VETMEDIX Case Study | Application of High-Power Laser Therapy in Feeding Tube Wound Healing After Feline Gingivostomatitis Tooth Extraction

Introduction

For cats suffering from severe gingivostomatitis who undergo tooth extraction surgery, the placement of a feeding tube is a critical measure to support postoperative recovery and ensure adequate nutritional intake. Proper management of the feeding tube wound is a key factor in promoting wound healing, reducing infection risk, and alleviating patient discomfort.

As an advanced wound repair technology in veterinary clinical practice, laser therapy—delivered via a professional animal laser therapy machine—offers precise targeting, non-invasive anti-inflammatory effects, strong analgesic action, and effective promotion of tissue regeneration. When applied to feeding tube wounds, laser therapy can accurately act on the wound area using specific wavelengths. The laser energy penetrates the wound surface, rapidly suppresses acute postoperative inflammation, reduces edema and tissue damage, and improves local microcirculation, thereby enhancing nutrient delivery to damaged tissues. This process promotes epithelial cell proliferation and granulation tissue formation, reduces the incidence of wound infection and ulceration, and significantly shortens the overall healing cycle.

This case report documents the complete clinical process of using the VETMEDIX veterinary laser system—an advanced laser therapy device designed for clinical rehabilitation—to manage feeding tube wounds following tooth extraction in a cat diagnosed with gingivostomatitis. The case provides a clear demonstration of how laser therapy helps relieve postoperative wound pain, control local infection, reduce secondary trauma caused by swallowing or movement, and ultimately support rapid wound healing and restoration of normal feeding and activity.

01 Case Presentation

VETMEDIX Case Study | Application of High-Power Laser Therapy in Feeding Tube Wound Healing After Feline Gingivostomatitis Tooth Extraction（images 1）

Name: Da Pangzi
Breed: Chinese Domestic Shorthair
Sex: Male
Age: 3 years and 4 months
Previous Medical History: None

Chief Complaint:
A stray cat previously fed in a park was found to have significant weight loss. After being taken home and fed for half a month, the cat developed oral inflammation and obvious oral pain. Veterinary examination revealed positive calicivirus status.

02 Diagnosis:
Feline calicivirus infection
Feline gingivostomatitis

03 VETMEDIX High-Power Laser Therapy Protocol

Course of Treatment

Treatment Frequency:
Laser therapy once daily for one week

Treatment Mode:
Skin and soft tissue rehabilitation mode

Treatment Plan:
After feeding tube-assisted nutrition during oral recovery and subsequent tube removal, laser therapy was applied to the feeding tube wound.
Adjunctive treatments included analgesics (Medacalm) and oral spray therapy (Zoono).

During treatment, a professional veterinary laser for sale from the VETMEDIX product line was used, delivering controlled high-power laser energy suitable for small animal wound care. The same technology platform is also applied across canine laser therapy machine and equine laser therapy machine systems, ensuring consistent clinical standards.

04 Treatment Results

Laser Therapy Sessions:

First laser therapy session
Second laser therapy session
Third laser therapy session

Following treatment, wound scabbing was observed, indicating progressive healing.

05 Case Summary

Short-Term Recovery

The veterinary team developed a targeted treatment plan using the VETMEDIX high-power laser system to address feeding tube wounds following tooth extraction in a cat with gingivostomatitis. After laser therapy, the cat experienced significant relief from severe oral pain. Wound bleeding and exudation improved rapidly, while redness and tissue edema of the oral mucosa gradually subsided. Necrotic mucosal tissue detached more efficiently, and healthy granulation tissue began to form.

The cat’s mental state steadily improved, with gradual recovery of appetite and willingness to eat.

Long-Term Follow-Up

At follow-up examinations after discharge, both the tooth extraction sites and feeding tube wounds had completely healed, with no recurrence of infection or residual mucosal ulceration. The healed oral mucosa showed good smoothness with minimal scar formation. No abnormal mucosal adhesion or hyperplasia was observed.

Overall oral health remained stable, gingivostomatitis did not recur, and normal feeding and chewing functions were fully restored. No secondary complications such as dysphagia or oral discomfort related to poor postoperative wound healing were reported.

Conclusion

This case clearly demonstrates the significant clinical value of VETMEDIX high-power laser rehabilitation therapy in the management of feeding tube wounds following tooth extraction in cats with gingivostomatitis. Utilizing photobiomodulation (PBM) technology, this non-invasive therapy—delivered through a professional animal laser therapy machine—improves local blood circulation at the wound site, accelerates repair of damaged oral mucosa and granulation tissue growth, and effectively reduces acute inflammation and mucosal edema caused by gingivostomatitis and surgery.

At the same time, laser therapy provides strong analgesic effects, reducing the risk of secondary injury caused by feeding refusal or agitation due to oral discomfort. It also helps prevent key postoperative complications such as wound infection, mucosal ulceration, excessive scar formation, and mucosal adhesion. As a result, the overall wound healing cycle is significantly shortened, offering a safer and more efficient professional treatment solution for feeding tube wound management after feline gingivostomatitis tooth extraction.

06 Hospital Profile

Wuxi Heng’ai Animal Hospital (a member of the New Ruipeng Group) focuses on professional veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Supported by the group’s strong resources, the hospital provides reliable and comprehensive medical care for companion animals.

Professional Team:
Licensed veterinarians and nurses with extensive clinical experience, regular continuing education, and expertise in common disease management and postoperative care.

High-Quality Environment:
Independent medical and grooming areas, separate zones for dogs and cats, standardized disinfection procedures, and a clean, odor-free environment.

Group Support:
Shared laboratories and remote consultation services are available, with referral options for complex cases to ensure high-quality diagnostic and treatment outcomes.