Problem
After surgery to remove a soft tissue mass on the foot this patient developed edema and cellulitis. The post-op bandage was removed but the edema and cellulitis persisted.
Signalment
“Posey”, Ferret, 5 year old, spayed female, 920gm
Procedure
Class IV Companion laser therapy was used twice in conjunction with systemic analgesia.
Laser Settings
Class IV laser therapy treatments were administered twice at a 48 hour interval. The affected area was treated with an Edema/Swelling protocol delivering 357 Joules.
Outcome
Prior to laser therapy, the patient was limping and barely able to use her foot. She did not bother her foot, but it was painful to the touch. The swelling and inflammation was greatly reduced two days after the first treatment, but some swelling and discomfort remained (Fig. 2). Therefore, a second laser treatment was performed and the symptoms fully resolved.
Comments
The recovery from this post-operative cellulitis was hastened by the use of the Class IV therapy laser. This patient was able to regain normal function and recovery within 48 hours, compared to the several days that would be expected with conventional therapy alone.
Presentation
24 hours after laser therapy treatment.