Effects of Cryotherapy on Temperature Change in Caudal Thigh Muscles of Dogs.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study reported here was to determine the effect of cryotherapy on the caudal thigh muscles of dogs. We hypothesized that temperature changes would be greatest in superficial tissues and decrease with tissue depth.

STUDY DESIGN

Eight mixed-breed dogs (mean weight 21.2 kg, mean age 3.3 years) were studied. Temperature was measured at the skin surface and at depths of 1.0 and 3.0 cm below the skin using needle thermistor probes that were inserted beneath the site of cold pack application. Treatment consisted of a standard 1.0°C cold pack applied for 20 minutes. Temperature was recorded every minute for the 20 minute cold pack treatment, and for 80 minutes following treatment.

RESULTS

Cutaneous temperatures significantly decreased ( < 0.01), with rapid rewarming of the skin following cold pack removal. Tissue cooling was less profound with increasing tissue depths, but was still significant ( < 0.05). There was no significant difference in muscle temperature between haired and clipped limbs.

CONCLUSION

A single application of a cold pack to the caudal thigh muscles of dogs for 20 minutes resulted in significant temperature reduction at all tissue depths ( < 0.05). This decrease persisted for ∼60 minutes. The presence of hair did not have a significant effect on muscle cooling ( > 0.05).