Author(s): Jon Seiler, DVM, Orlando FL
Signalment:
Equine, 4mo M, Quarter/Appaloosa cross
Diagnostics and Exam Findings:
The patient had an ~300cm2 deep laceration on the medial aspect of the right thoracic limb.
Laser Treatment:
2,730 joules were delivered at 6.5 watts (fluence of 9.5J/cm2) using the large, off-contact treatment head.
Frequency of Treatment
44 treatments were delivered over ~1.5 months
Other Treatment:
Standard medical therapies including phenylbutazone (4gms x 4 days then 2gms x 3 days), penicillin (20cc x 10 days), and Creollina topical spray x 14 days were used. The wound was wrapped the first 10 days, then left open and cleaned with betadine solution and treated with Equine Magic Salve twice daily x 30 days then once daily until closed.
Comments:
From the veterinarian’s experience, extensive wounds like this normally took 90 days to heal. This wound was completely healed 60 days from injury. Laser therapy helped prevent the formation of proud flesh and allowed for faster healing.
Treatment Progression
