What Veterinarians Have to Say:

UNDERSTANDING MAGNETIC THERAPY FOR DOGS

By Shawn Messonnier, DVM

In recent years, therapy for dogs using magnets has gained a large following among some pet owners. It is seen as a safe and simple method of treating various disorders, often producing positive results without side effects or much expense. This type of treatment is often used in conjunction or to replace other therapies include traditional medications, surgery, and of course complementary therapies such as acupuncture and herbs. You might ask, does this treatment method really work, and if so, can my dog benefit from magnetic field therapy?

At first glance magnetic therapy might seem a bit strange or new age, but it is by no means ‘quackish’. Keep in mind that the Earth has a normal magnetic field and the cells in our bodies also have a normal magnetic field that allows for proper functioning. In numerous NASA experiments it was determined that rats in space that were not provided with a suitable magnetic field perish due to a disrupted energy flow. NASA scientists have also noted that astronaut’s experience similar calcium deficiencies after long-term space flights. Some doctors attribute many illnesses to the decline over the centuries in the Earths normal magnetic field.

So how does magnetic therapy work? It is generally believed that magnets work by means of magnetic lines of force; units called Gauss measure the strength of the magnetic field. The higher the Gauss number the stronger the magnet (a 1000 Gauss magnet is ten times stronger than a 100 Gauss magnet)

Magnets can be used either as permanent magnets, also called static magnets or as pulsed electromagnetic field magnets (PEMF). Static magnets come in bars, beads, or strips. These are somewhat similar to the magnets on your refrigerator. PEMF use a pulsing current that flows through a wire coil to create a magnetic field around the wire: the greater the amount of current flow, and the greater the number of turns of the wire, the greater the magnetic field that forms. In people the Food and Drug Administration approve PEMF for treating various types of non-union fractures (fractures that have failed to heal). Other uses include treatment of hip disorders, osteoarthritis, and rotator cuff injuries. Even more promising news is that no toxic effects have been reported using magnetic therapy.

Magnets appear to heal the body removing inflammation and restoring circulation. By increasing blood flow to a diseased site on the body, increased nutrients become available to speed the healing process. In fracture healing, for example, the use of magnetic fields increases the adherence of calcium ions to the blood clot formed at the site of the break. This allows for the proper formation of the callus that is necessary for fractures to heal properly.

In canine medicine, magnets are often used to aid in fracture healing and in the treatment of many other ailments including arthritis, hip dysplasia, osteochondritis, epilepsy, pain relief, chronic organ disorders and vertebral disorders. Sprains and strains and other traumatic disorders may also benefit from magnetic therapy. Magnets should not be used in acute infectious conditions, on cancerous growths (although some doctors do find them useful in treating cancerous tumurs), in acute injuries, pregnant animals, or in dogs with cardiac pacemakers.

If your best four-legged friend is suffering from chronic pain, there is a solution. Check out magnetic therapy for pets and see if this all natural approach brings the desired relief to your companion.

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Veterinary Application of Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy

by Dr. D. C. Laycock, Ph.D. (Med. Eng.); MIPEM; B.Ed. (Hons.)(Phys. Sciences); MBES:
CGLI (Ind. Electronics); Consultant Clinical Engineer, Westville Associates and Consultants (UK)
and M. Laycock: B.A. (Sciences); P.G.C.E.; Research Co-ordinator

Research into Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy
Although the therapeutic use of pulsed magnetic fields has long been in existence, understanding of its mode of action has been poorly understood. As early as 1940, Nagelshmidt proposed that its action was at the cellular level and this has now been supported by research. It has been shown that damaged cells have a reduced negative charge, with subsequent effect on the flow of ions. This causes a build-up of fluid and prevents the normal cellular metabolism from taking place. Research by Bauer and more recently by Sansaverino (1980), confirmed that pulsed electromagnetic fields can restore the ionic balance and return the cell to its normal functions. . .

