Horse Laser

Rare Thrombosis Case Study: 14 year old 17.1hh TB gelding. History: August 25, 2019, the horse blew an abscess from his front hoof. Three days later, the horse was 3-legged at turn in, not weight bearing on right hind leg. Diagnosed with cellulitis, treated with antibiotics (Sulfa, Excenel, and Banamine), wrapped and stall rest. While on stall rest, the horse kicks through a stall wall and receives a suspensory injury to right hind leg. Shockwave therapy was used (horse w...as tranquilized) for cellulitis, but that evening, horse has a colic attack. October 11, I provided 2 x Chronic Hock treatments (medial and lateral cannon), and an Edema & Congestion treatment for lymphatic stimulation on the right hind leg, as well as 1 x Chronic Hock treatment on left hind due to significant edema from full weight bearing in compensation for right hind leg injury. I treated the horse again on October 14 with the same protocol. The horse was scheduled to receive another shockwave treatment on October 17. I returned on October 19. The owner indicated that the shockwave was postponed. The vet had attempted to take a sample of fluid from the right hind leg. No sign of infection but only blood was present in the tissue. The vet then used a tourniquet to draw blood but they were unsuccessful in drawing any blood, leading the vet to suspect thrombosis. Thrombosis is extremely rare in horses, so much so that the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) only has 1 reported case of thrombosis after Founder leading to significant leg edema. Unfortunately, that horse was euthanized due to the inability to control the pain. OVC has very little literature as to effective treatments for thrombosis in horses and are currently searching for more information as to how to best treat this horse. This horse has received continual x-rays and ultrasounds. Suspensory is stable. Aspirin and bananime, and omeprazole have been prescribed as well as hand grazing, heat packs and owner is using Back on Track no bow wraps. Vet suggested to continue with laser therapy using a Class IV laser (the one we use). Lasers have vasodilation and pain relief effects amongst other benefits. The leg photos were taken just prior to today’s treatment. I was extremely pleased with the reduction in edema in the left hind leg. The images of the medial gaskin area are to illustrate the vasodilation after laser treatment of the lymphatic system. Note the increase in blood vessel definition.

New client today: 10 year old Draft cross gelding with a puncture to his pastern. The injury occurred approximately 3 weeks ago and although some healing has occurred, the progress has been slow. Let’s watch the laser in action! This photo was taken today just before the first laser treatment. I used the Chronic Feet and my custom Acupressure/Lymphatic stim settings for a total treatment time of 3:49 minutes. Strong Class IV Laser = more therapeutic dosage delivered deeper to tissues in less time

More success for Kaz, the Standardbred superstar that Horse Laser treated for a fractured pastern last summer. Congratulations!

A nice visit with one of Horse Laser's clients, the charming Sysco, and his lovely owner Chloe, who are part of the Canadian Cowgirls team at the Stampede!