Managing wounds located on the distal (lower) limbs of horses is by far one of the most frustrating and time-consuming jobs of an equine practitioner. Aggressive research efforts have explored tactics to minimize the formation of excessive scar tissue and improve both the functional and cosmetic outcomes, while simultaneously controlling costs. However, progress has been slow.

While other veterinarians have been evaluating the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) on soft tissue and joint injuries, Scott McClure, DVM, PhD, Dipl. ACVS, and colleagues from the College of Veterinary Medicine at Iowa State University have been looking at the effects of ESWT on wounds.

"In many species, ESWT has been shown to decrease time to healing of soft tissue injuries," said McClure