Case courtesy of: Lauren Neumann, Culbreth Carr Watson Animal Clinic, Rome, GA
Signalment: Canine, 4mo, M, Husky Mix
History: Kavik was diagnosed with canine parvovirus and at-home care pursued due to limited funds. Five days later, he returned to the vet to be euthanized with the complaint of increased lethargy and an infection the original handlers had tried to self-debride. Upon examination, Kavik was found to have a maggot infestation of his back and the handlers agreed to surrender him to veterinary staff. Kavik was hospitalized where he received the standard of care for parvovirus, the wounds were debrided, and laser therapy treatments began.
Laser Treatment Details: The superficial wound protocol was used to deliver 1748 Joules (fluence of 4.5J/cm ) using the large, off-contact treatment head.
Frequency of Laser Treatment: 14 sessions were completed over five weeks.
Other Treatments: Treatment for parvovirus consisted of IV fluids, Unasyn®, Cerenia®, cefpodoxime, and buprenorphine. Wound management consisted of warm betadine/hydrogen peroxide soaks, Derma GeL®, as well as carprofen and gabapentin following debridement. A T-shirt was also placed on the patient for moisture retention.
Comments: The clinic believes laser treatments were an essential part to Kavik’s quick healing over the first
two weeks. He now has a loving home where his owner reports the skin and hair in that area are healed and
have a normal texture.
