Author(s): "Dr. Pete van Dongen, DVM, CertVR, MRCVS, CCRT, Medivet Faygate, Surrey, United Kingdom"
Signalment: Canine, 11 weeks old, male/intact, chocolate Labrador, “Cooper”.
History: The patient initially presented with a small cut on the left foreleg. Several days later, the wound extended to involve both the elbow and antebrachium. The wound had become purulent and had burst open.
Diagnostics and Exam Findings: The site near the carpus had a large piece of black, hardened skin indicating necrosis.
Laser Treatment: The preset “wound” protocol was utilized, delivering a fluence of 5 J/cm2 to each site after a surgical debridement was performed on day 3.
Frequency of Treatment: PBMt was incorporated along with surgical debridement and wound dressings every few days.
Other Treatments: Standard of care, including surgical debridement and bandage applications were used, as well as antibiotics, pain management, a topical application of Manuka Honey and antibacterial wound dressing.
Comments: Bandage changes and wound care were initially done daily for the first two days. The wound quickly improved and by day 3 the last bits of necrotic skin were removed surgically. Small relaxation cuts were created so as to reduce skin tension and promote healing. From here, PBMt was applied to potentiate a palliative response and wound healing. Active healing and lack of infection were noted at subsequent bandage changes. The patient was quickly walking normally, weight bearing on the affected limb. The wounds quickly healed with only a small amount of mild swelling at the proximal wound, likely due to excessive activity.
