Laser

There are two primary applications for the use of laser in our practice. Firstly we use laser for the surgical management of skin masses and tumours – for example sarcoids and secondly we will use laser to aid and expedite the healing process for many soft tissue injuries and wounds- for example tendon/ligament injuries.

Using laser for the removal of soft tissue masses has revolutionised the management of sarcoids and other forms of skin tumour. Laser allows the precise removal of skin tumours, with minimal bleeding and trauma. It can be used in standing, sedated patients and is well tolerated. Its most common use is for the removal of sarcoids, whereby the laser beam serves to kill cancerous cells along the line of the incision, thus improving success rates when removing sarcoids and similar masses.

It is a procedure that is performed at the clinic, normally on an outpatient basis. Following sedation, the area in question is anaesthetised with either local nerve blocks or local anaethestic infiltration and then the lesion excised with the laser beam.

Due to radiation safety protocols we only perform laser surgery at the clinic.

The beneficial effects of laser therapy to aid in the healing of soft tissue injuries is something that is increasingly recognised.  For many tendon and ligament injuries treatment options are limited, so the use of laser therapy is a great additional therapy we can offer. Essentially laser imparts energy to the tissue, thereby increasing cell activity and helping to expedite the healing process. Examples of conditions that we would use laser in would be tendon injuries, ligament injuries and also wounds and other soft tissue injuries. For the majority of horses that present with overriding dorsal spinous processes (kissing spines) or sacroiliac pain we will often use laser as part of their rehab plan.

The majority of horses tolerate laser therapy very well and no sedation is required. We perform laser therapy on the road and can do so at your yard or premises as required.