Maxine’s Laser Therapy – Update

[Sarita]

Today Maxine had her 3rd laser therapy session – she will initially have a total of 6 – 2 more next week and the last one the week after that for her severe arthritis.

Right now her left leg is totally useless – she just drags it.  Also the x-rays showed severe arthritis in her spine and joints and legs.

I’ve also spoken with a friend who has had this done on herself, her partner’s had it done and they had it done on their Boston Terrier who was in pain and the swear by this so I’m hopeful.

I spoke today with the technician who is doing the procedure and the vet who recommended this as well.  The technician increased the laser from 3.0 to 4.5 (the most you can do is 6.0) from the first at 3.0 to the current at 3.5.  He said he rarely uses the 6.0 degree and will most likely just keep the laser at 4.5.  He said he scans the laser over her hip area to help with pain and then her spine area as well to help stimulate cell growth and tissue growth.

The first time I didn’t really see anything but now she seems to be more feisty and I’ve noticed she is moving stuff around in her pen too.

I did ask the technician and the vet about the bad leg and they said it probably won’t get better because it’s so bad.  I now understand more about what the point of the procedure is too – to alleviate pain and to improve her quality of life – I honestly thought maybe she would get back use of her leg hind leg, because I wasn’t totally sure of what to expect.  Now I know what the expectations are after a few more conversations.

The goal of this procedure – alleviate the pain and hopefully decrease or elminate the need for her to take pain medication.  They said most owners once they understand the expectations of the procedure they are on-board with it.  They like the idea of not having to medicate their pets with pain medications and that while it may not cure their pet it will improve their quality of life.

Once I get her back from the vet I cannot tell a thing – she usually just relaxes because no matter what a trip to the vet is disruptive to her routine and not fun.

[RabbitPam]

At least it’s giving her some pain relief. I guess she’ll show signs of more comfort tomorrow. My mother is having shots for back pain, and I can’t help wondering if this is something that would relieve her pain too. It’s not arthritis, however.

Maxine just continues to remind me of Spockie. He was very cooperative when it came to taking his meds.

[BinkyBunny]

This is very interesting! I sure hope it will help alleviate her pain and make her more comfortable. Is this one of those accumulative things (like T-touch can be) where you may not see affects right away, but things improve after the procedure?

I wonder if the leg could EVER become useful again if some of the muscle strength could come back. Is the reason it will always be useless because of so much atrophy from non use, or can arthritis just eat away at the joints to make them useless or is it due to her arthritis in her spine (any possible nerve damage due to it?) Have I asked enough questions yet? Geesh. Anyway, obviously I am very interested in this.

[Sarita]

Hi BB, yes the laser is accumulative like TTouch and acupuncture.

Those are good questions about the atrophied leg and I’m going to ask my vet because honestly I’ve never even wondered about it so I haven’t thought to ask…this is what I love about the forum – other members asking questions that I’ve never thought of.

[Sarita]

Well, yesterday was Maxine’s 5th treatment and we have the final one of the 6 next Wednesday.

I am noticing that she is actually sitting up on her haunches more whereas before she would rarely do this so I think that is some progress. Her left back leg that is atrophied is not getting any better – but that was more of a hope from me than what they said could happen but I still hoped but I realize it won’t get better. I can only think that she is feeling better based on the more alert behavior I am seeing. The technician said the whole point of the procedure is to help reduce pain which should improve the quality of her life.

I asked about taking her of the pain reliever Metacam (or really just reducing this) but he wants me to keep her on this to see after the last treatment next Wednesday how long she will continue to be comfortable before we do another treatment and reduce her pain meds.

Overall, I’m happy with that I’ve tried this and I have seen some improvement – I do wish I could get her to use her litter box again though – maybe some retraining will help but I’m not sure since she still has mobility issues.

[bunnytowne]

 Wow this is all so interesting.   she will be getting some relief.  Great.   Something is working for her. 

[Kokaneeandkahlua]

Sarita-I just want to say again what an angel you are to these rabbits *Hugs*

[Deleted User]

I had no idea laser therapy was available so long! My vet mentioned it to me for Sam, my oldest bun. If it is not too expensive (I’m still waiting to hear on that), it just seems like a wonderful investment. Otherwise he is so healthy, but he is really hampered by the arthritis. One rear leg has slight paralysis (or maybe just greater weakness) but he is having to use a cart now and I know would love to hop like he used to. Anybody else have laser therapy stories on arthritis?

[Sarita]

Sam’s Mom – I PM’d you. I am going to lock this post and ask that you start a new post.

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