Estimulação elétrica neuromuscular em cães com atrofia muscular crônica pós-procedimento cirúrgico ortopédico: relato de caso

Abstract

Dogs undergoing temporary limb immobilization to restore the surgical wound after orthopedic procedures may develop muscle atrophy. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) has been used as a formo f rehabilitation in these cases. Studies show that after induced muscle atrophy, the application of this physical therapy modality has resulted in strength gain and muscle hypertrophy. The objective of this study is to report two cases of dogs that developed chronic muscular atrophy after orthopedic surgery in the pelvic limb, which were submitted to NMES and evaluated by means of ultrasound (US). Measurement with a tape measure and assessment of claudication degrees were also used to monitor the patients’ evolution. In both cases there was development of muscle hypertrophy, as well as increased strength of the stimulated limb. It i salso highlighted the importance of implementing physical therapy in veterinary patients right after orthopedic procedures for better morphological and functional results.