Lasers are used in equine general surgery to incise, vaporize or coagulate tissue with minimal hemorrhage and reduced surgical morbidity to the patient. Although there were numerous wavelengths available, the two most common lasers originally used inveterinary surgery were the carbon dioxide (CO_2) and the neodymiumiyttrium aluminum and garnet (Nd: YAG) lasers. The wavelengths of these two lasers have complimentary photobiologic properties and can be used to accomplish a variety of surgical procedures in horses. Recently, the GaAlAs diode laser system was introduced to the veterinary surgery market. This laser has a wavelength and clinical properties that are quite similar to that of the Nd: YAG laser. With its solid state electronics, compact design, portability and economic price, the GaAlAs diode laser has largely replaced the Nd:YAG laser in most equine hospitals and specialty practices. The holmium laser and the pulsed dye laser also may be used for selected equine applications.
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