Signalment: Feline, 3 yrs., F/S, DSH, “Maggie”.
History: Devitalized tissue over intravenous catheter site in left medial saphenous vein following a blood transfusion where it was noted the patient experienced a transfusion reaction. Patient is immune compromised (FeLV+) and is on methylprednisolone.
Diagnosis and Exam Findings: The patient presented with a full-thickness wound that exposed skeletal muscle at the wound bed following a blood transfusion. The surgeon was able to suture the proximal and distal most areas of the wound, but was unable to keep the center of the wound sutured closed. Debridement of the necrotic tissue in the wound bed was risky because it was right over the skeletal muscle and further irritation would have guaranteed a longer healing time of the wound. The patient’s co-morbiditis in addition to the Methylprednisolone she was on at the time put her at an even greater disadvantage for proper wound healing.
Laser Treatment: 5J/cm2 delivered to target site and nearby healthy tissue margins.
Frequency of Treatments: Daily, excluding some weekends, for a total of 18 treatments.
Other Treatments Included: Standard of care
Comments: Over the course of the 18 treatments (spanning just short of a month), the open full-thickness wound fibrosed over and the necrotic tissue was replaced with new healthy tissue.
