Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 16, 2025
Non-invasive Assessments of Subjective and Objective Recovery Characteristics Following an Exhaustive Jump Protocol
Published on: June 8, 2017
Effects of Cryotherapy on Temperature Change in Caudal Thigh Muscles of Dogs
Krysta Janas1, Darryl Millis1, David Levine2
1Small Animal Clinical Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee, United States.
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 (p < 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 (p < 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 (p < 0.05). This decrease persisted for ∼60 minutes. The presence of hair did not have a significant effect on muscle cooling (p > 0.05).
