Thoracolumbar Disease, Pain or Injury – Chronic

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), back pain, blown disc, hemilaminectomy, pain from spondylosis, pain from kyphosis, pain from scoliosis, neuropathy, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, degenerative spinal changes, osteoarthritis, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE).
  1. A small or large Assisi Loop can be used to treat the thoracolumbar (middle of the back) area in the pet depending on the size of the pet.  Dachshund- and Chihuahua-sized pets can use a small Assisi Loops.  Large-breed dogs need the larger Loop.  Positioning is extremely important for optimal effect.
  2. Position the pet lying down either flat on the ground or up on their elbows.
  3. The thoracolumbar area can be felt by feeling the end of the ribs, following them up to the thoracolumbar junction and placing the center of the large Loop at that point.  See Pictures
  4. The Loop can also be placed around the patient if the size of the patient and the size of the Assisi Loop are appropriate for this positioning to be utilized.  This type of positioning allows the largest area of the spine to be treated and should be utilized if possible.  To place the Loop around the thoracolumbar area of the pet, it is usually easier to place the Assisi Loop around the rear feet and slide it up over the hips, making sure the tail goes through the Loop as it is being slid up the rear limbs.  The Assisi Loop is slid to the area where the end of the ribs is felt along the back.  See Pictures
  5. CAUTION:  Do not force the pet’s shoulders, haunches, or torso through the coil.  If they do not slip easily through the coil, place the coil flat against, over, or under animal’s torso, as shown in the related images.  Forcing the animal through the coil can be traumatic to the pet and may overly stress the connection of the coil to the circuit board inside the Loop case.
  6. If the pet will not lie down, an Assisi LOOP-AID can be used.  Attach the Assisi Loop with two Velcro straps to maintain the Loop position with the center of the Assisi Loop over the thoracolumbar joint.  See Pictures
  7. The signal generator can be positioned to help balance and stabilize the unit during treatment.
  8. The signal generator should be located in view of the person treating the pet.
  9. Do not leave the pet unattended when using this placement as small movements can change the positioning of the Loop and the area being treated.
  10. Turn the unit on by pressing the button on the front of the white rubberized signal generator; green lights will illuminate about once per second.
  11. Keep the unit in place for the full 15 minutes until the unit shuts off.
  12. Use the Assisi Loop 4 times daily, if possible, for 10 days or until there is improved mobility and pain is greatly decreased or eliminated.  Use of the Loop can be tapered down to 1-2 times daily as the condition improves. Long-term chronic conditions may require as much as 3-6 weeks before tapering would be appropriate.  If symptoms resolve and regular use of the Assisi Loop ceases, use the Assisi Loop as needed if pain starts to recur.  If there is an acute thoracolumbar injury where chronic disease is present, follow the steps in “Thoracolumbar Pain or Injury – Acute” until all pain is resolved.
  13. There should be a minimum of 2 hours between treatments for optimal nitric oxide enhancement.
  14. If Prednisone is administered and tapered, the Assisi Loop can be tapered after the Prednisone is discontinued.
  15. Thoracolumbar disease can be a lifelong condition where significant activity creates inflammation.  Many patients benefit significantly from having once-daily treatments after the clinical signs have resolved to prevent recurrences.
  16. For those treating osteoarthritis in multiple parts of the body: The Loop is only guaranteed to last the minimum 150 treatments if it is not used more frequently than once every 2 hours: If you are treating OA in multiple parts of the body, you will need to treat EACH AREA at least twice per day. We recommend:
    • Using more than one Loop so you can treat multiple areas during the same 15 minute period
    • Use the same Loop for multiple areas, waiting 2 hours between treatments
    • Use the Loop more frequently than every 2 hours, knowing that the battery may last for significantly fewer treatments and negate the warranty

 

Pet Owner Responsibility. A panel of licensed, experienced veterinarians has developed this Guide.  Pet owners should use this protocol only to treat a condition listed above and as directed by a qualified veterinary clinician.  Other protocols in this Guide should be used only as directed by a qualified veterinary clinician.

Important: Before starting treatment, please consult product label for optimal product use and safety guidelines. To learn more about the technology, visit our website.

Battery Life: When the lights are blinking 2-3 times per second, the battery is running low and a new Assisi Loop should be purchased. There should be a minimum of 2 hours between treatments for optimal battery efficiency.

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