FAQs -- Frequently Asked Questions

We offer two unique units, the VibraVM™ and the VibraVM Pro™ . We find the VibraVM is best for most users due to its simplicity and ease of use. Please see our Products section for more details on how the units differ. For simplicity, both units are referred to in the FAQs as the VibraVM unless there is a specific reference to the VibraVM Pro.

How does the VibraVM work? What is the medical basis of the VibraVM?

The VibraVM acoustic percussor works by vibrating airways and/or the mucus lodged in various bronchial tubes causing the mucus to liquefy and break away. The approach uses sound waves to deliver energy to mucus plugs and bronchi in the lungs. The point where mucus and lung contact each other is called a boundary. At this boundary there is adhesion that can be broken. Mucus is of a different size and density than lung tissue. This difference in size and density results in different physical characteristics.

Energy delivered to the affected area in the form of sound waves at the matching frequency will cause tissues and mucus to independently move or vibrate. The rates at which these structures and their contents naturally vibrate are called their resonant frequencies. If the sound waves are the same frequency as the resonant frequency of the mucus, it will vibrate very easily and continuously while the bronchial tubes will stay somewhat stationary because they have a different resonant frequency.

Likewise, as the bronchi vibrate at their resonant frequency, the associated mucus will tend to remain stable. In both instances, a shear force is created between the bronchial tube and mucus causing the adhesive bond to fail.

The mucus is thus dislodged, liquefied and expelled by natural mechanisms. Because mucus varies in density, mass, and location, and because the various bronchial sections vary in size, density and mass, the VibraVM is programmed to deliver a range of frequencies. As the protocol progresses from lower to higher frequencies, the induced sound waves will, at different times, match the resonant frequencies of bronchial tubes or mucus plugs causing each to independently vibrate giving the desired result of breaking up the mucus and liquefying it.

In Massage mode, a range of frequencies are broadcast simultaneously producing white noise. This provides a second means of delivering acoustic percussion over a wider range of frequencies to resonate the bronchi and mucus plugs while gently massaging and relaxing the long smooth airway muscles, thus opening the airways.

In summary, the VibraVM acoustic percussor works by vibrating mucus or airway structures with a resonant frequency, causing any mucus lodged in various bronchial tubes will liquefy and break up and away so that the animal will be able to expel the irritant. One veterinarian termed it “internal coupage.”

Massage mode appears to act as a bronchodilator, relaxing and opening the airways. As a result of VibraVM treatments clearing mucus, and opening and relaxing airways, the animal is better able to breath, giving it more energy, allowing the lungs to heal, and improving its overall well being.

Please see “Improving Horse Respiration” white paper for more detailed information. While this paper is aimed at horses, lungs are lungs, so the principles can be applied to any other mammal.

What are the indications for use? What conditions will the VibraVM treat?

Use of the VibraVM acoustic airway clearance device is indicated for the clearance of mucus in the lungs and airways of animals with obstructive and mucus (phlegm) producing conditions. It is indicated when there is airway inflammation, constriction, or spasming of the airway muscles themselves. It is indicated for use with racehorses whose lungs have small bleeders. It may also be indicated for calming animals in situations which make them stressed or nervous, or for improving focus and concentration in events such as cutting. By giving the athletic performance animal maximum oxygenation, the VibraVM is also indicated to help enhance performance.

The VibraVM will treat many respiratory conditions and disease symptoms, including:

• COPD or RAO, also call Heaves in Horses
• Asthma, including Feline Asthma
• Emphysema
• Influenza
• Sinusitis
• Barn Cough
• Kennel Cough
• Bronchitis
• Pneumonia, including Foal Pneumonia
• Feline upper respiratory issues
• Guttural Pouch Congestion (horses)
• Post Bleed Therapy (horses)
• Shipping Fever
• Maximum Oxygenation for Sport Animals

The VibraVM appears to also help calm the animal and appears to increase focus and concentration in performance horses.

Is the VibraVM an inhaler?

No, the VibraVM is not an inhaler. It is completely drug free, delivering only sound waves to the respiratory system.

What animals will the VibraVM treat?

The VibraVM will treat any mammal; it is just a matter of delivering the sound to the respiratory system. The size and shape of the airways and lungs may differ, but the basic blood oxygen exchange physiology is the same. And lung conditions and diseases are similar as well.

The VibraVM has three primary delivery systems: nose piece, nose mask, and nose mask with small animal cover.

• Nose piece or nose mask – Used for horses, foals and all sizes of horses from miniatures to draft horses, cattle, goats, or sheep, and larger dogs.
• Nose mask with the small animal cover – The cover fits over the nose mask and is used for cats, and smaller dogs (under 20 or so lbs.).

