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Equine Laser Therapy

An Effective and Minimally Invasive Approach to Horse Care

Equine laser veterinary

Veterinary medicine has advanced rapidly in recent years, and one of the most transformative breakthroughs in equine care is the adoption of laser technology. From state-of-the-art therapeutic treatments to precise surgical applications, these innovations are changing the way veterinarians treat horses—providing minimally invasive options that promote faster healing and better clinical results. Today, equine laser technology is a cornerstone of modern horse care, supporting health management, enhancing athletic performance, and improving quality of life.

Much like sports medicine for human athletes, equine laser therapy addresses the unique needs of performance horses. It has proven effective in injury treatment, rehabilitation, recovery, and conditioning. Its non-invasive approach, combined with consistently positive outcomes, makes it an indispensable tool for veterinarians and trainers committed to keeping horses healthy, strong, and competition-ready.

The Three Pillars of Equine Laser Technology

Equine laser technology in veterinary practice encompasses three key areas:

• Laser Therapy

• Laser Surgery

• Athletic Performance Management

What is Equine Laser Therapy?

Equine laser therapy is a game-changer in the care and performance optimization of horses. This versatile tool is employed in injury management, rehabilitation, recovery, and athletic conditioning. Its non-invasive nature makes it an ideal treatment for various conditions, seamlessly integrating with other therapies to enhance overall equine health. Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, making it a preferred choice for treating conditions such as:
  • Arthritis
  • Tendonitis
  • Wound healing
  • Post-surgical recovery
Additionally, laser therapy is an excellent preventive measure, promoting optimal muscle and joint health and significantly reducing the risk of injury in equine athletes.

The Advantages of Veterinary Laser Therapy

Laser therapy stands out in equine care due to its numerous benefits, making it an essential tool for veterinarians, horse owners, and trainers alike.

 

1. Non-Invasive and Painless Treatment

One of the most compelling advantages of veterinary laser therapy is its non-invasive nature. Unlike traditional surgical methods, laser therapy requires no incisions, stitches, or invasive procedures, minimizing discomfort and the risk of infection. The treatment is generally painless, harnessing light energy to stimulate healing without causing stress or pain to the horse.

2. Faster Recovery Times

Laser therapy serves as an effective and non-invasive modality for post-event recovery in horses. Recently, the importance of the rate and quality of recovery attracted the attention of sports medicine science as a critical performance-enhancing tool for high-level training and competition. Laser therapy accelerates the removal of metabolic waste products generated during intense exercise, such as blood lactate, creatine kinase, and C-reactive protein. These effects contribute to reducing muscle damage, preventing delayed onset muscle soreness, and accelerating overall muscle recovery. Veterinary professionals and trainers often incorporate this technique into comprehensive post-event recovery programs for horses involved in various competitive disciplines.

3. Minimal Side Effects

Traditional treatments such as medications or surgeries often come with side effects that can compromise a horse’s health. Laser therapy, on the other hand, has minimal side effects, with most horses experiencing no adverse reactions. In rare cases, mild sensitivity may occur at the treatment site, but these effects are short-lived.

4. Enhanced Healing and Pain Relief

Laser therapy accelerates the healing process by increasing blood flow, reducing inflammation, and stimulating cell regeneration. This results in faster recovery from injuries and surgeries. Additionally, it provides effective pain relief by decreasing inflammation and stimulating endorphin release, the body’s natural painkillers.

If we were to pick just one equine application of laser therapy it would be tendon and ligament injuries, which are way too common in horses, and often are carrier-ending. Equine laser therapy has been shown to promote cellular activity and microcirculation, expediting collagen synthesis and tissue repair. This is essential for the successful rehabilitation of musculoskeletal injuries improving outcomes in terms of recovery and return to function.

Equine laser therapy can be easily integrated into a comprehensive rehabilitation program that includes other modalities such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and controlled exercise. This multidisciplinary approach ensures a well-rounded and effective rehabilitation strategy.

5. Versatility in Treatment

Laser therapy is a versatile tool that can address a wide range of equine health issues, from musculoskeletal problems like arthritis and tendonitis to wound healing and post-operative recovery. Its flexibility makes it a go-to option for many conditions, ensuring comprehensive care.