Initially, pulsed magnetic fields were applied mainly to fractures, where it was shown that they could bring about a reduction in the time needed for resolution of the fractures. It has been shown that under the influence of a pulsed magnetic field, osteoblasts are attracted to treatment sites, where small eddy currents are then induced into trace elements of ferro-magnetic material within the bone. Also, work by Madronero has shown that calcium salts are purified, hence bone crystals become stronger. More recently, research by Bassett has been investigating the wider applications of pulsed magnetic fields in the area of orthopaedics.  Bassett also foresaw the extension of pulsed magnetic field therapy to other areas of medicine. This has now taken place, with an increase in scientific research and clinical trials in the UK, and throughout Europe, Russia and the USA.

The range of applications has covered:
Treatment of vascular disorders (Steinberg 1964)
Reduction of inflammation and edema (Golden et al 1980)
Enhancement of the rate of healing in skin grafts (Golden et al 1981)
Reduction of pain (Warnke 1983)
Treatment of neuropathy (Lau)
Nerve regeneration (Hayne)
Reduction in symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis (Guseo 1987)

The role of Pulsed Magnetic Field therapy in veterinary practice
Initially, pulsed magnetic field therapy was used primarily in treating horses for resolution of back and leg injuries. This was followed by widespread use with greyhounds, since these incur frequent sprains, ligament injuries and fractures, all of which respond well to pulsed magnetic field therapy. It is now used with other animals for similar injuries and has also been used to improve metabolism. The range of animals treated is wide - from elephants to buzzards! Pulsed magnetic field therapy has been found to be particularly effective in treating leg and wing fractures of small birds, as they often are difficult to splint and, in the worst cases, difficult to pin because of splintering of small bones. These injuries show a good response given daily treatment with pulsed magnetic field therapy. . . .

German shepherd dogs are noted for suffering symptoms which resemble those of Multiple Sclerosis. In the UK, some success has been achieved by treating these symptoms with pulsed magnetic field therapy. There is also evidence from research that nerve regeneration has been achieved under the influence of pulsed magnetic fields. . . .

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Magnetic Therapy in Veterinary Practice

Steve Marsden, DVM AND MSOM, LAc DiplCH AHG

What is magnetic therapy?
Magnetic therapy, more accurately termed magnetic field therapy, is the use of magnetic fields, generated by either permanent magnets or pulsed electromagnetic fields, for treatment of medical conditions. Magnets used for treatment purposes come in many different sizes and strengths, and duration of treatment varies with the type of magnet and condition being treated. Permanent magnets come in strips, bars, and beads, and are often taped or glued to specific areas of the body for prolonged periods of time. With pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, defined pulses of electromagnetic energy are delivered to the affected area in a series of treatments that each last up to an hour.

What is the history of magnetic therapy in veterinary medicine?
The use of magnets as a medical treatment was documented in China in 2000BC, and references to its use can be found in the early cultures of India, Egypt and Greece. Magnetic medicine continued to be explored through the ages, and the recognition of the presence of ions in cellular tissues and fluids provided a possible scientific explanation for the action of magnetic fields on living organisms. Magnetic therapy fell out of favor in the early twentieth century, as medical research became focused on drug-based therapies and biochemistry.

In recent decades, permanent magnets have begun to be used widely in Japan, while in Germany low frequency PEMF therapy has become a popular form of treatment in both humans and animals. With technologic advances, equipment is becoming smaller, lighter, and less costly, making its application to a wider range of species more practical.

On which species of animals is magnetic therapy practiced regularly?
Magnetic field therapy has been used for clinical treatment of horses for several decades. Since the size of the patient determines the size of the magnetic field needed for tissue penetration, the original PEMF equipment was inappropriate for use in small animals. Improvements in technology have resulted in a relatively recent expansion into small animal and ruminant practice.

Who practices veterinary magnetic therapy and do I need a referral?
Permanent magnets can be purchased by the layperson in the form of magnetic strips, beads, wraps, harnesses and pet beds. Some specialized magnetic devices are only available through veterinary practitioners, including leg wraps, boots, and blankets. Permanent magnets can be difficult to keep in place on animals. PEMF equipment is only available by prescription and can be administered by a veterinarian or by a trained therapist under the direct supervision of a veterinarian in accordance with state or provincial veterinary acts. In some circumstances, referral may be required. Horses have been treated with magnetic field therapy for many decades. Magnets are applied to a specific area of the body for prolonged periods of time.

