A study of the effects of lasering on chronic bowed tendons at Wheatley Hall Farm Limited, Canada, January, 1983.

The research article discusses a study of how infrared lasering can be used to treat chronic bowed tendons in horses at Wheatley Hall Farm Limited in Canada, leading to quicker recovery times and significant racing improvements.

Research Context

• The study was conducted at Wheatley Hall Farm Limited in Canada, a known venue for standardbred horse racing.
• Chronic bowed tendons in horses is a significant problem that traditionally requires a year for recovery.
• Since 1980, an alternative treatment method involving the use of infrared 904-nm laser has been tested for its effectiveness in treating this condition.

Study Design and Execution

• For the study, 42 standardbred horses suffering from single injury and undergoing a single infrared lasering treatment were selected.
• These horses had to be currently racing within 120 days of the laser treatment and meet certain other criteria to be included in the study.
• The effectiveness of the treatment was evaluated based on improvements in the horses’ final race times, last quarter race times, and class changes post-treatment.

Findings of the Research

• The results of the study indicated that a significant percentage of the lasered standardbreds raced with similar or improved times and classes compared to their performance prior to treatment.
• These findings suggest that lasering could be a potential safe and less costly alternate treatment for chronic bowed tendons in horses, offering quicker recovery times than traditional methods.