As our dogs age, they all get aches and pains. Many of them suffer from some form of arthritis or joint disease. Some have lingering pains from performance or work. NSAIDs (Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have always been the norm for pain-relief.
Assisi Animal Health just announced at the North American Veterinary Conference in Boston, Massachusetts, that their Assisi Loop 2.0 will change everything when it comes to pain treatment. The Assisi Loop 2.0 is the first expansion of its PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) product line. In coining the term NPAID (Non-Pharmaceutical Anti-Inflammatory Device), the company is calling attention to this class of treatment as an emerging part of the standard of care in treating pain and inflammation in animals.
For the veterinary community and pet owners, an effective NPAID can be a powerful adjunct or alternative therapy to NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) and the other drugs normally used in treating these conditions.
“For years, the veterinary community has relied on NSAIDs as the standard of care for managing pain and inflammation in animals,” said Frank Russo, Chief Operating Officer of Assisi Animal Health. “While generally effective, NSAIDs and other anti-inflammatory medications often carry a number of adverse side effects. Some are quite serious, especially when used long term and in large doses. Such side effects often include gastrointestinal ulcers/perforations, and liver and kidney toxicity. A well-targeted NPAID can offer an effective complement to drugs for either in-office or at-home therapy.”
Within this new class of treatment, some NPAIDs are scientifically proven to help alleviate pain and inflammation in humans and in animals without the undesirable side effects of pharmaceuticals, especially when administered over long periods of time.
Assisi sees the establishment of NPAIDs as a new class of treatment as the next logical progression in veterinary care. “It occurred to Assisi that there is a demonstrated need for more effective non-pharmaceutical treatments for inflammatory disorders,” said John Wilkerson, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of Assisi Animal Health. “NPAIDs now stand as a class of treatment at the same level as NSAIDs, steroids and opioids to better manage pain and provide optimal care for animals.”
How It Works
The Assisi Loop, which employs a patented and FDA-cleared PEMF waveform, falls within this treatment class. The Loop’s targeted PEMF signal reduces pain and inflammation by enhancing the production of nitric oxide in injured and inflamed human and animal tissue.
What does this do?
According to the company, “By emitting bursts of microcurrent electricity, the Assisi Loop creates a field which evenly penetrates both soft and hard body tissue around the target area. This electromagnetic field causes a chemical cascade, which activates the Nitric Oxide cycle. Nitric Oxide is a key molecule in healing for humans and animals. The compound is released when we exercise, and when we are injured, for the body to naturally repair itself.”
Nitric Oxide spreads healing of soft and hard tissue – to an extent. The company notes that too much Nitric Oxide can actually slow healing, so it needs to be done correctly.
The device has been shown in trials to help with faster healing times and reduced pain and inflammation. The Loop is effective for a number of issues including:
- Orthopedic injuries
- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative disorders of the spine (ex., IVDD, Wobblers, Spinal Instability)
- Wounds
- Internal issues such as pancreatitis
- Post-surgical pain and swelling
- Equine lameness
The following video gives a nice overview of what the Loop is and how it works:
The Loop has been cleared by the FDA for treating post-operative pain and edema in humans. Although not required for veterinary medical devices, Assisi is funding five clinical trials to further validate the Loop’s ability to provide similar benefits to animals.
However, it’s already being used by pets, including Lil Bub, for mobility treatment. Her owners say it has made a big difference. Says Dude: “Before we got the Loop, when she was at her best, she would only move around when she had to; which was to get food. That was a big ordeal for her, and I sometimes had to help her.” Now, she can even climb a full flight of stairs.
Does it Hurt?
No. The company says that customers often say their animals relax as soon as treatment starts. The loop increases blood flow and tissue oxygenation. Some pets may feel a warming to tingling sensation in relation to the increased blood flow, but it’s subtle.
About The Loop
The Loop is available in two sizes in two models. The Assisi Loop 2.0 is a portable device perfect for at-home treatment. And comes in a 7.5inch and 4 inch size. It also features an automatic shut-off at 15 minutes, so you don’t accidently over-do the treatment.
The Assisi Loop 2.0 offers a minimum of 150 15-minute treatments. The Assisi Loop 2.0 Auto-Cycle offers a minimum of 100 15-minute treatments. The life of the Loop depends on the battery. You’re likely to get more than the minimum number of treatments noted above if you allow the Loop to recharge for 2 hours after every 15-minute treatment. At this time, there is no way to recharge or replace the battery. One Assisi Loop can last anywhere from 3 weeks to 6 months, depending on the condition being treated and the number of treatments required per day.
If you are interested in purchasing one, you can talk to your veterinarian and buy directly from them, or through Assisi Animal Health with a prescription from your veterinarian. If you purchase the Assisi Loop, of any model or size, direct from Assisi Animal Health (with a prescription from your vet), the cost is $289 including shipping and handling.