What conditions are most often treated with magnetic therapy?
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved the use of PEMF in the treatment of non-union fractures. As a form of treatment, magnetic therapy is most often used to enhance healing from injuries and wounds or to treat chronic conditions such as tendonitis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, vertebral disease, and lameness caused by other musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions.

How can my pet benefit from magnetic therapy?
Magnetic field therapy is a non-invasive form of treatment that can be an effective form of pain relief in chronic degenerative conditions, which can speed the patient’s recovery from traumatic injuries.

How successful is magnetic therapy?
Anecdotally, many subjects attest to the use of permanent magnets as a form of therapy for both acute and chronic conditions, but few double blind studies have demonstrated its benefits. Response to the use of permanent magnets seems highly variable, with many patients showing little or no improvement. A small number of patients are dramatically benefited and a very small number of patients may be briefly worse following therapy. The low cost of permanent magnets makes them worthy of consideration as an adjunct therapy in the management of musculoskeletal disorders. PEMF therapy has been the subject of much more research, and has proven effective in enhancing nerve regeneration, bone repair, and wound healing.

How safe is magnetic therapy?
As a whole, magnetic therapy is free from side effects. With prolonged wearing of permanent magnets, patients can become adapted to the magnets, which will then lose their effectiveness. Some practitioners feel that if bar magnets are applied incorrectly, with the south pole touching the patient, the treatment effects will be negative. Magnetic therapy should not be performed on fresh injuries, in pregnant patients, or on patients using pacemakers. Caution should be used in the treatment of cancer or in the presence of infection.

What is the cost of magnetic therapy?
Permanent magnets are inexpensive, although the cost will vary depending with their size and configuration. PEMF equipment is relatively expensive, and treatment costs will reflect both the cost of equipment and the practitioner’s time and expertise. Magnetic therapy is most often used for conditions of the musculoskeletal and neurologic systems.

Can magnetic therapy be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?
Magnetic therapy can be integrated with traditional treatments or with some alternative veterinary medical treatments. The use of magnets in conjunction with acupuncture treatments is gaining favor with some practitioners. If you are using permanent magnets on your pet, or he or she is receiving magnetic field therapy from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences.

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THE HEALING ARTS: Animal Magnetism

By Allen M Schoen, DVM, M.S.

The most recent review of magnetic therapy for animals is by D Hudson in the textbook “ Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine, Principles and practice.” Magnets are thought to work by means of magnetic lines of force, measured and quantified in units called Gauss.

The main indications for magnet therapy seem to be muscluloskeletal problems such as Arthritis in joints such as elbows, knees and as well as with back problems and hip dyplasia. I have a few clients who have used magnetic blankets for their old Arthritis dogs and claim that it has made a big difference in their pain relief and energy levels and their ease of getting up and down and walking better. Many of my horse patients have definitely improved with magnets on their backs and around tendons. They can be used in horses for tendon and ligament injuries.

The challenge with animals is how to keep the magnets on when they are always moving around. Manufacturers have developed  magnetic beds that the dog or cat can lie on. Magnetic rugs have been developed to wrap around horses these seem to work quite well. They have also made magnetic strips that you wrap around a particular joint. This works well in horses. For our smaller animal companions the magnetic beds or blankets are probably the best.

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Evaluation of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field on wound healing, clinicopathologic variables, and central nervous system activity of dogs.

