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PAPER
Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy: a preliminary study
Article first published online: 11 JUL 2012
DOI: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01242.x
© 2012 British Small Animal Veterinary Association
Additional Information
How to Cite
Draper, W.E., Schubert, T.A., Clemmons, R.M. and Miles, S.A. (2012), Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy: a preliminary study. Journal of Small Animal Practice, 53: 465–469. doi: 10.1111/j.1748-5827.2012.01242.x
Publication History
- Issue published online: 30 JUL 2012
- Article first published online: 11 JUL 2012
- Accepted: 12 May 2012
Vol. 54, Issue 1, 57, Article first published online: 26 DEC 2012
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Objectives
A prospective study to determine if low-level laser therapy and surgery for intervertebral disk herniation encourage ambulation faster than surgery alone.
Methods
Thirty-six dogs with acute paraparesis/paraplegia due to acute intervertebral disk herniation were evaluated and given a modified Frankel score. Dogs with scores 0 to 3 were included in the study. Dogs were assigned to the control group (1) or the laser treatment group (2) based on alternating order of presentation. All dogs underwent surgery for their herniated disk. Dogs in group 2 were treated postoperatively with low-level laser therapy daily for five days, or until they achieved a modified Frankel score of 4. A 5×200-mW 810-nm cluster array was used to deliver 25 W/cm2 to the skin. All dogs were scored daily by the investigators using the modified Frankel scoring system.
Results
The time to achieve a modified Frankel score of 4 was significantly lower (P=0·0016) in the low-level laser therapy group (median 3·5 days) than the control group (median 14 days).
Clinical Significance
Low-level laser therapy in combination with surgery decreases the time to ambulation in dogs with T3-L3 myelopathy secondary to intervertebral disk herniation.