Assessment of a Novel Intralesional Low-level Laser Therapy in Three Horses with Insertional Deep Digital Flexor Tendinopathy: A Case Series

Case Reports: Diagnosis of insertional deep digital flexor tendinopathy (I-DDFT) in the equine hoof is feasible only after MRI examination and has poor outcome with a long period of rest and therapeutic shoes. Previous experimental studies have shown that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can potentially support healing of tendinopathy. This is a retrospective case series study of three horses, which were more than 3 months unilateral lame with positive response to palmar digital analgesia. All horses underwent standing MRI (0.27T) examination. The latter revealed I-DDFT in correlation with proximal split lesions. Using transcranial ultrasonography (linear B-mode, 5–7 MHz), the lesion was identified comparing with the contralateral foot. In the elevated hoof a 20-gauge 7.5-cm long needle was advanced through the heel bulbs to the lesion under transcranial ultrasound guidance. The LLLT (<100 mW, 805 and 909 nm wavelengths) fibre was threaded through the needle and a pulsated emission of 55 seconds was conducted twice. No complication or discomfort was observed in short and long terms after the treatment. All horses received therapeutic shoes and 6-month rehabilitation. The median follow-up time was 12 months (range: 8–14 months). All horses underwent MRI re-examination before returning to normal training. All horses became sound and two of them returned to their previous level of performance. In MRI rechecks, the lesion size in the T1-GRE sequence was subjectively attenuated but not dissolved. It seems that when locally administered, LLLT can enhance healing in I-DDFT.

Proprietary/Conflict of Interest: There was no proprietary interested or funding provided for this project.

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Artikel online veröffentlicht:
26. Oktober 2022