The Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on the Healing of Open Wounds in Dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on acute, full-thickness wound healing in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized block (dog); historical control. ANIMALS: Adult male Beagles (n = 10). METHODS: Two 2 × 2 cm(2) wounds were surgically created bilaterally on the trunk of each dog. Each side was randomized to receive LLLT (laser, LAS) or standard-of-care management (control, CON), 3 times weekly for 32 days. The LLLT consisted of a dual diode laser (7.5 mW/diode) at 635 nm and total energy density of 1.125 J/cm(2). Wound planimetry was performed on the caudal wounds, from which percent contraction and percent epithelialization were calculated. Histologic features were evaluated at 7 time points from cranial wound biopsies. Experimental data were also compared to wounds from a historical female control cohort (historical control, HCON). RESULTS: There was no difference between LAS and CON wounds for all parameters, including histology. The HCON wounds had significantly greater contraction and epithelialization compared to LAS and CON wounds. The LAS and CON wounds had significantly less inflammation than HCON wounds early in wound healing, but inflammation was significantly greater in LAS and CON wounds by day 21. Fibroblast infiltration and collagen deposition were significantly less in LAS and CON wounds than HCON wounds. CONCLUSION: There are no apparent beneficial effects of LLLT on the healing of acute wounds in healthy dogs using this LLLT protocol. Gender may influence wound healing in intact dogs.

Acute hind limb paralysis secondary to an extradural spinal cord Cryptococcus gattii lesion in a dog.

A 2-year-old, spayed female, German short-haired pointer was presented with a 1-day history of non-ambulatory paraplegia with absent deep pain perception. A computed tomography scan revealed an irregular eighth thoracic vertebral body and an extradural compressive lesion. Decompression was performed and abnormal tissues were submitted for analysis. Findings were consistent with a Cryptococcus gattii infection.

Paralysie aiguë du membre postérieur secondaire à une lésion de la moelle épinière extradurale due àCryptococcus gattiichez un chien. Une chienne Pointer allemand à poil court stérilisée âgée de deux ans a été présentée avec une anamnèse de 1 journée de paraplégie avec l'absence de perception de 1a douleur profonde. Une lecture par tomodensitomètre a révélé un huitième corps vertébral thoracique irrégulier et une lésion compressive extradurale. La décompression a été effectuée et les tissus anormaux ont été soumis aux fins d'analyse. Les résultats étaient conformes à une infection à Cryptococcus gattii.(Traduit par Isabelle Vallières).

Use of a hard palate mucoperiosteal flap for rostral muzzle reconstruction in a dog after a traumatic premaxillary degloving injury.

OBJECTIVE: To describe a technique for reconstruction of the rostral aspect of the muzzle of a dog after traumatic amputation. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical report. ANIMALS: Adult female dog. METHODS: A 6-year-old, intact, female, mixed-breed dog was admitted for facial reconstructive surgery after traumatic amputation of the rostral aspect of the muzzle. The nasal planum and the rostral portion of the upper lips were missing. A hard palate mucoperiosteal flap and lateral labial advancement flaps were used to reconstruct the nasal philtrum and borders of the nares. RESULTS: This reconstructive technique resulted in adequate nostril function and an acceptable cosmetic outcome. One naris developed partial obstruction with granulation tissue that may have occurred because of a lack of circumferential nasal mucosa to appose the skin on that side. CONCLUSION: The mucoperiosteum of the hard palate can be used to reconstruct the rostral aspect of the muzzle after traumatic amputation, resulting in an acceptable cosmetic outcome.

Microvascular free tissue transfer of the trapezius flap in 20 dogs and a wallaby.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the feasibility, complications, and clinical outcome of consecutive free trapezius flap transfers in 20 dogs and a wallaby. STUDY DESIGN: Case series. ANIMALS: Dogs (n = 20) and 1 wallaby METHODS: Medical records of 20 dogs and 1 wallaby that had free trapezius flap transfers were evaluated retrospectively for indications, date of transfer, site of flap relocation, flap composition (myocutaneous, muscular, myoosseus), recipient artery and veins, flap ischemia times, surgery time, antithrombotic strategies used, intra- and postoperative complications related to the flap, hospitalization, in hospital duration after flap transfer, and outcome. RESULTS: Free flap transfers (16 muscle, 4 myocutaneous, 1 myoosseus) were used to treat traumatic soft tissue loss (13), neoplasm excision (2), osteomyelitis (4), and soft palate reconstruction (2); all flaps survived. Anti-thrombotic therapy was used in all cases although strategies varied. Postoperative complications were infrequent, generally of low severity, and primarily included donor site seroma formation and infection. CONCLUSIONS: Free trapezius flap was successfully used in 21 consecutive cases for a wide variety of reconstructive techniques with good, functional long-term outcome.