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Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, disusses laser therapy for veterinary rehabilitation during Friday's keynote session at the first Directions in Veterinary Medicine conference in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The inaugural Directions in Veterinary Medicine conference in Indianapolis, Indiana, launched today with an insightful keynote session by Matthew Brunke, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVPP, CVA, medical director for rehabilitation and sports medicine at Veterinary Surgical Centers in Virginia. His lecture “Laser therapy in veterinary rehabilitation” examined the role lasers can play as a fast, efficient treatment option for an emerging practice that is rapidly becoming the standard of care, according to Brunke.

At the heart of laser therapy is the concept of photobiomodulation (PBM), which Brunke said is how lasers can be used to increase the speed, quality, and tensile strength of tissue repair; resolve inflammation; and relieve pain.

 PBM is the process by which photons penetrate tissue, increasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in cells and stimulating wound healing while reducing pain and inflammation.

“Photobiomodulation is basically the mechanism of action of therapeutic lasers in our field,” said Brunke. “It’s that nonthermal interaction with a monochromatic light with a target site.”

Rehabilitative treatment is aimed at restoring quality of life to patients suffering from painful and/or functionally limiting musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions. It is already a multimodal discipline, with a diverse array of treatment options such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, shock wave therapy, massage, and therapeutic exercise. Through advances in technology and research in recent years, said Brunke, veterinary professionals can now comfortably add lasers to their rehabilitation toolbox. In making the case for the use of lasers in veterinary practice, Brunke shared published research and case studies that emphasized their versatility and ease of use in treating inflammation and pain, allowing many types of patients to recover faster and more effectively.

Not all lasers are created equal. Brunke explained that different classes of therapeutic lasers produce different wavelengths of light, and different wavelength ranges have varying effects on tissue. He used the term “photoceutical” to describe laser therapy throughout the presentation to drive home the concept that clinicians are essentially prescribing a particular laser treatment for a particular condition.

“If we want antibacterial effects, we want wavelengths of 460 nm,” Brunke explained. “As far as wound healing, we need something in the 600 to 800 range. We can also use a 980 nm wavelength for analgesic effects, with some anti-inflammatory [effects].”

He cautioned that it is important to use the appropriate laser and wavelength for a particular condition. Because each wavelength differs in its effects, using the incorrect laser is not only ineffective, but can potentially hurt the patient as well. “That's nothing any of us want to do in our careers,” Brunke remarked.

Brunke discussed the diagnoses that lasers can be used to treat. These include neurological diagnoses, such as intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, and peripheral nerve disease. It also includes tissue healing and orthopedic diagnoses, such as osteoarthritis and tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries.

He also gave examples and case studies of conditions that could benefit from the pain reduction and anti-inflammatory benefits of laser therapy as a sole treatment modality, which included surgical incisions, wounds, lick granulomas, otitis externa, osteoarthritis, and tail pull injuries.1 However, Brunke emphasized the value of laser therapy as part of a multimodal approach:

“We may use a little bit of surgery in our [practice]… We need some pharmaceutical assistance, too… We all have the same receptors, but our bodies may use them differently. So, we have to use a multimodal approach,” he said.

“What it boils down to is we treat inflammation, and we treat pain… Because if we don't get those going, we can't move that patient forward,” Brunke added.

Brunke M. Laser therapy in veterinary rehabilitation. Presented at: Directions in Veterinary Medicine; June 24-25, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana.

Glass GE. Photobiomodulation: The Clinical Applications of Low-Level Light Therapy [published correction appears in Aesthet Surg J. 2022 Apr 12;42(5):566]. 

. 2021;41(6):723-738. doi:10.1093/asj/sjab025

Articles

DIVM keynote speaker brings emerging modality into focus 

Making the case for laser therapy in veterinary rehabilitation

The Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine (LSU Vet Med) announced that Tammy Dugas, PhD, will take over for Joseph Francis, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, as the new associate dean for research and graduate education. Francis is stepping down to lead a new initiative to develop stronger cancer research at LSU Vet Med. He will lead a new initiative as principal investigator and will build on LSU Vet Med’s Centers of Biomedical Research in cancer models and mechanisms.

Dugas joined the LSU faculty in September 2014 as a professor in the Comparative Biomedical Sciences (CBS) and has been the head of the department since March 1, 2022. She attended LSU for her Bachelor's in Biochemistry in 1992 and then her PhD in 1996. She then completed a post-doctoral fellowship at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1998. In 2001, she completed another post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas Medical branch in Galveston, Texas.

Tammy Dugas, PhD (Image courtesy of LSU Vet Med). 

