There are a few brands that come up ranging from $2,000 - $17,000 when I search online.
Do you have your own? What brand? What are your likes and dislikes about the model you have?
I was JUST thinking this the other day- with the amount of money my barn spends on shockwaving per year! But of course, it would be more effective with a vet who knows exactly where needs to be shockwaved. Anyway, no help here, but I am curious to know if anyone has their own!
Not all shockwave machines are created equal. Any that you are finding online for less than $20,000 are probably not very good machines for equine use.
The method of creating the shockwave, depth of penetration, and desired area to be treated all have to be considered.
Not to mention the actual medical training needed to help, rather than harm, while using it. It’s not like it’s a massage or chiropractic application…
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And the fact that typically the horses are sedated first, because it’s not very comfortable…
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I have never witnessed a horse that had to be sedated for shockwave. Most actually seem to enjoy it depending on what part is being treated.
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The sound alone means a lot of the sensitive souls are happier sedated, but probably nothing a little dorm gel couldn’t handle for most horses (especially once they get used to it, and especially if you’re doing it further away from the head (i.e., poll versus hindlimbs, for instance).
There are definitely a few different classes of Shockwave machines - the ones you might be seeing online are generally the equivalent of what you’d find at a human physio - they’re usually noiseless and don’t hurt when administered, and are less expensive and less effective.
Then there are the veterinary level shockwaves, which make the loud snapping noise and can/do hurt when administered - I’ve seen some stoic equines who don’t need sedation for shockwave at the clinic but a lot of them do. These machines have different probes for different applications, and you have to send the probes away to get recharged once their predetermined number of loaded shocks wear out… hence the increased expense (to buy and maintain the machine, and why it’s so expensive on your vet bill!). It has been a while since I had to ship one off but I think you got in the range of 35000 shocks per probe and the probe was around $5k CAD to reload. https://pulsevet.com/ is an example of a veterinary ESWT provider.
It’s kind of like the catch-all of “laser therapy” - you’ve got your lasers that you’d see at your neighbourhood human physio or buy online for home/barn use that are less expensive and aren’t as effective as the Class IV type lasers your vet might have.
At any rate, to answer the OP’s question, I do know folks that have their own shockwave, purchased online, but they use it on themselves (runners…we will try anything). Your vet might have some guidance as to the efficacy of these types of machines vs. what you’re getting from the vet clinic.
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Reviving this as I have the same question and things can change in a year. Anyone else care to chime in on an “in barn” shockwave ? Have one? Think its helpful? Which one do you have?
It’s so bizarre to me that people will go shockwave their own horse, with no medical training. You can go eat more damage, than you can do good with one. I have a friend who bought one….caused a lot of issues.
