K-Laser Success Story #18

****Bloody Pictures Disclaimer***

This happy dog presented to us in the middle of October for a non specific limp on its front right leg. Physical exam did not pin point pain to a specific source (mild response in shoulder and mild on toes). He was sent on with anti-inflammatory and pain medication and owners instructed to rest and observe. He was brought back a week later and the owners noted during the time period there was no real improvement and he developed a softball size semi firm growth over his shoulder blade in a period of 24 hours. He was completely non weight bearing and in obvious pain.

Xrays revealed a large soft tissue swelling over the shoulder blade, and inability to see the entire structure of the shoulder blade because of it. We recommended that a biopsy be taken to find the cause.

On November 3rd, during the biopsy we were able to palpate inside the mass destruction of the shoulder blade bone, so it was decided to do a complete forelimb amputation and biopsy the entire mass.

He was already standing on 3 legs that same day after surgery, and you could almost sense the relief on his face. He did so well, he was able to go home the next day. We did a total of 7 laser therapy sessions on him over a 2 week time period. His attitude was awesome, and he is getting around well on 3 legs, now with that nagging pain gone.

 The biopsy revealed osteosarcoma, which is a very aggressive, incurable cancer. Amputation is purely pallative (pain relief).

Xrays before surgery:

Surgery 

Dissection revealed the fractured/eaten away bone

Xray of the amputated leg and excessive tissue removed revealed the bony destruction of the scapular spine. 

The remaining pictures are during the 2 weeks after surgery until staples were removed. 5 lasers total. The laser helped significantly reduce swelling, pain, and discharge production (almost none produced)- and obviously healing.