Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on physical activity and pain evaluation in osteoarthritic dogs

BACKGROUND: Osteoarthritis (OA) causes chronic pain and reduces welfare in dogs. Standard treatments may be inadequate or associated with adverse effects, prompting investigation of alternative therapies. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is a non-pharmacological pain management method, but evidence for its efficacy in canine OA is limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of TENS on clinical signs, owner-reported pain and physical activity in dogs with OA and to compare two accelerometer data filtering methods. METHODS: This single-blinded, randomised, placebo-controlled crossover study included 15 dogs with OA and mild to moderate lameness. The assessments comprised clinical examinations performed on the day of treatment and the following day, two validated pain questionnaires and physical activity monitoring. The activity data were processed using ActiLife software and an R-based Euclidean norm minus one method. RESULTS: Clinical examinations showed similar pain responses following TENS and placebo. No significant differences were detected between treatments in pain questionnaire scores or activity levels. Filtering methods influenced the activity intensity distribution but not the treatment-related conclusions. LIMITATIONS: Limitations include a small sample size and a heterogeneous study population. CONCLUSION: No significant differences were observed in physical activity and pain scoring between TENS and placebo treatments. Further studies are warranted.