6. Conditioning

Athletic conditioning for horses is a systematic and progressive training approach designed to enhance a horse’s physical fitness, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall performance. Equine athletes, just like human athletes, benefit from structured conditioning programs to optimize their athletic abilities and prevent injuries. Equine laser therapy is one of the tools that can be incorporated into these conditioning programs, offering various benefits:

Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion

Athletic conditioning for horses is a systematic and progressive training approach designed to enhance a horse’s physical fitness, strength, endurance, flexibility, and overall performance. Equine athletes, just like human athletes, benefit from structured conditioning programs to optimize their athletic abilities and prevent injuries. Equine laser therapy is one of the tools that can be incorporated into these conditioning programs, offering various benefits:

Muscule Conditioning

Equine laser therapy aids in maintaining and improving muscle condition. By stimulating cellular activity and promoting blood flow, it contributes to the overall health and function of the horse’s muscles. This is crucial for athletic performance, as strong and well-conditioned muscles support the horse in various disciplines.

Injury Prevention

Conditioning is not only about building strength but also about preventing injuries. Equine laser therapy can play a role in injury prevention by promoting tissue health, reducing inflammation, and addressing minor issues before they escalate into more significant problems.

Support for Tendon and Ligament Health

Tendon and ligament injuries are common concerns in athletic horses. Laser therapy has demonstrated positive effects in supporting the health of tendons and ligaments, promoting tissue repair, and reducing the risk of overuse injuries.

Veterinary Laser Surgery: Precision and Performance

Beyond therapy, laser technology has revolutionized surgical procedures in equine care, offering unparalleled precision, reduced recovery times, and minimal complications. While traditional surgical methods remain effective, laser surgery is especially advantageous in complex and high-risk scenarios such as:

  • Endoscopic Surgery
  • Resection of Cancerous Tissue

Endoscopic Laser Surgery

The use of diode lasers in endoscopic surgery has been one of the most significant advancements in equine veterinary medicine. The laser’s ability to perform procedures through an endoscope in a sedated standing horse eliminates the need for general anesthesia, reducing associated risks. Endoscopic laser surgery is primarily used for upper respiratory tract conditions, including:

  1. Release of Epiglottic Entrapment – Corrects conditions where the larynx is trapped under the soft palate.
  2. Hobday Procedure – Treats recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (whistling).
  3. Prosthetic Laryngoplasty (Tieback Procedure) – Treats severe recurrent laryngeal neuropathy (roaring).
  4. Dorsal Displacement of Soft Palate (DDSP) – Addresses performance-limiting conditions during intense exercise.
  5. Ethmoid Hematoma and Sinus Cysts – Removes masses from nasal passages and sinuses.
  6. Guttural Pouch Tympany and Mycosis – Treats congenital and fungal conditions affecting the guttural pouch.

Resection of Cancerous Tissue

Laser surgery is also highly effective for removing skin tumors, particularly sarcoids, where traditional methods pose a higher risk of recurrence. Laser surgery minimizes blood loss, reduces the need for sutures, and significantly lowers the risk of postoperative infection and tumor cell spread.

Benefits of Laser Surgery

  • Bloodless Surgical Field: Lasers coagulate blood vessels during cutting, creating a cleaner surgical environment.
  • Reduced Need for Sutures: Laser-induced hemostasis minimizes the use of sutures or staples.
  • Decreased Inflammation and Infection Risk: Laser treatment reduces postoperative complications, promoting faster healing.
  • Minimal Risk of Tumor Spread: Laser ablation reduces the chances of cancer cell dissemination during surgery.

The Importance of Quality Equipment: Eclipse®-VLS

The effectiveness of veterinary laser therapy and surgery is heavily reliant on the quality of the equipment utilized. Many veterinary laser devices are primarily intended for small animals and clinic-based procedures. While some of these devices come with protocols for treating horses, they often lack the specialized features necessary for optimal equine care. In this context, the Eclipse®-VLS system emerges as an innovative and comprehensive solution. Tailored specifically for equine veterinary applications, this all-in-one veterinary laser system offers unparalleled performance in equine laser therapy, surgery and management of athletic performance. It comes with extensive pre-set protocols for common equine issues and allows the creation of custom protocols. The high output power reduces the time of treatment. With its portable design, durable aluminum housing, and armored fiber, this system is well-equipped for various conditions. It is equipped with a high-capacity Li-ion battery that allows for more than an hour-long operation on a single charge. Coupled with a fast charger, it ensures efficient use in the field settings. By embracing these advancements, we can ensure that our equine companions lead healthier, happier, and more comfortable lives.

Recommended Products

Veterinary laser therapy system Eclipse-VLS

Eclipse® -VLS