We have designed packages for both large and small animals.

One veterinarian successfully treated a puppy by placing the VibraVM with a nose piece attachment close to his nose under the blanket where the little guy had burrowed.

What are the other considerations when giving VibraVM treatments?

Do not give more that two treatments per day. In this case more is not better, and overuse can cause irritation to the airways. We found that the animal needs time to clear out the loosened mucus and time to heal.

Be sure you have control of your animal. Cats should be papoosed for example. Horses should be haltered. Cross ties can be used if the horse is used to them. Animals quickly acclimate and relax into the treatments.

As the treatment progresses upward in frequency, there may be a frequency that seems to cause discomfort. In that case you can use Frequency Skipping to skip over a 20 second range, then try again. Please see the manual for details.

Also select the optimal volume for the animal. Large animals, such as horses, or cattle should be treated on Full Volume, smaller animals should be treated on Half Volume. Again please see the manual for details.

How do the VibraVM treatments vary according to type of animal?

The general principle is that the smaller the lungs or lung structures the higher the frequencies.

The Low mode plus Massage will first clear the larger airways, then the Medium mode plus Massage will work down into the smaller lung areas, while High mode plus Massage clears the smallest structure of the lungs of most animals. So in general for larger animals the standard VibraVM Low, and Medium with occasional High mode, each followed by Massage, appears to work well. Smaller animals will use High mode plus Massage more often than the lower frequency modes and possibly move to High mode sooner.

VibraVM Pro can be set to start at frequencies which are equivalent the VibraVM auto modes of Low, Medium and High..

Can I use my VibraVM on multiple animals?

Yes, you can use one device for multiple animals. Remember to always use a bio-bag over the unit body to protect it from contamination. You should use a new bio-bag (zip lock type bag) with each use.

The nose pieces or nose masks, along with the diaphragm and small animal cover, can be washed and disinfected. Use any other good antiseptic of your choice following all label directions. We now recommend Clorhexidine as it is easier to work with that bleach and doesn't leave a lingering odor which can affect the animal.

We suggest that you use one nose piece or nose mask per animal, to reduce any chance of cross contamination. The attachments can be written on with a permanent marker.

Use a great deal of care if you are treating any highly contagious conditions, taking all necessary sanitary and hygienic precautions.

Can the VibraVM be used as a either an adjunct or primary treatment?

The VibraVM can be used for both. It can be used as an adjunct therapy along with environmental changes or medications recommended by your veterinarian.

It can also be used as a primary therapy, especially for long term chronic conditions. For chronic conditions such as COPD/RAO or heaves, asthma, hay or dust emphysema, the VibraVM is an excellent stand alone or primary therapy. Most animals can be weaned off of other medications, particularly steroids, with regular use of the VibraVM. Please see our User Protocols for details on protocols for clearing out the lungs, and moving to a maintenance schedule.

Use of the VibraVM as a primary treatment is also possible for acute conditions, if caught very early. One or two treatments a day should be given. Always start with Low mode plus Massage. For upper respiratory conditions such as bronchitis you will use Low plus Massage longer before using Medium plus Massage, followed by High plus Massage. For lower respiratory conditions such as pneumonia you start with Low plus Massage, but you would move to Medium plus Massage more quickly, followed by High plus Massage. See the Pneumonia questions here in FAQs for more details.

Will the VibraVM treat emphysema?

Yes, the very first horse we treated with the VibraVM had emphysema and some wheezing from RAO/COPD. Due to the emphysema, there were no breath sounds at all in the lowest lobe of the lungs right behind the elbow, where the cinch would go. We did give this mare two 7 minute Low mode treatments about an hour and a half or so apart. The wheezing had cleared up considerably and there were breath sounds in that lowest lobe which was affected by the emphysema.

Our veterinarian advisor, Dr. Roger Chase, had marked 6 spots around the edge of the lungs, so we took our before and after recordings with an electronic stethoscope at the same spots. In our brochure you will find the analysis of those sounds, which were from a spot in the middle of those we marked.

Do you have a veterinarian I can talk to about my animal’s condition and how the VibraVM could help?

Yes, Dr. Roger Chase, DVM is available to talk to you or your veterinarian. He has more experience with large animals, especially horses, but has also treated his dogs, both large and small, with the VibraVM. We have other veterinarians willing to be references also.

Can the VibraVM be used for people?

We are currently marketing for animal use only. We are working on getting FDA approval on the human side. Due to FDA regulations and the need for safety and efficacy testing, we cannot make any claims for human use at this time.

