Treatment of 29 Cases of Acute and Chronic Equine Tendonitis with Local Laser Therapy and Laser Acupuncture
Authors: Petermann Uwe
Journal: American Journal of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Local Laser Therapy for Equine Tendonitis Acute and chronic tendonitis affecting the superficial digital flexor tendon and suspensory ligament represents a significant challenge in equine practice, with some cases involving complete rupture; this case series evaluated whether a combination of local laser therapy and laser acupuncture could achieve tissue repair without adjuvant pharmacological support. Twenty-nine horses aged 3 months to 26 years received treatment using a 904 nm gallium arsenide laser (90 W peak pulse power), with energy directed both over the affected tendon to stimulate collagen synthesis and at acupuncture points selected to modulate immune function and reduce inflammation. Ninety-seven per cent of cases (28/29) achieved resolution of lameness and return to previous use following laser treatment alone, with 90% of these horses maintaining performance capacity at follow-up ranging from one to several years post-treatment. The notable success rate—particularly in the two cases involving complete superficial digital flexor rupture—suggests that laser stimulation may facilitate genuinely accelerated tissue regeneration rather than symptomatic relief, though the absence of control groups or standardised objective outcome measures limits definitive conclusions about mechanisms. For practitioners considering this modality, the specificity of laser wavelength and power output emerges as critical; clinicians should seek rigorous comparative evidence before committing to equipment investment, but the results warrant further investigation into optimal treatment protocols and patient selection criteria.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Local laser therapy combined with laser acupuncture achieved high success rates (97%) for tendonitis resolution without requiring anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics as adjuvants
- •Long-term follow-up data (1-several years) showed 90% of treated horses maintained performance, suggesting durable tissue healing rather than temporary symptom relief
- •Equipment specifications matter: the study used a specific 904nm gallium arsenide laser at 90W, suggesting laser selection and power parameters are critical for clinical efficacy
Key Findings
- •97% of treated horses (28/29) achieved resolution of lameness and return to previous use following local laser therapy and laser acupuncture
- •90% of horses maintained continued athletic performance at recheck intervals ranging from 1 to several years post-treatment
- •Treatment used 904nm gallium arsenide laser at 90W peak pulse power applied locally and to acupuncture points with no adjuvant therapies
- •Both acute and chronic tendonitis cases responded to laser therapy including 2 cases of superficial digital flexor tendon rupture