🔦 Vet Insight: Laser Therapy in Horses | 2025 Benefits, Limitations & Recovery Applications 🐴

By Dr Duncan Houston, BVSc

Lasers may sound like something out of science fiction—but they’re now a real tool in equine medicine. **Low-level laser therapy (LLLT)** is increasingly used for **wound healing, pain relief, and post-surgical recovery** in horses. While it's non-invasive and often well-tolerated, it's important to understand where lasers shine—and where expectations need to be managed. 🧠🐎

This 2025 guide explains how laser therapy works, what conditions it may help, and the limitations horse owners should keep in mind. 🩺🔬

🧪 What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)?

LLLT involves the application of a **therapeutic (non-surgical) laser** to tissues. These lasers, often **Class IV**, use specific light wavelengths that **penetrate tissue** to stimulate cellular activity, reduce inflammation, and support healing. 💡

How LLLT Works:

• 🔬 Increases **ATP (cell energy) production**
• 🧠 Modulates **inflammatory signals**
• 🩸 Stimulates **blood flow and lymphatic drainage**

Unlike surgical lasers, these are **non-cutting** tools. They’re sometimes called **regenerative lasers** because they aim to support the body's natural healing mechanisms. 🔁

📋 Common Uses of Laser Therapy in Horses

Laser therapy can be used for both **acute injuries** and **chronic conditions**, often in combination with other treatments. While not a standalone cure, it may **accelerate healing** or improve outcomes. 🏥

📈 Examples of Laser Use in Equine Practice:

• 🩹 Post-surgical incisions to reduce inflammation and aid healing
• ⚡ Acute muscle strains or soft tissue injuries
• 🦴 Splint bone injuries or other bone healing applications
• 🧠 Chronic back or neck pain
• 🏋️‍♂️ Recovery after intense training sessions

Some studies and anecdotal reports suggest laser therapy **may help improve muscle strength** or speed up **post-exercise recovery**, as it has in human athletes. 🏃

🧠 What the Research Says (and Doesn’t)

There’s growing interest in laser therapy—but research in equine medicine is still catching up. Most studies are **small, mixed with other treatments**, and results can vary based on many factors. 📊

Key Challenges in Evaluating LLLT:

• 📦 Most horses are receiving **multiple treatments at once**, making it hard to isolate the laser’s effect
• 🔢 There is **no standardized dosage** for equine applications
• 🌈 Penetration varies depending on **skin color**—light-colored horses respond better

This means while many vets are optimistic, **expectations should be realistic**. Lasers may help—but they’re **not a guaranteed fix** for every condition. ⚖️

⚠️ Factors That Influence Effectiveness

💡 Success depends on:

• 🧬 The **nature and location** of the injury
• 🧠 The horse’s **immune and healing ability**
• 📅 The **frequency and duration** of treatment
• 🎯 Operator experience and targeting precision

Some horses respond well to just a few sessions, while others require **multiple treatments over weeks** to show improvement. Patience and consistency matter. 📈

🧴 What Owners Should Expect

Laser therapy is usually **painless** and can be performed **in a barn setting**. Sessions typically last 10–30 minutes and may involve multiple sites depending on the condition being treated. 🧼🐴

🧠 Realistic Expectations:

• 📉 Modest, incremental improvements—not overnight results
• 🔁 Often part of a **multi-modal therapy plan**, not used alone
• 🧪 Especially helpful in **early injury recovery** or **stubborn chronic pain cases**

📲 Use Ask A Vet to Plan Laser Therapy

The Ask A Vet app gives you access to vet-reviewed rehab support and helps answer questions like:

• 📱 Is laser therapy right for my horse’s condition?
• 📸 What dosage and frequency are recommended?
• 📋 What other therapies should be included in recovery?
• 🧠 How do I track healing or performance changes?

Laser therapy should always be guided by a vet familiar with your horse’s medical history. Ask A Vet makes those conversations easy. 🐴📲

✅ Laser Therapy Takeaways

• 🔬 Low-level laser therapy is non-invasive and supports healing in horses
• 🧠 Best used as part of a multi-treatment recovery plan
• ⚠️ Not a standalone cure, and research is still ongoing
• 🎯 Works better in some horses and conditions than others
• 📱 Use Ask A Vet to plan treatments and track progress

📲 Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Laser therapy holds real promise in equine rehab—but it’s no miracle cure. With the right expectations and in the right situations, it can absolutely improve comfort, healing time, and performance. Always work closely with your vet to ensure proper application and dosing. 🧠💙

Download the Ask A Vet app today to explore laser therapy options and get expert insight into your horse’s recovery. 🐎📱