Veterinary Lasers
How Does Veterinary Laser Therapy Work?
The complete mechanism of the laser light action on cells and tissues is still elusive. However, a significant body of clinical knowledge that has been gained so far strongly indicate that specific wavelengths of light, particularly red and near-infrared, can stimulate beneficial physiological processes in the body. These processes can be divided into three categories:
- Photothermal effect refers to the phenomenon where light is absorbed by a tissue, leading to an increase in its temperature. In the context of laser therapy, the photothermal effect plays a crucial role in various applications. including acceleration of cellular metabolism and blood flow. Higher temperatures can induce coagulation, which is the process of blood clotting. This can be beneficial in procedures where sealing blood vessels is required, such as wound treatment, and/or in laser surgery.
- Photochemical effect, known as photobiomodulation (PBM), involves the penetration of laser light into tissues, where it is absorbed by cells. The action of photons on cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) has been widely accepted as the primary component for the mechanisms underlying PBM. Absorption of light by CCO increases Both adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and oxygen consumption by the cells. This may lead to changes in nitric oxide (NO) levels, activation of secondary messenger pathways, activation of transcription factors, and growth factor production. This absorption enhances cellular metabolism, promotes cell proliferation, reduces inflammation, and an accelerates healing process. The release of endorphins also contributes to effective pain relief.
- Photophysical effects on the body are mainly concentrate on the effect of light on propagation of electrical signals through neural network; and on exciting vibrations in proteins and subcellular structures. In-vitro studies of neurons demonstrated that light can induce axonal varicosities in the same way as pharmacological anesthetics, resulting in the blockade of neurotransmission and therefore producing an analgesic effect. Light can also excite vibrations in proteins, which in turn enable proteins to change shape quickly so they can readily bind to other proteins, a process that is necessary for the body to perform critical biological functions like absorbing oxygen, repairing cells and replicating DNA.
The multifaceted nature of these effects highlights the complexity of the interactions between light and biological systems. Continued research in this field is essential for uncovering the full range of mechanisms and optimizing the application of laser therapy in various medical contexts.
Laser Therapy in Small Animal Practice: A Versatile Tool
Small animals are real frontline soldiers of laser therapy. Light does not penetrate deep under the skin – realistically organs that are located more than 2 inches below the surface cannot be irradiated. Therefore, in human medicine and large animal veterinary, the application of laser therapy is limited to wound healing, pain management, dermatological, and some musculoskeletal conditions. Small animals have lifted this limitation and the entire body can be treated, including abdominal and thoracic cavities. Laser therapy is non-invasive and generally well-tolerated by animals. It does not require sedation or anesthesia, making it suitable for a wide range of patients. Laser therapy is particularly useful for pets with limited medical treatment options, such as:
- Pets with conditions who cannot take medications
- Cats, for whom only a few pain-control medications are approved
- Exotic pets for whom medication administration is difficult or impossible
- Older pets with compromised organ functions
In small animal veterinary practice, laser therapy has become a versatile tool with a huge range of applications. Here are some key aspects of laser therapy in small animal practice:
Pain Management:
- Laser therapy provides a modern, drug-free, and painless alternative to manage pain associated with various conditions such as arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, and post-surgical discomfort.
- It has analgesic effects by reducing inflammation and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- For chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, laser therapy can be part of a long-term pain management plan to improve the quality of life for affected animals.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects:
- Laser therapy helps to reduce inflammation by modulating the inflammatory response at the cellular level.
- The anti-inflammatory properties of light can be beneficial in treating a wide spectrum of disorders – from otitis and upper respiratory conditions to urinary tract and perianal conditions.
Wound Healing:
- Laser therapy accelerates the healing process of wounds and incisions by promoting tissue repair and regeneration.
- It can be used in post-surgical care to minimize scarring and improve overall recovery.
Musculoskeletal Conditions:
- In small animals, laser therapy is often employed to treat musculoskeletal issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease.
