Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Low-level laser therapy use for dog arthritis in Missouri
By Barger, Brenna K et al.·Published in Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association·2020·From the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: Low-Level Laser Therapy for Osteoarthritis Treatment in Dogs at Missouri Veterinary Practice.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A survey of veterinarians in Missouri found that many are using low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat dogs with osteoarthritis (OA), a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness. About half of the vets surveyed had LLLT equipment and used it regularly, treating an average of four dogs each week at a cost of around $28 per joint. While this therapy is becoming more common, there is still a lot to learn about how effective it is and the best ways to use it. More research is needed to better understand LLLT's benefits for dogs with OA.
People also search for: dog osteoarthritis treatment · low-level laser therapy for dogs · cost of laser therapy for dog joints
Abstract
A qualitative survey was electronically distributed to practicing veterinarians in the state of Missouri to evaluate the frequency of use and economic impact of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA) in dogs in Missouri. The survey response rate was 10% (89/867). Approximately half (43%) of respondents had LLLT units, of which all used LLLT for OA treatment in dogs. In respondents without LLLT units, 20% referred patients for LLLT OA treatment. Training was most often obtained in-house by a representative of the LLLT unit manufacturer (76%). Treatment dose was largely unknown and chosen by predetermined settings on the LLLT unit (65%). In the majority of patients (84%), no treatment site preparation was performed. An average of four patients with OA were treated per wk with an average cost per treated joint of $28 (range: $15-45). This study provides insight into the current clinical use and estimated annual economic impact ($6.2 million per year) of treating a single OA joint in dogs with LLLT by Missouri veterinarians. The frequency with which LLLT is used in the treatment of OA combined with the variation in training and treatment protocols supports the need for further research regarding the application and efficacy of LLLT in dogs with OA.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32182110/