Author(s): "Genia Smith, LVT, CCRP, Advanced Rehabilitation Center, Michigan State University, Michigan, USA"
Signalment: Canine, 12yrs., F/S, Labrador, “Shanti”.
History: Patient presented with a history of progressive exercise intolerance, muscle weakness, and respiratory stridor.
Diagnosis and Exam Findings: GOLPP – Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis & Poly-neuropathy. Left-sided, with significant muscle mass loss.
Laser Treatment: Three acupuncture points along the left side of the neck were treated with the acupuncture preset protocol, each spot receiving 8J.
Frequency of Treatments: The patient was treated twice weekly for three weeks.
Other Treatments Included: Prior to initiating laser therapy, a surgical laryngeal tieback was performed, along with post-operative standard of care including hydrotherapy and other therapeutic exercises.
Comments: Working with an acupuncturist doing these points has worked well. When our acupuncture isn’t working, I’ve done needle-less with the laser with amazing results. I have had a great job doing PT for the past 11 years. The Companion laser has improved my abilities and grown a lot of clientele with just doing laser therapy. It also makes my job a little easier with quick results & speedy recoveries. GOLPP dogs usually have a slow start to building endurance but it’s really rewarding to have clients start to notice little things that their dog has not done in a long time, like do stairs, run, and play.