The attack had torn his skin in several places and ripped his right jugular vein. Immediately going
into surgery, the jugular vein was removed and it took 56 stitches repair his neck. It was very touch
and go!
Spencer was referred to me 1 week after the incident as the vet was
keen to maintain the health of the remaining tissue as parts had
become necrotic.
An intensive course of both blue and red phototherapy was
implemented, seeing him daily for a week, followed by every other
day for 2 weeks and then twice a week until the skin had fully healed.
Although the skin had clearly started to die off and there were
initially some concerns that Spencer may need some skin graphs, the
intensive use of phototherapy enabled the skin cells to repair
underneath the blackening skin and over time the top layer sloughed
off leaving very healthy, strong tissue.
Spencer has now returned to full health with very little scarring and
he thoroughly enjoys his walks again.
How Phototherapy works
LASER Therapy – Light Amplified by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. When the light strikes the
tissue, the energy is dispersed into that tissue causing temporary changes to its biological structure /
cell potential (sodium potassium ratio)
Laser therapy comes in the form of either red or blue phototherapy
Red Phototherapy
Encourages the release of endorphins
Encourages the proliferation of cells essential for tissue repair
Prepares muscle for manual techniques
Optimises epithelial growth
Reduces scar tissue
Prevents of proud flesh
Increases vaso-dilation
Accelerates collagen synthesis
Blue phototherapy
Destroys superficial bacteria
Treats skin conditions
Reduces suture breakdown
Assists acceptance of skin grafts
Treats chronic low grade infections