Author(s): "Mary Carter"
In this article read this case contributed by Heidi S. Gaultney, D.V.M. Oxford Veterinary Hospital, LLC in Oxford, Pennsylvania.
- 5-year-old, German shepherd “Moose” presented with an open wound from a toe amputation at another veterinary hospital. The initial history was of an inflamed digit that did not respond to antibiotic therapy. See how laser therapy helped resolve his open wound.
“Moose”
On Dec. 2, 2011, a 5-year, 9-month-old neutered male German shepherd presented with an open wound from a toe amputation at another veterinary hospital. The initial history was of an inflamed digit that did not respond to antibiotic therapy. When the nail sloughed off the
owner agreed to digit amputation. The incision dehisced.
Upon presentation to our hospital he was on unknown doses of enrofloxacin and deracoxib, gabapentin 500mg once daily, and acepromazine as needed. The affected digit was the fourth digit of the left front foot. Some granulation tissue was present,
but there was a deep wound where the remaining bone of the affected digit was. There was purulent discharge and some erosion and
ulceration of the apposing skin on both the fifth and third digits.
Histopathology was pending from the previous veterinarian. Until there was proof that it was not neoplastic in origin, no laser therapy could be performed. The foot was treated with Vetricyn spray and bandaged. The owner was able to change bandages at home.
Given the bony nature of the submitted sample it took several days for the sample to decalcify for a histopathologic diagnosis. The report revealed furunculosis and mild chronic osteomyelitis. No evidence of neoplasia was found so laser therapy was instituted.
Seven laser treatments were performed Dec. 9-22. The first culture was misplaced, so the culture results were delayed but came back with light growth of methicillin resistant coagulase negative Staph. spp., which was sensitive to amikacin, chloramphenicol and
mupirocin., and intermediately sensitive to doxycycline. Chloramphenicol was started on Dec. 19 at 35mg/kg (1450mg) tid for 21 days.
Follow-up radiographs of the foot were performed at the end of the 21 days to assess for evidence of osteomyelitis.
Radiographs were clear at that time. No further medications were needed, and Moose healed fully.
