Effect of Low-Level Laser Therapy on Bacterial Counts of Contaminated Traumatic Wounds in Dogs.

The clinical effect of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on canine wounds is still under debate. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential influence of LLLT on the bacterial loads of wounds, using two different energy densities or doses of laser light as an adjuvant therapy for traumatic contaminated wound management. A prospective, randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled pilot clinical trial was used to evaluate the effect of two different doses of LLLT as an adjuvant treatment of contaminated traumatic wounds on the bacterial load and wound scoring in dogs.

Incidence of surgical site infection in dogs undergoing soft tissue surgery: risk factors and economic impact.

Objectives: To determine (1) the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) in patients undergoing soft tissue surgery at a veterinary teaching hospital and to study (2) and describe the main risk factors associated with SSI and (3) assess the economic impact of SSI.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting: Veterinary teaching hospital.