Author(s): "Chambersburg Animal Hospital, Chambersburg, PA"
Signalment: 11 year old, F/S Labrador Retriever, “Willow”
History: Chronic history of right forelimb lameness and difficulty “getting up and down” but owner presented dog for acute left forelimb lameness
Ortho Exam: Grade 4/5 lameness left forelimb; left elbow joint capsule palpated thickened; decreased ROM and evidence of osteoarthritis in multiple joints
Initial Diagnostics: Radiographs showed evidence of severe OA in left elbow joint
Laser Therapy: All between 8-12 W CW
2000 Total Joules to each elbow
2000 Total Joules to left shoulder
2800 Total Joules to each stifle, hip(s)
2800 Total Joules to lumbar spine
Treatment Frequency: Twice weekly for 6 weeks
Other Treatments: Adequan injectable; Tramadol. *Patient had previously been treated with Rimadyl but resulted in no improvement per owner, since patient was taking Temaril-P chronically for allergies, no NSAID was prescribed.