Applications > Equine

Since the early '80s, light therapy has been used in the horse world for treating equine concerns and helping owners and trainers keep their horses in top shape. The first light therapy that was widely used on horses was laser therapy, also called low level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy. It has since been reported that light therapy using LEDs produces many of the same benefits as LLLT, but is less costly and much safer.

After many years of researching the therapeutic effect of LLLT (Low Level Light Therapy), be it laser or LED, the following is a list of treatable conditions for your animals:

• Treatment of traumatic, inflammatory and overuse injuries.
• Pain relief and healing of arthritic lesions.
• Reduce abscess and treat persistent non-healing wounds such as cold sores and ulcers.
• Prevent or minimize keloid (raised pinkish scar tissue at the site of an injury; results from excessive
  tissue repair) formations and adhesions.
• Reduce edema and reduce pain from surgical and other treatments.
• Encourage formation of collagen and cartilage in damaged joints.
• Encourage repair of tendons and ligaments.
• Reduce stress and stimulate healing.

Research has shown no contraindications with this form of therapy. Since the early '80s, light therapy (sometimes called red light therapy, Phototherapy, LED therapy, Infrared therapy, Photon Therapy, or Red/Infrared Therapy) has been used in the horse world for treating equine concerns and helping owners and trainers keep their horses in top shape. The first light therapy that was widely used on horses was laser therapy, also called low level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy. It has since been reported that light therapy using LEDs produces many of the same benefits as LLLT, but is less costly and much safer. A 1989 study entitled "Low-Energy Laser Therapy: Controversies and New Research Findings", Jeffrey R. Basford, M.D. of the Mayo Clinic’s Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation suggests that the coherent aspect of laser may not be the source of its therapeutic effect. Thus any effects produced by low-energy lasers may be due to the effects of light in general and not to the unique properties of lasers

LEDs are neither coherent nor collimated and they generate a broader band of wavelengths than do the single-wavelength laser. Non-collimation and the wide-angle diffusion of the LED achieve greater ease of application, since light emissions are thereby able to penetrate a broader surface area. Moreover, LEDs may affect more tissue types and produce a wider range of photochemical reactions in the tissue. The LED disbursement over a greater surface area results in a faster treatment time for a given area than laser. LEDs are safer, more cost effective, provide a gentle but effective delivery of light and a greater energy output per unit of surface area in a given time duration. 

LEDs do not deliver enough power to damage the tissue, but they do deliver enough energy to stimulate a response from the body to heal itself. LEDs provide a much gentler delivery of the same healing wavelengths of light, as does the laser.

The tissues and cells of the body absorb light at specific wavelengths and not at others. The key factor is using specific wavelengths. We use 670nm in the Red / Near-infrared spectrum. Previous studies have shown visible red light is absorbed by skin layers very efficiently and is best for uses such as stimulating trigger and acupuncture points and for treating wounds and infections. QDI’s HEALS™ (High Emissivity Aluminiferous Luminescent Substrate) technology is the most effective light therapy on the market and is an excellent device for use on musculoskeletal disorders.

We’ve spent over 15 years researching and testing our HEALS technology. They have been used on many horses and dogs, including our own with no adverse side effects. QDI’s WARP devices are available in two sizes the WARP 10 (10 cm2 – round); the WARP 75 (75cm2 – rectangle).

We use specific wavelengths, high quality LED chips and do a ‘chip on board’ mount with those chips. Our LEDs are only the size of a grain of salt. We manufacture these light therapy products right here in the beautiful state of Wisconsin.
We have been asked why we didn't manufacture a pad style light device. We felt we could not accurately control the heat of the lights. Pad style devices have received warnings from the FDA and one had over 29 unreported burn victims.
QDI is an ISO 9001:2008 Medical Device 13485 company. You can trust your safety and wellness to QDI.

Now, why should YOU use it?

Many studies have reported great results with LED therapy for the following equine and canine concerns:

General: Arthritis pain, bursitis, bruising, burns, edema, deep muscle problems, hematomas, inflammation, tight or sore muscles and infections.

Hoof Problems: Abscesses, bone spurs, inflammation, navicular, ringbone and laminitis.

Leg and Body: Ankle problems, bone chips, hock problems, inflammation, ligament soreness, tendon problems, sore backs, splints, strains, stifle issues, sprains, swelling, shoulder pain, hip pain, sore backs, sore necks, salivary gland problems, wounds, cuts, scrapes and for stimulating trigger points and acupuncture points.

But how does it work and why?

We found many impressive studies that included the following:

• The LEDs at specific wavelengths are reported to increase circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.
• Collagen is the most common protein found in the body and the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. Studies cite that LEDs stimulate the production of collagen. It has been reported that by increasing collagen production, less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.
• LED therapy is reported to stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells and provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell. Increases in ATP allow cells to use nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell.
• Increases lymphatic system activity. Edema has two basic components, liquid and protein. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. This means that both parts of edema can be eliminated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.
• Reduces the excitability of nervous tissue. The light energy stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's own long term pain fighting chemicals.
• May improve peripheral neuropathies by stimulating nitric oxide production.
• Increases RNA and DNA synthesis, which helps damaged cells to be replaced more quickly.
• Increases the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean up must occur before the healing process can take place.
• Stimulates fibroblastic activity that aids in the repair process. Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers. *
• Stimulates tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, part of the healing process.
• Stimulates trigger and acupuncture points.
• Helps relax muscles.

We have found no reports of adverse side effects regarding our HEALS™ technology. It is repeatedly reported that when the cell is "reenergized" it accepts no more energy, so you cannot cause harm and it is reported to have no effect on healthy tissue. The body will not absorb what it cannot use.

Caution is urged for those taking photosensitive drugs. Please do not use on pregnant mares unless you are being advised by a veterinarian who is familiar with light therapy, we have found no studies citing use on pregnant mares… so before we recommend… more research is needed.

The University of Indiana has done some research regarding embryos in chickens with a positive outcome.
We have been told that a temporary increase in pain or discomfort may be observed after treating chronic conditions.

Lasers in Surgery and Medicine 9:1-5, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, 1989).
Journal of Clinical Laser Medicine & Surgery Polychromatic LED Therapy in Burn Healing of Non-diabetic and Diabetic Rats
Impaired Wound Healing and angiogenesis in eNOS-deficient Mice, PC Lee; American Journal of Physiology , 1999 October,277 (4 Pt 2):H1600-8
Oct 2003, Vol. 21, No. 5 : 249 -258 3May 2006 Issue Of Acta Diabetologica
Biofizika. 2006 Mar-Apr; 51(2):332-9
The results obtained show that exposure of wounds to both laser and light-emitting diode irradiation causes a decrease in the oxidative stress in the rat wound fluid. No significant quantitative difference between the effects of laser and light-emitting diode irradiation was found. Department of Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium. 2003;18(2):95-9
Mitochondrial signal transduction in accelerated wound and retinal healing by near-infrared light therapy.
Mitochondrion. 2004 Sep;4(5-6):559-67.
PMID: 16120414 [PubMed]
Mitochondrion. 2004 Sep;4(5-6):559-67.
PMID: 16120414 [PubMed]
Photomedicine and Laser Surgery
Polarized Light (400–2000 nm) and Non-ablative Laser (685 nm): A Description of the Wound Healing Process Using Immunohistochemical Analysis
Oct 2005, Vol. 23, No. 5 : 485 -492