A pilot study of skin stretching and blood circulation effects of dermal suctioning in dogs.

Dermal suctioning has been reported to yield effects similar to those of cupping therapy in humans and horses, including pain reduction, increased blood circulation, improved flexibility, and healing. However, there is a dearth of reported outcomes concerning cupping or dermal suctioning in dogs. In this study, we examined the physiological effects of dermal suctioning in dogs. Employing the Medicell MINI pro8 device, dermal suctioning was applied to the dorsal surfaces of eight healthy beagle dogs for 20 min. Metrics such as body surface temperature, rectal temperature, pulse rate, respiratory rate, and skin pinch test results were gauged. Seven healthy beagle dogs were used as controls, and the same measurements were performed without dermal suctioning. The results showed a significant increase in the body surface temperature and skin pinch test results after dermal suctioning. We believe that the elimination of torsion in the blood vessels and nerves in the shallow fascia positively affected the thermoregulatory mechanism, resulting in an increase in body surface temperature, and also improving skin flexibility. Thus, dermal suctioning promotes subcutaneous blood circulation and improves skin flexibility in dogs. Further research is needed to identify the mechanisms underlying the effects of dermal suctioning and evaluate the stress in dogs caused by the implementation of the process.

Changes in physiological parameters in healthy dogs on an underwater treadmill when the water level is set at the hip joint.

Understanding internal and external loading in exercise is important for safe rehabilitation. The physiological parameters of dogs have been studied in swimming, but those of dogs walking on an underwater treadmill have not been documented. In this study, four healthy beagle dogs were examined for changes in physiological parameters before and after walking in water for 20 min at a speed of 4 km/h with the water level set at the height of the hip joint as an external load. Statistical analysis of the results was performed using paired sample t-tests. Results indicated that heart rate (125 ± 11.8 beat/min to 163 ± 9.5 beat/min) and lactate levels (2 ± 0.1 mmol/L to 2.4 ± 0.2 mmol/ L) significantly increased from before to after walking on an underwater treadmill. Additional research is needed on internal loading when using underwater treadmills, which would further contribute to the safety of rehabilitation.