Scardino M, etal. College of Vet Medicine, Auburn University, Am. J. Vet. Res.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate effects of treatment with a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) on healing of open and sutured wounds, clinicopathologic variables, and CNS activity of dogs. ANIMALS: 12 adult female Beagles. PROCEDURE: Open and sutured wounds were created in the skin of the trunk of the dogs. Dogs were divided into 2 groups. One group received PEMF treatment and 1 group served as untreated (control) dogs. The PEMF-treated dogs received treatment twice a day starting the day before surgery and lasting through day 21 after surgery. Wounds were evaluated by use of tensiometry, planimetry, laser Doppler perfusion imaging, and histologic examination. Clinicopathologic variables and electroencephalographic tracings were also evaluated. RESULTS: Use of PEMF treatment resulted in significantly enhanced epithelialization of open wounds 10 and 15 days after surgery. Five days after surgery, wounds of control dogs had a negative value for wound contraction, whereas PEMF-treated wounds had a positive value. The PEMF treatment did not cause significant changes in short-term planimetric, perfusion, tensiometric, histologic, clinicopathologic, or electroencephalographic results. CONCLUSIONS: The PEMF treatment enhanced wound epithelialization in open cutaneous wounds and provided indications of early contraction without significant short-term changes in other variables.

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Horse’s broken leg treated with PEMF Therapy

"Diamond Night" better known as The Black Stallion broke his leg in several places and most veterinarians would have put him to sleep. Dr. Bullock, saved his life with a daring surgery and used Pulsating Electro Magnetic Field Therapy which completely healed his leg in record time. When a horse breaks a leg, the usual treatment is termination. But when that horse is a well trained movie star, a few more doors are open. Diamond Night, one of three horses who played the title role in the film The Black Stallion, was given new life through the fast action of his trainer, Corky Randall and Dr. James E. Bullock. This five-year-old Arabian stallion was training on Tuesday, June 29 for an upcoming movie. According to trainers, he went up into the air and came down again, losing his footing and continuing to fall onto his right shoulder. They heard a loud crack resembling a rifle shot. When Diamond Night stood up his left front leg was dangling. The Black stallion's trainer immediately called his veterinarian Bullock's veterinary hospital in Newhall, CA. "When I arrived, he (Diamond Night) was standing in a round pen where he had been training," said Dr. Bullock. "X-rays revealed that the leg was shattered at the distal section - a transverse fracture at the distal aspect and numerous pieces at the proximal aspect. The ulna was broken - a transverse fracture through the ulna." After examining the x-rays, Dr. Bullock decided to go ahead and do the surgery. "We knew a bone plate wouldn't work," he said. "The horse had not made any type of the compound fracture through the skin, so we still had a chance as far as infection goes. We stabilized the horse and put a temporary support splint and cast on him and spun the horse up so that he wouldn't put any weight on the leg." This particular spot couldn't be cast because the fracture was about three inches below the elbow, explained Dr. Bullock. He said in order to cast it, one would have to place a joint below the fracture. In this case, he said it would merely act as a fulcrum and that different breaks would usually occur after that. "This is why this type of fracture is rarely attempted," he said. "Also, most horses will not tolerate a sling. Diamond Night is an extremely intelligent horse and did very well in a sling. He used it to rest in and when he was not tired, he stood. We anticipated he would be in a sling for a minimum of six weeks." Dr. Bullock spent all Tuesday night with the owner of a machine shop trying to design the type of apparatus they would need to accomplish the surgery. Assembly of the equipment started at 7:30 Wednesday morning and at 3 o'clock that afternoon, surgery began. The stallion was down for 5 1/2 hours plus a recovery of 2 1/2 hours. "We applied a Kirschner apparatus to the radius to stabilize the fracture," he said. "This may have been done before, but it hadn't been published, so we didn't have a lot to go on." "For the first two days he had the support cast. After that, we just left it open." On Friday, Dr. Bullock started the PEMF therapy. He explained that Diamond Night got two, 30 minute sessions per day. He slid a coil up over the fracture. The magnetic field surrounding the fracture is increased, along with circulation and oxygenation. "PEMF therapy increases oxygenation of the tissue and increases ionic exchange of the bone which potentiates healing." said Dr. Bullock. "The horse has no feeling or sensation of the therapy. But the pain goes away and the fracture can heal. PEMF therapy reduced the time the horse had to spend in a sling." Arrangements were also made with a certified welder to develop a walker for Diamond Night. Dr. Bullock said they walked him while he was still in a sling to prevent problems occurring with the other legs and muscles and subsequent pneumonia. As of July 22nd, X-rays showed the bones healing and that Diamond Night was doing very well.

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