Do I need a prescription or Rx?

No, you don't need a prescription to purchase a VibraVM, as it is not an invasive device and uses no drugs whatsoever.

My animal has borderline COPD/RAO or only recently experienced the onset of COPD/RAO. Should I consider the VibraVM for my animal?

From what we know talking to veterinarians and animal owners, is that once COPD/RAO starts it almost always progresses to a more severe and chronic condition. Another consideration is that COPD/RAO appears to stress the heart over time, so the sooner treatment is started the more the animal will benefit.

Also using the VibraVM in the early onset stage will help keep your horse off of steroids. Steroids are sometimes needed, but can cause tissue damage of their own and suppress the immune system.

Will I be able to treat my horse?

Yes, anyone can use the VibraVM effectively with their horse. Many owners find it easier to acclimate the horse with the nose mask attachment rather than the nose piece. Although some owners and their horses prefer the nose piece.

It just takes gentle persistence to get the horse to accept it the first few times. You would acclimate to the VibraVM as you would for clippers. We are always available to walk you through any problem you might encounter.

Will I be able to treat my dog, cat or other animal?

As long as you can properly and gently restrain the animal, you should have no problem giving them a VibraVM treatment. Most animals relax as the treatment progresses and become eager to receive it.

What are the results of treating RAO/COPD/heaves with the VibraVM?

We are seeing excellent results on all stages of RAO/COPD/heaves or sometime called asthma.

Keep in mind that RAO/COPD is a chronic condition and your animal will require treatments for the rest of its life. It takes a month or so to clear out the existing congestion, depending on the general overall condition of the animal, the length and severity of its RAO/COPD. Once the lungs have cleared, you will go on to a maintenance schedule which generally is one to two treatments a week, depending on the weather and allergen conditions.

Owners report being able to ride their horses again, with the horses gaining weight and being lively again too. Dog owners have reported their older pets running around with the friskiness of pups.

My vet says my cat is allergic to cigarette smoke and has RAO/COPD. How do I treat my cat?

You would first treat with the VibraVM once or twice a day for a week, starting on Low or Medium mode plus Massage mode, then move to a higher frequency and treat once or twice a day for another week. Then you should be able to start spacing out the treatments to every other day.

As long as the cat is exposed to the allergen of cigarette smoke, it will get the mucus response, along with thickening and constriction of the airways. This means you will need to continue to treat the cat, probably at least twice a week with the VibraVM to continue to keep its lungs as clear as possible. If possible, keep the cat from being exposed to the cigarette smoke. Even in this case it will probably take some time to clear our existing congestion.

Please see the User Protocols paper for more treatment details.

Tell us about your first customer.

Katie, a young lady in Nebraska, has a horse which could not even go twice around the arena before it was coughing, i.e., showing exercise intolerance. So this was fairly severe RAO/COPD. She started using the VibraVM in the summer of 2006. For the first month she gave her horse the 7 minute treatments three times a day. The next month for two times a day, and the third month once a day. She said over the winter she was giving her horse a treatment once per week and then in the spring and summer she went back to once a day again. I'm not exactly sure of the time frame, but I believe it was after the second month of treatment she could ride her horse all day without any coughing.

With more experience with many, many more horses, we have found it is best to only do two treatments a day, so the animal will have time to expel the loosened mucus and have time to heal.

How will hot and humid conditions affect my horse?

Heat and humidity appear to worsen the symptoms of RAO/COPD in horses. We recommend monitoring your horse closely, with once or twice treatments per day to once every couple of days VibraVM treatments during these time.

We have seen especially in hotter areas particularly in the SE part of the states, horses can relapse even with the use of the device. If they do relapse then definitely use the VibraVM at least once a day, and probably twice per day, and use medications as needed. Our veterinarian, Dr. Roger Chase, tho' based in western Nebraska, has gained experience with such cases so please don't hesitate to contact us with any questions.

Will the VibraVM help bleeders?

This question generally refers to thoroughbred racehorses whose small pulmonary capillaries bleed due to elevated blood pressure and the answer is yes the VibraVM will help.

We call this “post bleed therapy.” A race track veterinarian uses the VibraVM on bleeders and defined a protocol for helping these horses:

Wait 3 to 5 days after a race to treat a bleeder, then give a VibraVM Low mode plus Massage treatment once a day. You will probably see dark colored discharge. This is clearing out the small scabs and clots formed in the lungs from the bleeding and the mucus produced by the lungs in response to the bleeding. Using the VibraVM will clear these out and help the lungs to heal. The race track veterinarian thinks this is also helping keep the horse free from infections.

