Effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on uncomplicated incisional and open wound healing in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety of a hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) protocol and its influence on the healing of uncomplicated open and incisional wounds in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, controlled experimental study. ANIMALS: Adult dogs (n = 10). METHODS: Two 2 × 2-cm open wounds and two 3-cm-long full-thickness dermal incisions were created on the dorsum of each dog. Dogs in the hyperbaric oxygen treatment group (HBO) received HBOT once daily (1.7 atmospheres absolute [ATA], 30 minutes on day 1; 2.0 ATA, 40 minutes on days 2-7) for 7 consecutive days, and dogs in the control group (CON) received standardized wound care. Dogs were monitored during HBOT for adverse side effects. Total wound area, percentage epithelialization, and percentage contraction were compared for the open wounds. Subjective wound scores were compared for the open and incisional wounds. Biopsies of both wound types were taken and used to determine histopathology scores. Bacterial cultures were completed on open wounds. RESULTS: No difference was detected between HBO and CON uncomplicated open and incisional wounds at any time for contraction, epithelialization, subjective wound scores, histopathology scores, or bacterial loads. All HBO dogs tolerated hyperbaric oxygen treatments with no adverse effects. CONCLUSION: The HBOT protocol tested here was safe but did not enhance the healing of uncomplicated acute wounds and incisions of dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: These results do not provide evidence to support the use of HBOT to manage uncomplicated wounds in dogs.

Effects of low-level laser therapy on the healing of surgically closed incisions and surgically created open wounds in dogs.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on primarily closed incisions and full thickness open wounds in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective, masked, placebo-controlled design. ANIMAL POPULATION: Healthy intact female dogs (n = 10). METHODS: Dogs underwent bilateral flank ovariectomy procedures, and open wounds were created bilaterally with a punch biopsy. Each side of the dog (incision and open wound) was randomly assigned to the treatment (TX) group or the control (CN) group. The TX group received LLLT once daily for 5 days with a 980-nm laser and a total energy density of 5 J/cm2 . The CN group received a sham treatment (laser turned off) for an identical amount of time each day. The wounds were assessed visually; measured; photographed at postoperative days 3, 7, 11, and 14; and biopsied on postoperative days 7 and 14. A 2-way repeated measures multivariate analysis of variance was used to analyze differences between groups. RESULTS: There was no difference between groups for subjective assessment of healing time and wound measurements (P = .7). There was no difference in histopathologic assessment except that the CN group had more necrosis and perivascular lymphocytes and macrophages at day 7 (P = .03). The TX group had more perivascular lymphocytes and macrophages at day 14 (P = .01). CONCLUSION: LLLT did not appear to influence the healing of surgically created incisions and small wounds with the methodology reported here. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Results of this study do not support recommending LLLT to stimulate healing of uncomplicated, small wounds and incisions.

Physical rehabilitation of the canine neurologic patient.

Rehabilitation therapy is a key component of recovery from neurologic disease. Each patient requires a rehabilitation protocol designed specifically for the patient's neurologic condition, owner expectations and level of participation, and expertise of the veterinary team. Initial therapy for nonambualtory patients may include standing exercises, range of motion, pain control, toe pinch exercise, aquatic exercise, and basic nursing care. Sling assisted walking with foot protection, cavaletti rails, and physioroll balancing are used commonly for ambulatory patients. As recovery progresses, stair climbing, carrying or pulling weights, resistance band walking, swimming against resistance, and exercises specific to the home environment are added. Modalities such as electrical stimulation, ultrasound, cryotherapy, and heat therapy are useful adjuncts but do not take the place of active exercise.