- The therapy helps to improve joint mobility, reduce pain, and enhance overall function.
Dermatological Conditions:
- Skin conditions, including hot spots, lick granulomas, and allergic dermatitis, can benefit from laser therapy.
- The anti-inflammatory and healing properties of laser therapy can contribute to improved skin health.
Acupuncture Alternative:
- Laser therapy is sometimes used as an alternative or complementary treatment to acupuncture, providing similar benefits without the use of needles.
It’s important for veterinary practitioners to tailor laser therapy protocols to the specific needs of each patient, considering factors such as the condition being treated, the animal’s size and coat thickness, and the desired therapeutic outcomes. Additionally, safety measures, including the use of protective eyewear for both the patient and the handler, should be implemented during laser therapy sessions.
Equine Laser Therapy: A Specialized Application
Equine laser therapy is akin to sports medicine. Horses, by and large, are athletes. Equine laser therapy has demonstrated its effectiveness in various aspects of equine health and performance, from injury management and rehabilitation to recovery and conditioning. Its non-invasive nature and positive outcomes make it a valuable tool in the toolkit of veterinary professionals and trainers working with performance horses.
Enhanced Rehabilitation.
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.
Recovery.
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.
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:
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.
Improved Flexibility and Range of Motion.
Laser therapy has been shown to improve flexibility and range of motion in muscles and joints. This is essential for equine athletes, as increased flexibility can contribute to better movement mechanics, agility, and overall athletic performance.
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.
- Precision and Control: Laser surgery provides precise control over the cutting and ablation process. It is compatible with endoscopes, thus replacing formerly debilitating procedures requiring hospitalization with minimaly invasive surgery. This is particularly beneficial in delicate procedures or when working in sensitive areas. The laser beam seals small blood vessels and nerve endings as it cuts, providing a clearer surgical field and improved clear operating field for the surgeon. Laser surgery is particularly advantageous in the removal of tumors, allowing for precise removal of abnormal tissues while minimizing damage to healthy surrounding structures.
- Reduced Risk of Infection: The non-contact nature of theprocedure, along with the high temperatures generated by the laser beam during surgery help keeping the incision site sterile, reducing the risk of postoperative infections.
- Decreased Swelling and Inflammation: Laser light has anti-inflammatory effects. The reduced trauma, swelling and inflammation associated with laser surgery contribute to improved postoperative comfort for animals.
- Quicker Recovery: With reduced bleeding, swelling, and tissue damage, animals often experience faster recovery times after laser surgery compared to conventional procedures. Laser energy stimulates cellular activity and promotes tissue healing, contributing to a smoother and accelerated healing process.
- Reduced Need for Anesthesia: Some laser procedures can be performed with less anesthesia compared to traditional surgery, which may be advantageous, especially for older or high-risk patients.
It’s important for veterinary surgeons to receive proper training in laser surgery techniques and safety protocols. Additionally, a thorough understanding of the specific advantages and considerations for different types of lasers is crucial for achieving optimal outcomes. While laser surgery offers numerous benefits, its application should be tailored to individual cases and surgical requirements.
- Up to 4 wavelengths
- Enhanced photobiomodulation treatment protocols
- 36 Watts output power
- Clinically proven species-specific preloaded Protocols for canine, feline, equine, and exotic patients
- Manual Operation, for the expert user
- Battery operation
- Rugged aluminum housing
- Armored fiber-optic cable
- Intuitive User Interface through touch-screen display
Veterinary Lasers Add Revenue to Your Practice
It is not a secret that sometimes a valuable piece of equipment does not find its way to veterinary clinics because of a poor return on investment. This is not the case of veterinary laser. Investing in a veterinary laser equipment proves to be a sound financial decision for veterinary clinics. The return on investment is substantial, with a three-doctor practice generating an additional $40K-80K in revenue from offering laser treatments, often paying back the capital investment in less than a year. Semiconductor laser diode systems require minimal maintenance and no consumables, ensuring longevity and cost-effectiveness.