Author(s): Dr. Ellison, Calera Animal Hospital, Calera, AL.
Signalment: Equine, 18 years old, gelding, Quarter Horse, “PDiddy”.
History: The patient presented with a purulent discharge from both eyes, as well as chronic swollen lesions with purulent exudate involving the legs. Various topical and systemic treatment modalities (steroids & antibiotics) were tried for a one-year period with no clinical improvement, and eventual worsening.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings: Radiographs were normal other than for soft tissue swelling. Histopathology indicated eosinophilic inflammation cellulitis/dermatitis, possibly associated with a Pythium infection. No hyphae were seen in the original biopsy. After lesion regrowth was noted five months later, Lagenidiosis was diagnosed by a university diagnostic laboratory with the help of histopathology and serology.
Laser Treatment: Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy was initiated 15 months after original presentation due to lesion recurrence without clinical response to standard therapies. At this time, all other medications were discontinued. A deep tissue fluence (~ 20J/cm²) was delivered OFF-contact to the affected tissues.
Frequency of Treatment: Daily for the first five days, then tapered to every other day over the next four weeks
Other Treatments: None after starting PBM
Comments: The patient would fall asleep during laser therapy sessions. The itching and swelling would decrease over the next 24-48 hours post-PBM treatment. Complete resolution was attained
with the use of laser therapy for a refractory case.
12 months after initial presentation showing no improvement
15 months after initial presentation showing soft tissue swelling (PBM started this visit)
4 weeks of therapy, obtained resolution