Does the VibraVM help performance or sport horses, with no apparent lung problems? Will it make my race horse run faster?

Yes, a race track veterinarian is treating all the horses under his care even those with no apparent lung problems, as he feels it helps even a healthy horse to perform at its best. The horses are treated every 3 days during the racing season to keep the lungs clear. This is done up until the night before a race. No Low, Medium, or High mode treatments should be given the day of the race as the horse will be too relaxed to perform well. The morning of the race, the horse is given two minutes of Massage mode treatment only, which opens up the airways.

Many trainers and track vets are reporting improved times as blood oxygenation is maximized. The VibraVM treatments give your horse the maximum oxygen available by clearing the lungs and opening the airways. This in turn gives the horse's muscles the maximum muscle oxygenation, so the horse will run at his maximum oxygenated capacity.

How can I get more information?

Please see White Paper under the Documents section. We continually update these documents as new information or research becomes available. We started in the equine market, but generally the information for horses applies to other animals. The size and shape of the lungs may differ, but the basic blood oxygen physiology exchange are identical between mammals. And lung conditions and diseases are similar as well.

I know coffee was used at one time for helping with asthma. Does it work?

We would suggest you ask your veterinarian about using caffeine for your animal’s symptoms. Having said that we have found some references to using caffeine because of its abilities for relaxing the bronchial muscles.

Green tea contain tannins, caffeine and theophylline. Theophylline is a bronchodilator drug. It has less caffeine that coffee, so it may be a better choice.

A better solution for the long term is the VibraVM. The Massage mode appears to help open and relax constricted, inflamed muscles, or those in spasm. The animal relaxes and breathes more deeply. If congestion is also present, start with a Low, Medium or High mode treatment first followed by up to three Massage mode treatments. If there isn't any congestion, treat with up to three Massage mode treatments.

How long and how often do I have to treat my animal?

Do not give more that two treatments per day. In this case more is not better, and overuse can cause irritation to the airways. This is different that our early recommendations of three times per day. We found that the animal needs more time to clear out the loosened mucus and more time to heal.

For acute conditions, such as pneumonia, around 10 days of treatments will clear up the congestion.

For chronic conditions, such as heaves in horses, RAO, COPD, chronic bronchitis or asthma, generally it will take about a month of regular daily treatments before you can go to a maintenance schedule of once or twice a week. You start with two treatments a day if possible and as the time goes along you will use a higher frequency mode, and then begin to space out the treatments more and more. For each treatment choose the appropriate automatic seven minute treatment, i.e., Low, Medium, or High mode, followed by the two minutes Massage mode. If you are short on time, one or two of Massage mode treatments is always a good idea.

Please see the User Protocol for your specific type of animal.

How does the VibraVM produce a calming effect?

As the VibraVM relieves congestion in the lungs, oxygen delivery to the red blood cells is elevated thus more oxygen is delivered to the tissues. With elevated oxygen levels in the cell, the cell releases endorphins to the system affecting the brain.

In humans, endorphins are thought to be connected to physiological processes including euphoric feelings and have a positive effect on how we feel both mentally and physically. Thinking becomes clearer and the mind is more receptive to positive thoughts at this time.

There is a difference in the way hot blood horses or high strung animals will respond as compared to cold bloods or more docile animals. In these animals you may not see the lethargic response, only a lower heart rate.

In other horses or other animals, endorphins appear to cause relaxation, calmness, lethargy, and even sleep. In the case of performance horses, the horse will have more focus and concentration, and less freshness meaning lunging times can be significantly reduced. These effects generally last 12 – 36 hours.

This information is from our staff veterinarian, Dr. Roger Chase, DVM. In the future we will conduct research to better understand and confirm Dr. Chase’s valued opinions.

My cutting horse trainer treats all his young horses one hour before showing them. He says it clams them and they show better. What is the VibraVM doing to make my horse better?

First, please see the answer to “How does the VibraVM produce a calming effect?” Second, the VibraVM is not a short cut in training. The trainer works with the VibraVM as a conditioning aid, using the calming effect rather than so much lunging or loping.

Pneumonia questions:

My animal has pneumonia. How can the VibraVM help?

Will the VibraVM work on foal pneumonia?

My veterinarian says my calves were hurt this winter because of cold and blizzard in Colorado. We lost half of our calves. Would the VibraVM have helped them with the pneumonia they had?

Yes, the VibraVM will help clear pneumonia. The VibraVM works well on both acute and chronic conditions, by loosening mucus using sound waves. Pneumonia is an acute condition, characterized by inflammation and fluid or phlegm in the smallest structures of the lungs, the alveoli. It is termed a lower respiratory tract disease.

