Class IV Companion Therapy Laser Pediatric Fracture Healing

1. Class IV Companion Therapy Laser Pediatric Fracture Healing Case Study Provided By: Daniel Franklin, DVMMid-Atlantic Veterinary Hospital Hagerstown, MD Problem A nine week old Golden Retriever was presented with a comminuted mid-diaphyseal fracture of the left tibia and fibula. The pup had been bred as a service dog; full mobility and return to function were required. Patient “Service Puppy”, Golden Retriever, Fe, 9 weeks Fracture Management External fixation and cage rest were recommended by Daniel Franklin, DVM. The breeders said confinement was realistic. Three weeks after initial presentation the fracture site was still mobile. Radiographs confirmed a non-union (Fig. 1). The breeders reported confinement had been less than successful; the patient had been very active. Class IV Therapy Laser Settings Adjunct use of Class IV laser therapy was recommended to stimulate healing. Class IV therapy laser treatment was administered - 9 Watts / 30 sec / Continuous Wave The treatment delivered 270 Joules to a 45 cm2 area achieving a target dose of 6 Joules/cm2. Fig. 1 – After three weeks of external fixation and patient resistance to confinement, this fracture was palpably mobile with radiographic evidence of a non-union. (continued on next page) Case Study Prepared By: John C. Godbold, Jr. DVM, Jackson, Tennessee

2. Class IV Companion Therapy Laser Pediatric Fracture Healing Case Study Provided By: Daniel Franklin, DVMMid-Atlantic Veterinary Hospital Hagerstown, MD Treatment Protocol and Technique This non-union fracture site was treated a single time with Class IV laser therapy. The fracture site was treated with a scanning technique, moving at a speed of one inch per second. The area was treated from all directions (360 degree treatment). Patient Management After Class IV Laser Therapy Treatment External fixation was re-applied and efforts to limit activity were continued. Results The patient was re-evaluated fourteen days after Class IV laser therapy. Physical exam demonstrated a stable fracture site. Radiographs demonstrated much better than expected healing of the non-union (Fig. 2). Comments Class IV laser therapy delivers photons directly to fracture sites, reducing edema and stimulating angiogenesis, creating an environment in which fracture healing progresses more rapidly. Fig. 2 – Two weeks after Class IV laser therapy treatment this non-union fracture showed radiographic evidence of being healed. Case Study Prepared By: John C. Godbold, Jr. DVM, Jackson, Tennessee