The article presents therapeutic effects of high power laser therapy unit in case of fracture of the metacarpal bone in a horse.
Patient’s details:
- Species: horse
- Breed: Arabian horse
- Sex: mare
- Age: 7 years old
- Horse entering endurance riding competitions
Medical history:
The problem of the 7-year-old mare entering endurance riding competitions was the periosteal reaction of the proximal epiphysis of the second metacarpal bone in the right and left thoracic limbs. The horse presented pain in the peripheries of the bony proliferation in the palpation; furthermore, oedema of soft tissues might be felt. X-ray images showed periostitis of a recurring nature (remissions of the inflammation tended to occur in intensive training periods).
Treatment:
In the initial stage of periostitis, cold compresses and hydrotherapy were given (these procedures took three days). In addition, an anti-inflammatory and analgesic gel which included DMSO, lidocaine and prednisolone was applied. After the acute phase of the inflammation subsided (around ten days after symptoms occurred), the high power laser therapy was given. Due to periostitis and pain in that area, the training of the horse and free movement in the paddock were limited for the duration of the therapy.
High power laser therapy:
The mare underwent a series of ten irradiations with the Polaris HP high power laser at one-day intervals.
Parameters of the procedure for wavelengths of 808 nm and 980 nm:
- Power (W): 4-10
- Frequenncy (Hz): 700-800
- Duty factor (%): 60-90
- Dose: (J/cm2): 50-100
- The sessions were performed with the dynamic manual scanning method every day for ten days. A 5 cm pad was used.
Results of the therapy
After the therapy ended, the palpation showed a significant reduction of pain intensity. Oedema of soft tissues occurring earlier subsided to a considerable extent. The follow-up X-ray examination showed the reduction of the periosteal protuberance, thus periostitis subsided. The periosteal surface became smooth after the high power laser therapy.