We have seen excellent results time and time again with pneumonia in a number of animals including young dairy heifers, horses, goats, dogs, and cats.

A veterinarian used the VibraVM successfully on five or six foals with pneumonia in the spring of 2008. We have since had other veterinarians repeat this success.

To treat pneumonia, start with a Low mode plus Massage treatments in the morning, with a Medium mode plus Massage treatment in the evening. Do this for a day or two, then use only Medium plus Massage mode once or twice a day for another day or two, then alternate Medium and High, both followed by Massage until the pneumonia clears. Some animals don't tolerate the higher frequencies as well, but not to worry, we have had success with quite small dogs using only Low mode.

Always follow a Low, Medium, or High mode treatment with a Massage mode to help reduce the inflammation as it massages the lung tissues.

I’m a roper. Can I use my horse right after treating him for barn cough? How about for pleasure riding?

You will want to plan ahead to give the last Low or Medium mode plus Massage treatment at least 12 hours before any roping competition, i.e., the night before the event. The morning of the event, give the horse a Massage mode treatment only.

If you treat with Low, Medium or even High close to the event, the horse may be too relaxed to perform well.

If you are a pleasure rider though, you can ride your horse immediately after giving a treatment. Some owners or trainers like giving a treatment right before riding as it takes away all the freshness and the horse is ready to get to work. Again this would be only for pleasure riding or training, but not for racing or performance events.

What do RAO, COPD, IAD, SPAOD and heaves mean?

RAO – Recurrent Airway Obstruction

COPD – Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

IAD - Inflammatory Airway Disease

SPAOD - Summer Pasture-Associated Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Heaves – also known as RAO, is the syndrome of severe, intermittent, environmentally induced airway obstruction in horses. Difficulty in breathing out causes the horse's flanks to heave, usually creating a heave line.

COPD is the commonly term used for heaves, but according to an article on www.thehorse.com:

“At a workshop in 2000, an international group of veterinary investigators eliminated the term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to technically describe the equine respiratory ailment commonly known as "heaves." They elected to instead refer to it as recurrent airway obstruction (RAO) to indicate that this respiratory condition is not the same as COPD in humans.

RAO is defined as episodes of obstructive lower airway disease triggered by exposure to hay and bedding and characterized by difficulty breathing, severe airway inflammation, a large number of neutrophils, airway hyperreactivity, and reversibility with bronchodilator treatment. Owners recognize the condition from these signs: Cough; Labored breathing; Flared nostrils at rest; Nasal discharge; Coughing up mucus; Depression; Elevated respiratory rate at rest; Exercise intolerance or poor performance; Increased movement of abdomen during breathing.

Veterinarians diagnose RAO through history, physical examination, and bloodwork. They use specific respiratory system tests if necessary (endoscopy, chest radiographs, bronchoalveolar lavage, and pulmonary function testing).”(1)

According to an AAEP (American Association of Equine Professionals) article, because the term COPD was being used to describe a collection of syndromes, it has been replaced with two terms. Heaves or RAO, and IAD.(2)

IAD (inflammatory airway disease) is the airway mucus accumulation and inflammation that occurs in young racehorses.

We strive to use RAO/COPD in our literature. Any use of COPD by itself should be taken to mean RAO.

References:

1. “Recurrent Airway Obstruction: They Don't Call It 'Heaves' Anymore”, by: Lydia Gray, DVM, MA, September 26 2007, Article # 10488, http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=10488

2. Respiratory System Priorities for Research, Sponsored by the AAEP Foundation, Inc., July, 2005

Participants: D. Ainsworth (Cornell U.), D. Antzak (Cornell U.), L. Couetil (Purdue U.), S. Giguerre (U. of Florida), K. Osterreider (Cornell U.), NE Robinson (Chair, Michigan State U.), L. Viel (U. of Guelph). Consultant: F. Derksen (Michigan State U.), http://www.aaep.org/images/files/AAAEPF Respiratory System Priorities Conclusions.pdf

What respiratory condition(s) is VibraVM treatment not appropriate for or are there contraindications for its use?

Condition(s) where the VibraVM is not recommended:

• Strangles

While the VibraVM will help clear out the pus discharge from the nostrils, at this time it does not appear to help the underlying issue of the swollen and infected lymph glands.

Contraindications:

While a rare condition, use of the VibraVM is contra-indicated in the presence of pneumothorax.

The animal should be generally stable before initiating respiratory therapy. Professional clinical judgment is necessary in cases involving life threatening lung obstruction.

V1.1.2 2/1910