Treatment Contraindications

Today, the specification of contraindications for Laser Therapy is based upon prudence more than hard experimental or clinical data. The following contraindications are presented as a precaution for safe and effective treatment and care.

Laser Therapy should not be administered in the following situations:

Hemorrhaging
Do not apply laser light to any lesion that is actively hemorrhaging

Eyes: Direct Irradiation of the Eyes
Lasers are potentially harmful to the retina of the eye. Never shine laser light into the eye at any time, even while wearing safety goggles.
The person administering laser therapy and all individuals including those holding the animal should wear safety goggles at all times.

Testicles
Do not apply laser light to the testicles of the stallion

Corticosteroids
Do not apply laser light to any area that has recently been injected with corticosteroids

Photosensitive Medications
Do not apply laser light to any animal that is currently receiving photosensitive medications

Epiphysitis
When applying laser light to epiphysitis, use a low dose initially and use only those treatments necessary to reduce swelling

Carcinomas: Melanomas and Sarcoids
Do not use laser over any known primary or secondary lesions. Laser application to horses with Melanomas and Sarcoids should only be done under the supervision of a veterinarian

Pregnancy
Laser therapy is contraindicated for use over the pregnant uterus
Do not apply laser light to the pregnant mare

Treatment Over Sympathetic Ganglia, the Vagus Nerves & Cardiac Region In Horses With Heart Disease
Laser therapy may significantly alter neural function, and is therefore contraindicated over these regions in horses with heart disease