Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for pain control in dogs with hip osteoarthritis: A randomized clinical study

Canine hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a common orthopedic disorder that leads to chronic pain, reduced mobility, and impaired quality of life. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been proposed as a non-invasive adjunct for managing musculoskeletal pain, but clinical evidence in dogs remains limited. This randomized clinical trial evaluated PEMF as a standalone analgesic intervention in dogs with radiographically confirmed OA. Twenty client-owned dogs were randomly assigned to receive either active PEMF treatment (50 Hz, 40 Gauss, 30 min/session, twice weekly for 5 weeks; PEMF group, n = 10) or no intervention (Control group, n = 10). Pain was assessed using pressure algometry and two validated instruments: the Helsinki Chronic Pain Index and the Canine Brief Pain Inventory (CBPI). Goniometry and thigh circumference measurements were evaluated. Dogs in the PEMF group exhibited significant pain reduction from the first session, with CBPI scores improving markedly between sessions 1 and 10 (P = 0.01) and Helsinki scores showing similar progress (P = 0.05). In contrast, no significant differences in joint range of motion or thigh circumference were detected between groups throughout the study (P > 0.05). These findings suggest that PEMF therapy is a safe, non-invasive, and effective approach to alleviate chronic pain in dogs with hip OA, representing a potential complement or alternative to long-term pharmacotherapy.