Page 597 - The Veterinary Care of the Horse

• If steroid has been injected, the laser should not be used over the injection site for 48

hours.
VetBooks.ir • The recommended settings should be used as it is possible to overheat the tissues.

•
Use over the growth plates of young animals should be avoided.

Regenerative Laser Therapy (RLT)

Regenerative Laser Therapy (RLT) delivers energy from a pulsed high intensity laser unit to
damaged ligaments and tendons to aid repair and remodelling of the injured tissues. It

promotes recovery of elasticity and reduces scar tissue. It has pain relieving and anti-
inflammatory properties.

It is particularly useful for:

• Chronic suspensory ligament injuries

• Suspensory branch injuries
• Deep digital flexor injuries in the fetlock, pastern and foot

• Inferior check ligament injuries.

Treatment is given two or three times a week for up to 8–10 weeks by veterinary surgeons

trained in the technique. At the time of writing it is available in the UK at the Animal Health
Trust, Newmarket.

Muscle stimulators

Muscle stimulators produce an electrical signal that stimulates muscles to contract. They are
used to:

• identify muscle pain or weakness (Figure 13.4)

• restore muscle strength and function following an injury

• maintain muscle tone and blood supply following nerve damage and reduce muscle
atrophy

• keep the muscles functioning when the horse is on strict rest for injuries such as fractures
or joint and tendon problems

• increase the circulation

• provide pain relief.