Species: Cat
Breed: European shorthair
Gender: Male
Age: 1 year
Clinical Case
Patient brought to the clinic for non-weight bearing and dragging of the right forelimb.
Clinical Examination
On neurological examination:
- Mental state: alert and responsive
- Posture: knuckling of the right forelimb
- Gait: monoplegia of the right forelimb
- Postural reactions and proprioception: absent – aad
- Cranial nerves: normal
- Spinal reflexes: absent – aad
- Sensation: superficial and deep absent – aad
Radiographic examination reveals a comminuted gunshot fracture of the distal third of the humerus
Therapeutic Protocol
- Given the guarded prognosis of the neurological condition, the orthopaedic surgeon issued an unfavourable opinion regarding a surgical approach.
- Conservative approach aimed at restoring sensation and function of the limb.
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory therapy (meloxicam) for 5 days combined with MLS® Laser Therapy with the M-VET device for 7 weeks: twice a week for one month and then once a week for three weeks.
- “Inflammation” program, Scan mode, 2 cm diameter terminal combined with “Fracture” program, Point-to-Point mode.
Results
- The animal showed clear improvement from the second session, with sensation regained in the distal limb.
- After the third session, the limb began to show partial weight bearing.
- After the ninth session (one month after the injury), full mobility of the limb was restored.
- A one-month follow-up X-ray revealed callus formation.
By Dr. Rosangela Bontempo, Bontempo Veterinary Clinic – Terme Vigliatore (Messina), Italy
