Photobiomodulation with fluorescent light energy as a sole treatment of pyotraumatic dermatitis (hot spot): a case series.

Objective: To describe the therapeutical effect of fluorescent light energy (FLE) in managing pyotraumatic dermatitis in 8 dogs.

Animals: 8 dogs.

Clinical presentation: 8 owned dogs between 2 and 8 years old with clinical signs and acute onset of naïve, not already treated pyotraumatic dermatitis.

Results: All the patients achieved resolution of the lesions within a maximum of 2 weekly FLE sessions (back-to-back protocol) as the sole therapeutical approach. Follow-up information was available for at least 1 month after resolution, and none of the dogs had recurrence of pruritus or dermatitis in the same treated area.

Clinical relevance: Pyotraumatic dermatitis is a common skin condition affecting particularly allergic dogs, and its severity can vary depending on the time of presentation, lesion extension, and bacterial complication. This is the first case series describing successful management of pyotraumatic dermatitis through FLE treatment alone.