Pneumonia on English Bulldog Puppy Treated with Laser Therapy

Photobiomodulation/Laser Therapy

Pneumonia on English Bulldog Puppy Treated with Laser Therapy

  • September 4 2024
  • Companion
Pneumonia on English Bulldog Puppy Treated with Laser Therapy
1:34

Watch the story of Jabba, a puppy that presented to a shelter veterinarian in Indiana for coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. When his condition continued to worsen after antibiotics, nasal drops, and nebulizer treatments, the shelter began to consider euthanasia. Laser therapy treatment was then added, and within 72 hours he was running and playing again. The veterinarian is confident that laser therapy saved Jabba. Full case details below the video.
 
 

 

Case courtesy of Dr. Denise Katz, The LOVE Pet Project, Zionsville, IN.

Signalment
Canine, 2mo, M, English Bulldog

History
Jabba presented to the shelter veterinarian for coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Antibiotics were prescribed, but Jabba worsened over the next few days. His respiratory effort was increased, and crackles were auscultated. Radiographs were taken, and pneumonia was suspected.

Additional antibiotics, nasal drops, and nebulizer treatments were added to the treatment plan, but Jabba continued to decline over the next few weeks. He had difficulty breathing, was reluctant to move, and was losing weight. Due to his failure to improve, euthanasia was considered for the next day. At that time, laser therapy was added to Jabba's treatment plan. No other treatments were added.

Laser Treatment Details
The thoracic disorders protocol was used to deliver 1275J at 5W (fluence of 6.5 J/cm2). The large contact treatment head was used.

Frequency of Treatment
TID x 5 days, then BID x 7 days.

Other Treatments
Doxycycline (25mg BID), enrofloxacin (22.7mg QD), gentocin nasal drops (BID), amikacin (75mg QD), nebulizer treatments (BID)

Comments
48 hours after beginning laser therapy treatments, Jabba could walk without labored breathing. 72 hours after, he was running and playing. The veterinarian is confident that laser therapy saved him. He would have been euthanized the next day, as he was miserable and not showing signs of improvement.