other therapies such as physiotherapy or targeted training plans.
The role of kinematic motion analysis
Successful pain therapy begins with precise diagnostics. This is where kinematic movement analysis comes into play. This modern technique uses sensors to analyse a dog’s movement patterns and provides detailed data on gait, load distribution and symmetry.
Why is the kinematic analysis important?
- Recognising invisible problems: Many causes of pain cannot be clearly identified on x-rays or by visual assessment.
- Develop individualised therapies: The analysis helps to create targeted treatment plans that are tailored to the specific needs of the dog.
- Monitor therapy success: Progress can be objectively measured and documented in order to optimally adjust the course of treatment.
The combination of kinematic analysis and epidural infiltration offers a unique opportunity to effectively treat orthopaedic and neurological complaints.
Case study: A dog finds its way back to freedom of movement
A dog was referred to the orthoVET practice with chronic back pain and significant movement restrictions. Previous treatments, including anti-inflammatory medication and physiotherapy, had only shown short-term success. The dog had difficulty getting up, showed altered gait and significant lameness.
After a comprehensive orthopaedic examination and kinematic movement analysis, bilateral foraminal stenosis was diagnosed. These narrowed nerve canals led to severe pain. The initial treatment with Depo-Medrol only brought short-term relief.
The Solution
Epidural infiltration was used to specifically reduce inflammatory processes and relieve the affected nerves. The kinematic analysis helped to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy and to customise the treatment plan. Significant improvements were already evident after the second infiltration: The German shepherd was walking pain-free again and showed an increased zest for life.
Prevention and long-term care: what pet owners should know
Recognising pain at an early stage and treating it in a targeted manner is crucial for a dog’s health and well-being. But prevention is just as important. Regular check-ups, targeted movement analyses and individually tailored therapies can help to prevent chronic complaints.
Tips for pet owners
- Regular check-ups: Early examinations help to recognise potential problems.
- use movement analysis: Preventive analyses can uncover subtle movement disorders.
- targeted treatment plans: work with your vet to ensure the best possible treatment for your dog.
Innovative diagnostics and therapy for a pain-free dog life
The combination of modern diagnostics such as kinematic movement analysis and innovative treatment approaches such as epidural infiltration opens up new possibilities in veterinary medicine. For dog owners, this means more effective treatment and a significant improvement in the quality of life of their four-legged friends.
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