Cutting Edge Veterinary Lasers

Equine Laser Surgery Overview

The clinical use of lasers in the horse began in the early 1980’s. This was almost ten years before they sere used in small animal surgery. The laser provides the equine surgeon with improved hemostasis while significantly reducing the pain and swelling due to its unique properties. Using endoscopic, laparoscopic, and other minimally invasive methods, fiber directed laser energy (Diode and Ho:YAG) has been used to treat diseases of the upper and lower GI tract, including benign polyps, gastric ulcers, and intestinal neoplasia.

For most equine practitioners the CO2 and Diode generated wavelength of energy provides the greatest range of applications. The CO2 generated wavelength of energy provides the greatest application in soft tissue cases with the least negative impact on surrounding tissue. Diode generated wavelengths have limited soft tissue handling parameters but have the advantage of being functional in a fluid environment or through endoscopic application. Ho: YAG generated wavelength energy is used primarily for minimally invasive urological techniques for ablation of bladder, urethral, and prostatic pathological conditions in small animals.