Signalment
~7 month old, F/S domestic short hair feline "Snowball"
Presentation
Severe frostbite injuries after several days duration of freezing temperatures.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings
Severe vascular injury and discoloration to both ears and distal 2/3 of tail; both hind legs also had severe swelling of both paws. Doppler ultrasound to confirm vascular flow in right hind paw was unsuccessful.
Treatment Details
62 total joules to each 13cm2 area (4.7 J/cm2) at 1W ~3x weekly for 24 days (10 total sessions)
Treatment Notes
During the patient's laser treatments, the wounds continued to heal at a rapid rate with healthy granulation tissue evident. In previous cases of frostbite, there can be typical self-excoriation and head shaking seen during recovery due to pain, but Snowball did not experience any of these symptoms. During her treatment, she became very relaxed, would often purr, and would sometimes sleep.
Other Treatments
Supportive care, subcutaneous fluids; antibiotics (Clavamox) Adjunctive pain management included Meloxicam and Buprenorphine for first three days in addition to laser therapy of all affected areas.
Comments
"I am amazed at how quickly Snowball progressed. I am absolutely impressed with how comfortable she was through the entire process. We were literally at the point of euthanizing her. I believe the laser saved her feet and her life." -Dr. Lariviere
Presentation
After one laser therapy treatment
After three laser therapy treatments (day 10-12)
After 10 laser therapy treatments (day 24)
After laser therapy treatment
