Signalment
Canine, 10 y/o, FS, hound mix
History
Sadie Sue was seen by her primary vet to evaluate a gingival mass with firm swelling below her right eye. Biopsy revealed squamous cell carcinoma. She was referred to a specialty hospital for an oncology consultation.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings
CT confirmed a soft tissue right maxillary mass and mild local extension. Mild right mandibular lymphadenopathy was found, and the lymph nodes were aspirated and confirmed reactive. Chest radiographs showed no metastasis. Right mandibular lymph node excision and caudal
maxillectomy surgery was performed.
Laser Treatment Details
The post-op minor protocol was used off contact to provide 4.5 J/cm2 using the large non-contact treatment head over the lymph node and maxillary incisions.
Frequency of Treatment
Once daily for 3 days starting immediately after surgery.
Other Treatments
Codeine, gabapentin, carprofen, cefpodoxime and omeprazole.
Outcome
“Demonstrable difference in swelling to the lip and face area – made assistant a believer!”
Patient continued to successfully recover from surgery.
Case Overview
Sadie Sue, a 10-year-old hound mix, was evaluated for a gingival mass and right facial swelling, which biopsy confirmed as squamous cell carcinoma. CT imaging identified a right maxillary soft tissue mass with mild local extension and reactive right mandibular lymphadenopathy, while chest radiographs showed no evidence of metastasis.
She underwent excision of the right mandibular lymph node and caudal maxillectomy, followed by postoperative Class IV laser therapy using a minor protocol (4.5 J/cm² off-contact with a large non-contact head) over the lymph node and maxillary incisions once daily for three days, alongside codeine, gabapentin, carprofen, cefpodoxime, and omeprazole. The laser therapy contributed to a demonstrable reduction in swelling of the lip and face, and Sadie Sue continued to recover successfully from surgery.