Laser therapy for chronic pain and healing after cat femur surgery

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Chronic pain and delayed bone healing are significant challenges in veterinary rehabilitation following orthopedic surgeries in cats. These issues necessitate advanced modalities for effective management. Laser therapy (LT), also known as photobiomodulation, has shown promise in promoting tissue repair and alleviating pain but remains underused in feline cases. This case report aims to evaluate the efficacy of LT in managing chronic pain and enhancing bone healing in a cat following femoral surgery complicated by orthopedic implant failure. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 7-year-old cat presented with persistent lameness and discomfort 3 years post-femoral fracture surgery. Despite initial surgical stabilization, chronic pain and restricted mobility persisted, leading to implant removal. After surgery, the cat underwent 25 sessions of LT using an 810-nm infrared semiconductor laser at a dosage of 6 J. Treatment sessions were conducted over 2 months, beginning 4 days post-surgery. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were performed to assess therapeutic outcomes. The cat demonstrated marked improvement in weight-bearing and mobility, with reduced signs of pain. Radiographic imaging revealed significant bone remodeling and consolidation. The owner reported enhanced activity levels and overall quality of life for the cat. These findings suggest that LT effectively facilitated bone healing and chronic pain relief in this case. CONCLUSION: LT proved to be a valuable component of multimodal rehabilitation in this feline patient, addressing both chronic pain and delayed bone healing. This case underscores the importance of integrating advanced therapeutic modalities into veterinary practice, particularly for complex orthopedic cases. Further research is recommended to validate these findings in larger, controlled studies.