Services and Fees
EQUINE SHOCKWAVE
Each shockwave treatment is tailored to the individual horse's need. Dr. Johnson consults with your regular veterinarian after he/she has performed a thorough physical exam and soundness evaluation. This examination may be supplemented with additional diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, ultrasound, bone scan, and MRI. It is vitally important that an accurate diagnosis is made before any therapy is begun. After a diagnosis is made, a therapeutic plan is formulated.
The energy level and number of shockwaves that will be most appropriate for the specific injury of the horse is determined and a treatment schedule is mapped out. In addition, a treatment schedule is mapped out. Generally, most horses will receive the most benefit from a series of three treatments spaced at two to three week intervals.
The cost of treatment is based on the number of shockwaves administered. Treatments generally range from 1000 to 1500 shockwaves. Each shockwave is 35 cents, up to 1500 shockwaves. Any shockwaves administered on the same horse over 1500 will be charged at 15 cents per shock. Thus, if multiple sites are to be treated with shockwave therapy, it is most economical to treat all of the affected areas at the same time. For example, the average suspensory ligament injury is treated with 1200 shockwave impulses, which will cost $420.00. If it is indicated to treat one of the other suspensory ligaments and it is done at the same time, the cost for the second suspensory ligament would be $240.00. The average treatment for one anatomical location ranges in price from $350.00 to $525.00, with the occasional treatment costing more. Sedation and trip charges are additional.
**Important Note about comparing prices for shockwave therapy**
If you are comparing prices for shockwave therapy among different veterinary practices, please make sure that you understand what you are paying for. Many practices will quote you a price for “shockwave therapy”. In order to make an accurate comparison, it is essential that you know how many impulses are included in the price that you are quoted. If you make a direct cost per impulse comparison, you will find that Oakhill Shockwave and Veterinary Chiropractic is always competitively priced to other practices and in many cases Oakhill Shockwave provides treatment at a lower per impulse cost.
It is also essential that you understand what type of equipment is being used. Not all shockwave machines are equal! In fact, there are several machines that are being marketed and being used as “shockwave” machines when, in fact, they do not generate a true shockwave, but rather a radial wave. They may be referred to as “unfocussed” shockwave. Those machines have a much lower purchase price and a very low cost of operation and your cost of therapy will accordingly be less than with a true shockwave machine. However, in that the physics are completely different and the effects in the body are completely different, the results are not comparable to true, focused shockwave. Additionally, most insurance companies will cover only true focused shockwave therapy.
A third factor to consider is the operator of the machine. It is essential that the operator have an in-depth knowledge of anatomy and physiology in order for the treatment to be successful. If the shockwave probe is off by five degrees, the target is completely missed. At Oakhill Shockwave and Veterinary Chiropractic, all treatments are performed by Dr. Johnson. In that Dr. Johnson’s practice specializes in shockwave therapy, she maintains contact with shockwave researchers nationwide and is continually expanding her knowledge about the principles and applications of shockwave therapy.
Dr. Johnson strives to administer the most appropriate treatment, with the highest quality equipment while providing excellent value to the horse owner.
SMALL AND EXOTIC ANIMAL SHOCKWAVE
Each shockwave treatment is tailored to the individual animal’s needs. Charges associated with sedation or anesthesia will be additional. Dr. Johnson consults with your regular veterinarian after he or she has performed a thorough physical exam and has completed any additional diagnostic procedures such as x-rays, ultrasound, bone scan, or MRI. It is vitally important that an accurate diagnosis is made before any therapy is begun. After a diagnosis is made, a therapeutic plan is formulated. The number and energy level of shockwaves that is most appropriate for the specific injury or condition of the animal is decided upon, and a treatment schedule is mapped out.
The cost of treatment is based on the number of shockwaves administered and the number of areas treated at one time. Typically, shockwave therapy of one joint will be $350.00 and treatment of any additional joints will be $300.00 per joint. In the case of a wound or lick granuloma, the charges will vary depending on the size of the area treated, but would likely range in cost from $70.00 to $175.00 for a small to medium sized area. Charges associated with sedation or anesthesia will be additional. Each individual case is different and therefore the cost of treatment varies considerably.
Generally, most animals will be treated 1 or 2 times, at a 3 week interval. After the first treatment, the animal will have a re-check at 7-10 days and then a re-check at 3 weeks. The decision regarding a second treatment is made at the 3 week re-check. Booster treatments may be indicated at 6-18 months after the initial treatment.
VETERINARY CHIROPRACTIC
Each chiropractic treatment is tailored to the individual animal’s needs. Dr. Johnson consults with your regular veterinarian after he or she has performed a thorough physical exam and has completed any additional diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and ultrasounds. For horses, the fee for chiropractic evaluation and adjustment is $235.00 plus the ranch call fee, which will be split (if applicable) between all the horses at a given location, to a minimum of $25.00. In some cases which may be particularly challenging or time consuming, there will be an extended fee charged based on the time involved or level of difficulty. In rare cases, a horse may need to be sedated lightly for part or all of the adjustment, and this will incur an additional fee or either $45.00 or $55.00 depending on the type of sedation that is needed. For small animals, the fee for chiropractic evaluation and adjustment is $100.00 plus a house call fee.