Page 596 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

selecting different probes.

The laser assists healing by stimulating the production of collagen and blood vessels as
VetBooks.ir well as activating various cells such as mast cells and macrophages involved in tissue repair

and immune response. This can result in:
• faster healing

• increase in tensile strength of the repaired tissue

• reduction of scarring

• stimulation of the immune system
• control of infection

• reduction of inflammation

• pain relief

• acupuncture point stimulation.

Pain relief may be due to stimulation of acupuncture points causing release of endorphins and
serotonin which influence pain pathways and suppression of pain-detecting nerve endings.

When acute injuries are treated, the horse’s exercise should be controlled so further damage
is not caused by over-use of the injured limb while the pain is reduced.

Laser treatment can speed up the healing of wounds in equine practice and reduce the
speed of bacterial multiplication in infected sites. The more powerful lasers are effective for

treatment of superficial ligament and tendon injuries as they can penetrate up to 3 cm (1 in)
below the skin surface. Chronic injuries require more stimulation than acute conditions and a

mild inflammatory response may be seen at the start of treatment. Although this can cause
the patient to experience increased discomfort for a short period of time, it will start off the
healing process.

FREQUENCY OF TREATMENT

This depends on the type of injury. Initial treatment may be daily for 2–3 days, then 2 or 3
times a week. It should be used as soon as possible after the injury occurs. A response should

be seen after 2–3 treatments.

PRECAUTIONS AND CONTRAINDICATIONS

• The laser beam can cause permanent damage to the retina of the eye so protective glasses

should be worn by the owner and the therapist. The beam should never be pointed at or
into the eye.

• The beam should not be applied over the uterus of a pregnant mare.