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Managing the Chronic: A Veterinarian’s Perspective on Cold Laser Therapy Equine Protocols for Arthritis and Back Pain
Introduction: Distinguishing Palliative Care from Therapeutic Change
Chronic pain in horses is often a silent career-ender. From osteoarthritis in the hocks to kissing spine, owners often rely on NSAIDs (like Phenylbutazone) to manage comfort. However, drugs come with gastric and renal risks. This brings us to the rising popularity of cold laser therapy equine solutions.
But before we implement this, we must ask: Is this therapy actually reducing pain, or is it just masking it?
The distinction is vital. Analgesics mask pain; therapy addresses the source. The data suggests that horse laser therapy does both. It provides immediate analgesia through neural blockade mechanisms while simultaneously reducing the chronic inflammation that drives the degradation of joints. This article examines the use of laser therapy for the “maintenance” horse and the senior equine.
The Science of Pain Relief: Neural Blockade and Endorphins
Why does a horse sigh and relax during a laser horse therapy session? It isn’t just the attention; it’s a physiological reaction.
1. The Gate Control Theory
High-intensity laser light stimulates the A-delta and C-nerve fibers. This stimulation effectively “closes the gate” to pain signals traveling to the brain. It creates a temporary analgesic effect similar to a local nerve block, but without the needle.
2. Beta-Endorphin Release
Equine cold laser therapy stimulates the production of endogenous opioids (beta-endorphins). These are the body’s natural painkillers. This systemic release helps explain why treating a specific focal point (like a hock) often results in a generalized relaxation of the horse.
3. Reducing Prostaglandin E2
In chronic arthritis, Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is a primary marker of pain and inflammation. Laser therapy has been proven to lower PGE2 levels in synovial fluid, thereby reducing the sensitivity of the joint capsule.
Clinical Case Study: Chronic Sacroiliac (SI) Pain & Poor Performance
This case highlights the use of laser therapy as a management tool for a working horse, rather than for an acute wound.
Patient Profile
- Subject: “Luna”
- Signalment: 14-year-old Quarter Horse Mare
- Discipline: Barrel Racing
- Complaint: “Refusal to turn” on the second barrel, bunny-hopping at the lope, and general grumpiness when being saddled.
Diagnostic Findings
- Palpation: Severe reactivity over the Sacroiliac (SI) joint and lumbar spine.
- Thermography: Significant “hot spots” indicating inflammation over the tuber sacrale.
- Diagnosis: Chronic Sacroiliac Desmitis and secondary lumbar muscle spasms.
Treatment Protocol: Management vs. Cure
Given the chronic nature of SI pain, the goal of horse laser therapy here is management to prolong the career, rather than a complete “cure.”
Device: Class IV Laser (High power is essential for SI joints due to the depth of tissue—often 6-10cm deep).
The Induction Phase (2 Weeks)
- Frequency: Every other day (EOD).
- Target: The SI ligaments and the Longissimus dorsi muscle group.
- Technique:
- Scanning: Large sweeping motions over the lumbar muscles to treat spasms (8 J/cm²).
- Trigger Point: Static holding over the SI joint dimples (high intensity, 15 Watts for 60 seconds per point) to reach deep structures.
The Maintenance Phase (Ongoing)
- Frequency: Once weekly, and immediately post-competition.
- Rationale: Competition triggers micro-trauma. Applying equine cold laser therapy within 2 hours of performance flushes metabolic waste (lactic acid) and resets the inflammatory threshold.
Clinical Outcome (6 Months Later)
- Performance: The mare returned to previous run times.
- Palpation: Reactivity reduced from 8/10 to 2/10.
- Drug Reduction: The owner was able to discontinue daily Previcox, using it only on heavy competition weekends.
- Analysis: The laser did not “fix” the arthritis changes, but it managed the soft tissue inflammation surrounding the joint, restoring range of motion.
Class 3B vs. Class 4: Selecting the Right Equipment
A common query in laser horse therapy is the difference between “Cold” (LLLT/Class 3B) and High Power (HPLT/Class 4) lasers.
- Class 3B (<500mW): These are true “cold” lasers. They are excellent for superficial wounds, acupuncture points, and shallow tendon injuries. However, they often lack the power to penetrate the massive muscle mass of a horse’s glutes or back. Treatment times are long (30+ minutes).
- Class 4 (>500mW): These generate heat and can penetrate deeper. For conditions like the SI case above, a Class 4 laser is superior because it delivers the necessary photon density to the deep target in a reasonable timeframe (10 minutes).
When researching cold laser therapy equine providers, always ask which class of laser they utilize. For musculoskeletal issues, higher power (controlled correctly) usually yields faster results.
Contraindications and Safety
While safe, laser horse therapy is not without rules.
- Eyes: Never point the laser at the eye; retinal damage is instant. Protective goggles are mandatory for humans and recommended for horses.
- Carcinoma: Do not laser over a known tumor (sarcoid, melanoma). The increase in blood flow and ATP can theoretically accelerate cancer cell growth.
- Thyroid: Avoid direct exposure to the thyroid gland.
- Pregnancy: Avoid treating the abdominal and lumbar region of pregnant mares.
Conclusion: A Non-Invasive Standard of Care
The days of “rest and bute” being the only options are over. Equine cold laser therapy represents a shift toward proactive biological management. By understanding the physics—asking is it effective (yes, via PBM) and why (ATP synthesis and inflammation modulation)—owners can make informed decisions. Whether for the geriatric pensioner or the high-performance athlete, horse laser therapy provides a scientifically backed path to pain-free movement.