Author(s): Dr. Betsy Von Trapp, Von Trapp Animal Lodge, Savannah, GA
Signalment: Canine, 10 YO, F/S, Doberman Pinscher, “Geiger”.
History: The patient presented 5 weeks after initial evaluation by rDVM, diagnosed with bilateral CCL disease.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings: Radiographs done at rDVM were not available for review. Physical exam revealed a positive cranial drawer present (bilaterally) and significant (3/4) lameness to the left pelvic limb.
Laser Treatment: The preset “pain/trauma” protocol was used to deliver a deep tissue fluence (~ 15J/cm²) on contact to each stifle.
Stance Analyzer: The patient showed significant weight shifting, initially only bearing 5% on the left pelvic limb (normal being 20%). At the 2 and 4 months recheck examination, it had improved to 10 and 16% respectively. The contralateral pelvic limb initially presented with an overload of 6%, which
was reduced to 2% within 2 months and had normalized to 20% by 4 months.
Frequency of Treatment: Laser treatments were carried out as part of the rehabilitation program and a total of 50 treatments were delivered in 4 months with a varying frequency of every 3-14 days. Stance analysis evaluation was performed every 2 months.
Other Treatments: Standard of care, including NSAID was utilized, as well as adjunctive rehabilitation modalities (underwater treadmill, acupuncture).
Comments: Muscle girth was noted to increase by several centimeters (2cm) within 4 months, as well as normalization of weight-bearing for each limb. This would be consistent with improved mobility and conditioning provided by the UWTM in addition to photobiomodulation treatments.
Stance Readings:
