Perilesional photobiomodulation therapy and physical rehabilitation in post-operative recovery of dogs surgically treated for thoracolumbar disk extrusion

Abstract

Background: Recent studies have reported contrasting results of the effects of laser therapy on post-operative intervertebral disk herniation, with a lack of evidence-based advantages of this modality within a rehabilitation protocol. The aim of this study was to report the clinical effects of photobiomodulation therapy within a post-operative rehabilitation protocol in dogs submitted to surgery for thoracolumbar disk extrusion. Twenty-four dogs were included in the study (12 dogs treated with laser therapy and rehabilitation protocol and 12 dogs treated with same rehabilitation protocol but without laser therapy). Results: All dogs treated with laser therapy showed improved neurological status (Modified Frankel Score more than 3 within 30 days of physiotherapy starting) if deep nociception on admission was maintained (P = 0.04). However, Kaplan-Meier analysis did not show any statistical difference in time to regain ambulatory ability, although there was a tendency for a shorter mean time of 14.2 ± 8.55 days in the laser group versus 24 ± 18.49 days in the no laser group. Conclusions: The use of laser therapy in the post-operative rehabilitation of dogs affected by intervertebral disc extrusion and submitted to surgery for spinal decompression could help improve their neurological status.

ACVIMconsensus statement on diagnosis and management of acute canine thoracolumbar intervertebral disc extrusion

“…In dogs with incomplete injuries, rehabilitation also did not impact the rate of recovery of walking, walking coordination, proprioceptive placing or muscle mass 80 . One RCT excluded DPN dogs (80), and the other was not adequately powered to evaluate them; evidence is conflicting regarding the role for rehabilitation in these severely affected dogs 78,79,152,211‐216 . Study populations and rehabilitation protocols vary widely, and control groups frequently are lacking.…”

“… There is conflicting evidence from 2 unblinded studies 116,152 Cadaveric study reported lower irradiance at the level of the spinal cord than has been proposed as necessary to modulate the area after SCI. …”

“…80 One RCT excluded DPN dogs (80), and the other was not adequately powered to evaluate them; evidence is conflicting regarding the role for rehabilitation in these severely affected dogs. 78,79,152,[211][212][213][214][215][216] Study populations and rehabilitation protocols vary widely, and control groups frequently are lacking. Intensive rehabilitation might enhance the recovery of ambulation in paraplegic DPN dogs.…”

A randomized double-blinded controlled trial on the effects of photobiomodulation therapy in dogs with osteoarthritis

“…7 It has been described in the management of canine elbow osteoarthritis, chronic gingivostomatitis, wound healing, and postoperative period. [8][9][10][11] Despite the increasing number of reports on the potential uses of PBMT, there is still a need to outline specific protocols for the different conditions being treated. 10 Pain is a multidimensional experience, encompassing more than just a functional aspect.…”

Assessment of wound area reduction on chronic wounds in dogs with photobiomodulation therapy: A randomized controlled clinical trial

“…Moreover, chronic wounds require intensive standard wound care; however, this is sometimes insufficient to promote healing. At present, photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) can be used as adjunctive therapy for improving wound healing in veterinary medicine [3,4], dentistry [5], and medicine [6,7]. PBMT involves the use of therapeutic light, including laser, light-emitting diode, and broadband light, in the visible and infrared spectrum [8].…”