Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Laser therapy effects on dog recovery after knee surgery
By Renwick, S Michelle et al.·Published in Veterinary surgery : VS·2018·East Neuk Veterinary Clinic, United Kingdom·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Influence of class IV laser therapy on the outcomes of tibial plateau leveling osteotomy in dogs.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A group of 95 dogs with knee problems due to cranial cruciate ligament disease underwent surgery called tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). Half of the dogs received low-level laser therapy (LLLT) during their recovery, while the other half received a placebo treatment. Owners reported that the dogs who received the laser therapy showed better improvement in their walking ability compared to those who didn't. However, there were no significant differences in other recovery measures or bone healing. Overall, LLLT may help improve how well dogs walk after TPLO surgery.
People also search for: dog knee surgery recovery · low-level laser therapy for dogs · TPLO surgery outcomes
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on clinical outcomes in dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease treated with tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN: Randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Owners and surgeons (care providers and assessors) were masked. ANIMALS: Ninety-five dogs were admitted for TPLO and assigned to 1 of 2 groups, laser group (LG; n = 51) or placebo group (PG; n = 44). METHODS: Three treatments (laser or placebo) were administered within a 4-day perioperative period. A fourth treatment was recommended and was accepted in 28.4% of cases (LG, n = 14; PG, n = 13). Dogs in the LG group received laser at wavelengths 660 nm red (100 mW) and at 800, 905 and 970 nm infrared (maximum 15 W continuous wave, 20 W peak pulsed wave), administered simultaneously. Dogs in the PG group received placebo laser (660 nm, 4 mW). Other treatments were identical. Outcomes were measured by difference in clinical metrology instruments (Liverpool Osteoarthritis in Dogs and adjusted Canine Orthopedic Index [COI]), osteotomy healing on a radiographic scale, time to cessation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug administration, and wound healing by owner questionnaire. RESULTS: The only difference detected between groups consisted of a greater improvement in the gait section of the adjusted COI (ACOI) in the LG group (median [interquartile range; IQR] = 6 [4-7.5]) compared with the PG group (median [IQR] = 4 [2-6]; P < .05). CONCLUSION: The laser protocol used in this study was associated with a greater improvement in ACOI gait in dogs treated with TPLO but did not improve any other clinical metrology instrument scores or bone healing. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides some evidence that LLLT may improve the gait of dogs recovering from a TPLO, as assessed by owners.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29697148/