“I am thrilled that Dr. Tammy Dugas will be joining our senior leadership team as associate dean for research and graduate education. She is an exemplary leader and stellar scientist, and someone who garners great respect from graduate students, staff, and faculty alike. She will be an outstanding advocate for our growing veterinary and biomedical research enterprise. I very much look forward to working with her in this new role to take LSU Vet Med to new heights of excellence in our discovery mission,” said Dean Oliver Garden, BS, BVetMed, PhD, in an organizational release.

She accepted her first faculty position at LSU at the school's Health Science Center Shreveport and is active in the Society of Toxicology. From 2016 to 2017, she was the president of the Cardiovascular Toxicology Specialty section.

 Dugas’ research focuses on cardiovascular pharmacology, where she is developing new drug-coated medical devices will be utilized to clear blocked arteries, and toxicology, where she is investigating how environmental exposure triggers cardiovascular diseases.

LSU Vet Med announces new associate dean for research and graduate education. News Release. LSU School of Veterinary Medicine. June 23, 2022. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://www.lsu.edu/vetmed/news/2022/dugas_associate_dean.php

Tammy Dugas, PhD, will lead LSU Vet Med with her years of experience and education

LSU Vet Med appoints new associate dean for research and graduate education 

Olivia Shoup, DVM, new veterinary neurologist at Sage Veterinary Imaging (Photo courtesy of Sage Veterinary Imaging). 

Sage Veterinary Imaging (SVI) has welcomed Olivia Shoup, DVM, as a veterinary neurologist. She will spearhead the center's neurology and neurosurgery practice including advanced neurological procedures involving stabilization and neuro-oncology, plus she will be a resource for area veterinarians.

"We're very excited to have someone with Dr. Shoup's level of training and experience join our team," Jaime Sage, DVM, MS, DACVR, expressed in a company release.

 "When we couple Dr. Shoup's expertise with the human-quality imaging available at our new facility in Sandy, we can offer area pets the absolute highest level of diagnostics and treatment planning."

Shoup was born in Rochester, New York, and grew up in Dallas, Texas. She uncovered her love for neurology while in her undergraduate studies at Colorado State University (CSU). "As an undergrad, I learned about the action potential of a neuron, and I knew immediately I wanted to learn more. I was passionate about the nervous system – how it worked and how to intervene to yield better outcomes for pets,” she shared, in the release.

Before attending veterinary school at Oklahoma State University, Shoup achieved her bachelor's and master's degrees at CSU. According to the release, her advanced training consists of a rotating internship in small medicine and surgery, a neurology specialty internship, and a neurology and neurosurgery residency.

"I'm excited to join the team at Sage Veterinary Imaging," Shoup said. "With my specialized training and the best-in-class imaging equipment available here, I'm confident we can help local veterinarians and pet owners solve even the most complex medical concerns."

This facility marks the first pet outpatient imaging center in the Salt Lake City area.

Dr. Olivia Shoup joins Sage Veterinary Imaging. Sage Veterinary Imaging. June 22, 2022. Accessed June 23, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/dr-olivia-shoup-joins-sage-veterinary-imaging-301572548.html

Olivia Shoup, DVM, will offer her advanced training to provide pets in the Salt Lake City area the best diagnostics and treatment planning 

Sage Veterinary Imaging appoints new veterinary neurologist 

Approximately 1 in 3 people—and 1 in 2 in Generation Z—have adopted a new pet during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Therefore, many people now consider a pet-friendly environment when making career decisions. This can include a work from home option, or more offices today are welcoming dogs into their workplaces.

Research has demonstrated that pets can have calming effects, reduce stress and blood pressure, and even make employees more cordial and productive.

However, there are also health and safety considerations when bringing pets into a workplace. In honor of National Take Your Dog to Work Day today, in a company release,

 National Business Furniture highlighted pointers on ensuring office spaces are safe and comfortable for furry pals.

 Dog-proof the office before welcoming them into the workplace. This can consist of ensuring there are no small-sized potential choking hazards (eg, paper clips or chewable items like pens and pencils) within reach. Also make sure there is access to outdoor areas for the dogs.  

: Gates can help prevent dogs from venturing into off-limits spaces. 

 Furniture should be easy-to-clean, scratch and fur resistant, plus durable and using fewer seams. Tightly knit or vinyl fabrics help avoid stains and pulls. Avoid sensitive materials such as silk, linen, solid wood or tweed. A comfortable dog bed under the desk can serve as a safe space as well for them to unwind.

: Keep healthy dog treats in your office desk drawer. Steer clear of snacks that can be toxic for your pet (eg, chocolate, grapes, etc). 

