Shockwave Therapy for Dogs & Cats | LAIKA Vet

Advanced Therapies at LAIKA Vet

Shockwave therapy for the patients medication can't reach.

Targeted, non-invasive sound-wave treatment for chronic pain, arthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, and slow-healing conditions in dogs and cats.

Delivered personally by Dr. Popov, DVM

Book a consultation → How it works

The therapy

Sound waves, not surgery.

1–3

treatments, spaced two to three weeks apart, for most conditions. Pain relief typically lasts six to twelve months.

Despite the name, shockwave therapy isn't electrical. It uses focused, high-energy acoustic waves to penetrate deep into tissue, where they reduce inflammation, increase blood flow, and trigger the body's natural healing response.

It's been used in human and equine medicine for decades, and the canine and feline evidence base is now solid for osteoarthritis, tendon and ligament injuries, delayed bone healing, and chronic pain conditions.

At LAIKA, I use a modern system that most pets tolerate without sedation. Each session takes five to ten minutes per area, and you're welcome to stay with your pet throughout.

What it treats

Conditions that respond well.

Shockwave is most effective for chronic, soft-tissue, and bony conditions where conventional medicine has plateaued. The most common reasons I use it:

Osteoarthritis

Hips, elbows, stifles, lumbosacral spine. Often comparable to NSAIDs in effect, without the side effects.

Tendon & ligament injuries

Iliopsoas strains, supraspinatus and biceps tendinopathies, Achilles injuries.

Hip & elbow dysplasia

Pain management and mobility support, particularly in young or surgical-candidate dogs.

Chronic back pain

Lumbosacral pain, spondylosis-related discomfort, and post-IVDD residual pain.

Delayed bone healing

Slow-healing fractures and post-surgical sites, including delayed unions after TPLO.

Non-healing wounds

Chronic wounds and lick granulomas that haven't responded to conventional care.

Trigger points & muscle pain

Chronic myofascial pain and compensatory muscle tension.

Post-surgical recovery

Used adjunctively to speed healing and reduce inflammation after orthopedic surgery.

The visit

What to expect, start to finish.

Assessment

I'll do a focused exam to confirm shockwave is the right tool for your pet's condition, and map out the treatment plan with you.

ii.

Preparation

I may need to shave a small area of fur over the treatment site and apply ultrasound gel to transmit the sound waves cleanly.

iii.

Treatment

Five to ten minutes per area. Most pets relax with treats and your presence; I'll use calming oral support if your pet needs it.

iv.

Follow-up

Most protocols involve two to three sessions, two to three weeks apart. Many owners notice improvement within one to two weeks.

Investment

Honest pricing, no surprises.

All shockwave appointments include a focused assessment and a treatment plan tailored to your pet. Pet insurance often covers shockwave when prescribed for a diagnosed condition; I'll provide all the documentation you'll need.

New Client Intro Offer

First shockwave session for new patients. Includes assessment and full treatment.

$199

Standard Single Session

A complete shockwave session including focused exam and treatment of one area.

$275

3-Session PackageMost common

The typical full protocol for chronic conditions like osteoarthritis or tendinopathy.

$750save $75

Add-on Rate

Reduced pricing when shockwave is added to an existing rehab, acupuncture, or chiropractic visit on the same day.

$175

Additional Joint or Region

When more than one area is treated in the same visit.

$125

Shockwave + Acupuncture Combo

Same-visit pairing of two complementary modalities for chronic pain.

$375save $50

The intro offer applies to a single first session for new shockwave patients only. Package pricing is available when the three-session protocol is committed to upfront. Multi-pet households and patients on long-term integrative care plans may qualify for additional pricing — just ask.

Common questions

What pet parents usually ask.

Will my pet need sedation?

Most pets don't. The system I use is designed to be tolerable without sedation, supported by treats, calming oral support if needed, and your presence to keep your pet comfortable. If your pet is particularly anxious or sensitive, I'll discuss sedation options with you before treatment.

Is it painful?

Pets typically feel a tapping or pulsing sensation. Modern shockwave is meaningfully more comfortable than older systems, which often required full sedation. I monitor your pet closely throughout each session and adjust intensity as needed.

How soon will I see results?

Some pets show improvement within days; others respond more gradually over the full treatment series. Most owners notice meaningful change within one to two weeks. Pain relief from a complete protocol typically lasts six to twelve months, with some chronic patients benefitting from semi-annual maintenance.

Is it covered by pet insurance?

Many pet insurance plans cover shockwave therapy when it's prescribed for a diagnosed condition. I'll provide all the documentation you'll need for reimbursement; check with your insurer for specifics on your plan.

Are there pets who shouldn't have shockwave?

Shockwave is not appropriate over open growth plates in young animals, over tumors, near major nerves or blood vessels, or for pets with bleeding disorders. Pregnant animals are also not candidates. I'll assess candidacy carefully before any treatment.

How does it compare to laser therapy?

Laser uses light energy and works best for superficial conditions; it typically requires ten to fifteen sessions for a given injury. Shockwave uses sound energy, penetrates much deeper, and usually requires only one to three treatments. The two are often used together — they work through different mechanisms and complement each other well.

Why does LAIKA pair shockwave with other treatments?

Shockwave addresses tissue-level healing, but most chronic conditions involve multiple systems — pain pathways, muscle compensation, joint mechanics, and overall mobility. Pairing shockwave with rehabilitation exercise, acupuncture, photobiomodulation, or chiropractic work tends to produce more durable results than any single modality alone. I'll build the combination that fits your pet.

Get started

Wondering if shockwave is right for your pet?

Reach out for a consultation. I'll review your pet's history, assess candidacy, and walk you through what a treatment plan would look like — no pressure, no obligation.

Call to schedule→ Email us