Caring for a Three Legged Dog or Cat
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I have an appointment to see a vet that has a cold laser for arthritis treatment... but now I read that its not recommended for dogs with or a history of cancer. But none of the articles go into much depth...
Anyone have any information about this?
Maybe post this in the ask a vet forum? My vet had recommended it to speed healing of the incision, but Barret had a very different type of cancer, so I don't know...
Barret was diagnosed with Hemangiopericytoma May 16, 2013. Front left leg/scapula/pectoral muscle was amputated on June 11, 2013 and we've never looked back. Follow our story on http://barret.t.....pawds.com/ and read my column on That Pet Blog
I can only speak to what my vet told me when I had the cold laser done on Daisy for her torn cruciate ligament and arthritis. She told me that she would not do the laser on dogs with cancer. At the time she told me why but for the life me I can't remember now. And since Daisy was originally diagnosed with OSA she went back over the pathology report just in case before administering the laser therapy.
Hopefully others will chime in. I know there have been a few others that have done the laser.
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit 
and Spirit Daisy 
Read about 8 articles and they all simply say something to the effect:
The laser stimulates cell growth, and that means the cancerous cells also.
Not sure how a laser on the knee speeds up cancer that usually attacks the lungs.
Appointment it tomorrow at 9am. So will know then... just wanted to see if there was any 'wiggle room' as the laser treatment seems to work quite well for arthritis.
I got curious after I wrote my reply above so I did a search for "cold laser therapy contraindications" and this is what the laser manufacturer's (I looked at) say: "Carcinoma. Do not use laser over any known primary or secondary lesions".
I would definitely talk to the vet prior to administering the laser.
Good luck tomorrow!
Marla and Daisy
My Two Tripawds...Biscuit and Spirit Daisy
I have heard the same thing about not using cold laser on dogs with cancer.
Here is what Dr. Waldman told us about cold laser therapy in this radio interview:
Cold Laser Use for Chronic Pain:
‹maggie› What about cold laser? And yes, my chiro is a vet – who also does acupuncture and cold laser – among other modalities.
‹Dr.Waldman› Cold laser is OK, not great. we have one and use most successfully for acute trauma or wounds. For chronic pain like back or arthritis, i don't see a big improvement and sometimes I think it makes them worse. you can stimulate acupoints iwth the laser though as an alternative
- See more at: http://tripawds.....DNY44.dpuf
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
The vet said the laser was good as long it was not actually ON a tumor (as noted above). Had the first session today. 2.5 minutes. Next session is 8 minutes. I'm not expecting miracles and for the $120 cost (6 sessions total) I'll give it a shot.
Makes sense to me. Good luck! Let us know how it works.
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
YAY for TJ! I was hoping you would get the "green light" because I have heard it can bring noticeable results in "some" dogs! Really hoping TJ is one of those who benefits! He' such a good boy and has accomplished so much!! Like you said, it's worth a shot.
Did you get any indication when you can expect to see results? 'Guess it can vary from dog to dog!
It sure would be nice to see another photo of the dynamic TJ posted! Hint" He's such a handsome boy! And the crowd roars, "Photos please and thank you!"
Thanks for passing on the I formation..--good to know.
Sally and Happy Hannan
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
It would be hard to tell what makes a bigger difference... we radically changed the med dosage for pain management AND started the cold laser.
With the amount of grinding going on in his knee I'm sure its not a cure... I'd settle for a 30-50% reduction just to get him walking the leg. The other rear leg is not in super shape... but nowhere near as bad as the right rear.
TJs also has gotten a new Comfort foam bed I made (as a male I am proud to say I can run a sewing machine) and that's done a lot for him in two days. Heck I've slept on it with him and its quite nice for a snooze.
Atlas had a cold laser therapy on his incision site two weeks after surgery. I don't know if it helped, but I noted in my journal that the muscle spasms i saw frequently after surgery seem to disappear after the treatment. I switched to acupuncture after that as we are looking for mobility help from Wobblers disease.
Patricia & Mighty Atlas
TJ, that's really an encouraging update! Regardless of the reasons, "it's". working!!
Hopefully, with the combination of the med adjustment, the continue using laser treatment AND, the comfy bed your dad made for you with so much love, you'll feel better and better!
The bond between you two is so strong and your determination to do everything possible for magnificent TJ certainly helps with his healing process.
Hey TJ, make sure your dad doesn't try and overtake your new bed!! Sounds like it's real comfy!
Sure would be nice to see a picture of our snoozing on it.......No....not you dad.......TJ:-) 
Hooray for men who can sew!! I scotch tape and glue things.....doesn't work very well:-)
So glad he's feeling g better......that makes us all feel better! Keep us posted.
Sally and Happy Hannah
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
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