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Laser Therapy Prolongs the Lives of Degenerative Myelopathy Dogs

Home » Blog » Laser Therapy Prolongs the Lives of Degenerative Myelopathy Dogs
September 28, 2020 by Sharon Seltzer
Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
  • Facts about Degenerative Myelopathy
  • A brief overview of laser therapy for dogs
  • How the study was conducted+−
    • Researchers divided the dogs into two groups:
  • The outcome: Laser therapy prolongs the lives of Degenerative Myelopathy dogs
  • Dog breeds prone to Degenerative Myelopathy
German shepherd on floor in living room

While I was doing research to update a story about laser therapy for dogs, I stumbled onto the results of a new study. It said, laser therapy prolongs the lives of Degenerative Myelopathy dogs.

In my book, this is very exciting news, but I don’t remember reading about it in April 2020, when the results were released. Up until now, rehabilitation, like physical therapy and hydrotherapy were the only clinically proven methods to slow the disease.

If your dog’s been diagnosed with DM, laser therapy is a topic to discuss with your vet.

The 2020 research showed that when laser therapy was combined with intensive physical therapy, the disease progressed at a significantly slower rate and dogs lived longer.

Facts about Degenerative Myelopathy

DM is a progressive neurologic disease that primarily attacks large breed dogs between the ages of 8-14. The condition is terminal. Dogs first show signs of a wobbly gait that gives way to hind end weakness. This progresses to incontinence and complete paralysis of their back legs.

The disease then continues to move to a dog’s front limbs and eventually effects the organs. The life expectancy for a dog with DM is typically 12 months, with some dogs lasting longer. It’s a heartbreaking condition that takes the lives of thousands of loving pets every year.

Click here for a complete explanation about DM: What Pet Owners Should Know

A brief overview of laser therapy for dogs

Boxer dogs are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy
Boxers are prone to DM.

Laser therapy for dogs is a safe and painless way to treat a variety of ailments and injuries. It works by emitting a low-powered infrared laser light that accelerates the healing process.

The infrared light is transmitted to your dog’s body through a wand that is swept back and forth over the skin of an injured area.

It’s used to treat medical conditions that include: spine problems, arthritis, Intervertebral Disc Disease, fractures, bladder infections and more.

Dogs typically enjoy the treatment.

How the study was conducted

The research was run by a team of veterinarians that included: Lisa Miller, DVM, CCRT, and Deb (Gross) Torraca, DPT, MSPT, Diplomat ABPTS, CCRP and Luis De Taboada, MSEE.

Their objective was to determine the impact laser therapy had on dogs who were receiving high intensity physical therapy to treat their Degenerative Myelopathy symptoms.

Investigators conducted the study through a process called “Retrospective Observational Analysis.” That means they analyzed data from dogs via their medical records.

The disease process was analyzed for 20 dogs who had all received physical therapy at a well-known veterinary rehab center in Connecticut.

Researchers divided the dogs into two groups:

  • Dogs who received laser therapy that lasted about 5 minutes.
  • Dogs who received laser treatments of 25 to 26 minutes.

The outcome: Laser therapy prolongs the lives of Degenerative Myelopathy dogs

Laser therapy prolongs lives of dogs

There was a significantly longer survival rate for dogs who received the lengthier laser therapy sessions.

On average these canines became paralyzed after nearly 21 months and lost their battle with Degenerative Myelopathy at about 27 months.

Prior to including laser therapy as part of the treatment plan, dogs who received intensive physical therapy as their sole rehab plan, survived only 8 ½ months.

The research team told Veterinary Practice News they were excited about the results of their first study. Dr. Miller was especially pleased because it gives vets a new treatment option for a heartbreaking condition.

The team plans to continue their work by studying more DM patients who have laser therapy added to their rehab treatments.

You can read the entire study by clicking here.

Dog breeds prone to Degenerative Myelopathy

  • American Eskimo Dogs
  • Bernese Mountain Dogs
  • Borzoi
  • Boxers
  • Cardigan Welsh Corgi
  • Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
  • German Shepherd Dog
  • Golden Retriever
  • Great Pyrenees
  • Irish Setters
  • Kerry Blue Terriers
  • Pembroke Welsh Corgis
  • Poodle
  • Rhodesian Ridgeback
  • Shetland Sheepdog
  • Soft Coated Wheaton Terriers
  • Wire Fox Terrier

If you suspect your dog has DM, an inexpensive DNA test can be ordered online through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).

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About Sharon Seltzer

I’m a blogger, professional writer and co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society. I’m also a pet mom who’s raised 9 dogs, 6 cats and lots of other critters. When my dog Sophie became paralyzed in 2008, it was a lonely experience. It took months to find all of the resources to help her live a quality life. My mission is to share those services with other pet owners and to teach people how to care for a disabled dog.

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German shepherd on floor in living room

Laser Therapy Prolongs the Lives of Degenerative Myelopathy Dogs

German shepherds are prone to Degenerative Myelopathy

Degenerative Myelopathy in Dogs: What Pet Owners Should Know

Previous Post: « Dog after laser therapy Laser Therapy for Dogs: A Painless Treatment for Canine Spine Problems
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Debra Knudson

    June 18, 2021 at 3:44 am

    How do I find out where this Laser Treatment for my Dog who has D.M. can be done near me??
    Pls Reply! Thank You Very Much!

    Sincerely,

    Debra K. Knudson

    Reply
    • Sharon Seltzer

      June 18, 2021 at 3:44 pm

      Hi Debra, Many veterinary clinics use laser therapy so you shouldn’t have a problem finding someone to help you. Start by asking your own vet for a referral. Then take a copy of the article to the treatment so the vet can see this study. If that doesn’t work, look for an Integrative or Holistic vet in your area. Here’s a link to Find A Vet on the American Holistic Veterinary Society website: https://www.ahvma.org/find-a-holistic-veterinarian/ Good luck.

      Reply

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DogWheelchairLife.com is a blog that teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. As the owner, I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program and the Amazon Influencer Program. These are affiliate programs designed for sites to earn advertising fees (commissions) by linking to Amazon.com. As an Amazon Associate and Influencer, I earn from qualifying purchases. For more details, visit the Affiliate Disclosure page

We Are A Resource for Pet Owners

Dog Wheelchair LIFE teaches pet families how to care for their paralyzed dog. This is not a medical site and I am not a veterinarian. I am a blogger and pet mom who was the caretaker for Sophie, a paraplegic dog. I’m also a co-founder of the Heaven Can Wait Animal Society in Las Vegas, NV and an animal writer who has contributed to websites and magazines.

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