Treatment Procedures

The VibraVM™ Acoustic Percussor has three Modes of Operation. There are two Pre-programmed Auto-modes; Low and High. In Massage mode, the Device generates “white noise” providing percussion over a wider range of frequencies which potentially relaxes constricted airways.

Auto-mode

There are two Auto-mode options; Low and High. Each will take the animal through an eight minute therapy session automatically. The Low setting is for large animals and uses a lower range of frequencies. The High setting is for  clearing small airway passages in large animals after the large passages are cleared, and for small animals. It uses a higher range of frequencies. When the sound stops, the session is complete. To pause in the middle of the session, press the larger On/Off button to stop. When ready to re-start, push it again and the Device will resume where you left off.

1. Restrain the animal.
2. Acclimate the animal by turning the Device on several feet away from the animal in the mode to be used. Bring the device closer to the animal. Let the animal hear, feel and smell the device. Turn the device off and reset before beginning the treatment as follows.
3. Turn the Device on with its On/Off button. While on, press the Mode button quickly until the desired Mode Indicator is lit.
4. Insert the Nose Piece into one of the animal’s nostrils being careful to not block the Nose Piece tip (It is necessary to treat only one side). It may tickle the animal’s nose. Be persistent. After a few minutes, the animal may show clear signs of relaxation. Sinus drainage is common.
5. During the treatment, let the animal breathe in and out naturally.
6. The device is programmed for an eight minute treatment. In severe cases, a second treatment may be indicated. Further, in cases of constrictive disease such as heaves or asthma, additional treatments in Massage mode are recommended (See “Massage mode” section).
7. At certain intervals during the therapy session, the VibraVM™ Acoustic Percussor will change to Massage and emit “white noise” for 20 seconds. This is intended to deliver secondary percussion with a wider range of frequencies, and to gently massage and potentially relax constricted airway passages.
8. At the end of each Auto-mode protocol, the Device will stop and turn itself off.
9. When finished, properly dispose of consumable components (See the “Diaphragm and Bio-Bag Procedures” section). Wipe off the outside of the Device Body with an alcohol swab and return it to its protective Carrying Case.
10. After treatment, the animal must be allowed to put its head down to clear its lungs. Drainage may continue for over an hour after completing treatment.

Massage mode

In Massage mode, the Device emits “white noise”. This appears effective in relaxing constricted airways and may be beneficial in cases of constrictive lung disease such as heaves and asthma. Further, this mode provides additional percussion over a wider range of frequencies. The treatment steps are the same as for Auto-mode, but there is no programmed protocol. The Device will continue until it is manually stopped by pressing the On/Off button.

How often to Use the VibraVM™ Acoustic Percussor

Treatment protocols are disease specific and may vary from animal to animal. In general:

Severe Chronic Lung Disease – In cases of severe chronic lung disease, such as heaves or emphysema, it is recommended that airway clearance take place three or four times a day for the first several days. Thereafter, the number of treatments can be reduced to once a day, once a week, or even once a month, depending on how the animal responds to treatments. Over time, fewer and fewer treatments are generally required.

Moderate or Mild COPD – Where COPD symptoms are moderate, seasonal or mild, treat the animal once or twice in Auto-mode. Gauge its progress and perform follow-up treatments as necessary.

Acute Infections – For acute conditions, such as pneumonia or influenza, clinical judgment is required. Treatments should be continued as often as is required until the lungs are clear, the situation is stabilized, and natural mechanisms or antibiotics are in control of the infection. The objective is to keep airways and lungs clear of phlegm buildup that could lead to drowning or additional inflammation resulting in secondary infections and tissue damage. In some cases, all efforts may be overwhelmed by the disease.

What to Expect from Acoustic Chest Physiotherapy

Sinus drainage is common as is relaxation during treatment. Discharge may continue for up to an hour after a session; however, it may not be noticeable in horses as they may swallow it. This is normal. The “white noise” or Massage part of therapy may help the animal breathe easier because its chest may no longer have a tight feeling. Blood spots or streaks in sputum may occur especially in cases of chronic inflammation.

How to Know if the Device is Working

Your animal may experience:

• Ease of breathing

• Decreased shortness of breath

• More energy

• Reduced coughing

• Less fatigue

• Better concentration and focus

• Weight gain

• Better overall condition with improved lung function

• Relaxation