New survey shows being pet-friendly is a smart move for workplaces. Mars Veterinary Health. April 9, 2021. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://www.mars.com/news-and-stories/articles/new-survey-on-bringing-pets-to-work

The benefits of bringing pets to work. University of Southern California Dana and David Dornsife College of Letters, Arts and Sciences. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://appliedpsychologydegree.usc.edu/blog/the-benefits-of-bringing-pets-to-work

Tips on sharing your office space with furry co-workers for National Take Your Dog to Work Day. National Business Furniture. June 23, 2022. Accessed June 24, 2022. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/tips-on-sharing-your-office-space-with-furry-co-workers-for-national-take-your-dog-to-work-day-301574314.html

To celebrate National Take Your Dog to Work Day, share these safety tips with clients for when pets tag along with them to the office

What to know when bringing furry friends into the workplace 

Were you ever the last kid to be picked for the soccer team? Or the one left out of the school play? Kinda sucked, right? Being an outsider or on the sidelines when others participate in something to which you felt you could have contributed feels downright awful. Imagine working in an environment where you can’t be your true self or feel as if your ideas cannot be shared because you will be excluded. It’s awful—and sad. Unfortunately, our society has a long way to go in terms of inclusiveness.

During Pride Month, it is crucial that we take time to be an ally and recognize the importance of inviting everyone to dance at the party! It’s really a no-brainer that diversity and inclusion make for a stronger workforce. When companies embrace and value employees of different backgrounds, they reap the rewards in creativity and innovation, a strong company culture, and improved employee performance. To me, this approach obviously leads to success, whether you’re a society or nonprofit organization, a veterinary hospital, or a company. An inclusive workplace celebrates diversity and its role in the organizational fabric. Such companies do not pretend that everyone enjoys an equal footing or a level playing field. Instead, they acknowledge differences and systemic differentiation and take responsibility for offering equal opportunities to all. Good companies and hospitals are the ones that are walking the walk.

Inclusivity in the workplace stems from the top of the organizational chart. If your employer sets the precedent with continuing education and training on how to create an inclusive workplace, you are more likely to walk the walk and model inclusive language, check in often with team members, offer safe spaces, and even have a taskforce dedicated to creating fun events that show support for everyone.

During this month of celebration, I want to share a personal story. As a gay man, I have been bullied, been made fun of, taunted, berated, and verbally attacked. And to this day I still receive hateful speech on social media. I decided early on that I was going to let my “haters” become my “motivators."

Life is precious, short, and sometimes challenging. I was blessed to receive tremendous support from my mother, father, and brother, who loved me for who I was and saw nothing other than a son and brother who was passionate about veterinary medicine at an early age. Yes, I struggled. School didn’t come easy to me. In high school, I was scared that if people knew I was gay it would be the end of my journey toward becoming a vet. “What if they find out about me?” The question was constantly on my mind when I was a veterinary technician. Leaning on my family and friends was crucial for me as I tried to achieve the beautiful DVM reward. And part of that journey was my coming out to my family and friends. It was terrifying, but also liberating. I wanted the world to see Adam Christman the way I saw Adam Christman.

Looking back, I can comfortably say that I am the best veterinarian, friend, brother, uncle, colleague, and husband I can possibly be because of being my authentic self. I’m so thankful to have married my best friend, Chris, almost 5 years ago and to have been together for 18 years. He makes me a better person every day (as well as our dachshunds!). I would never have thought as a kid that I would be able to marry anyone. Having that security and happiness means so much to us and our friends in the LGBTQ+ community. To those of you potentially struggling with any of this, I hear you and am here for you. Lean on me, your friends, your family, Pride VMC, Pride Student VMC, or any other organization with which you feel comfortable. The world is a beautiful place, and no one should have to live with inequality, exclusion, and/or discrimination.

I learn many, many things from my patients, and I continue to learn from them every day. But the one thing that I find strikingly beautiful is the unconditional love our pets have for us. They don’t care who you love or what color your skin is. They love us for who we are and for what we do for them. If we can all take a page from the animal playbook, the world would be an even more beautiful place

“Look out ’cuz here I come! And I’m marching on to the beat I drum. I’m not scared to be seen. I make no apologies. This is me!”–The Greatest Showman.

Taking Pride in Yourself and Others

In an interview with dvm360® Kirsten Oliver, VN, DipAVN (Surgical), CVT, CCRP, CVPP, VTS (Physical Rehabilitation), discussed how fear, stress, and anxiety can worsen pain perception in animals. Plus, she gives tips for spotting stress in patients.  

View the video below for the entire discussion. The following is a partial transcript.

Kirsten Oliver, VN, DipAVN (Surgical), CVT, CCRP, CVPP, VTS (Physical Rehabilitation)

: How do we understand how [pets] perceive [pain]? Well, they give off visual clues, and by using  what we call the FAS scale, which is the fear, anxiety, and stress scale, we can look at the cues that those pets are giving us as to where they are on their scale and help prevent escalation. You know, stress kicks off a variety of chemical reactions, too, which then also heighten pain, decrease healing, and set off this whole little cascade of chemical changes within the body that makes things very difficult for them.

How fear, stress, and anxiety may heighten the perception of pain

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