Animals are people too! lasers in veterinary medicine

Abstract

Lasers have become commonplace in medicine with many applications on many types of biomaterials. The purpose of this short presentation is to provide an overview of lasers, their applications, and safety. The word “laser” is an acronym derived from the phrase “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation” and was coined by Jay Gould and Theodore Maiman. A laser-equipped device generates a high-intensity light that is monochromatic, unidirectional, and parallel. These unique characteristics make the laser useful for medical applications. The use of lasers in veterinary medicine includes nonsurgical and surgical applications. Surgical applications involve direct physical alteration or removal of target tissue. Examples of commonly used photothermal applications include laser hyperthermia and laser tissue vaporization. An example of a photochemical application is laser lithotripsy, in which laser light creates an acoustical shock wave used to break down urologic calculi. Nonsurgical applications include such techniques as laser biostimulation, diagnostic use including optical biopsy, and photodynamic therapy.Lasers have become commonplace in medicine with many applications on many types of biomaterials. The purpose of this short presentation is to provide an overview of lasers, their applications, and safety. The word “laser” is an acronym derived from the phrase “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation” and was coined by Jay Gould and Theodore Maiman. A laser-equipped device generates a high-intensity light that is monochromatic, unidirectional, and parallel. These unique characteristics make the laser useful for medical applications. The use of lasers in veterinary medicine includes nonsurgical and surgical applications. Surgical applications involve direct physical alteration or removal of target tissue. Examples of commonly used photothermal applications include laser hyperthermia and laser tissue vaporization. An example of a photochemical application is laser lithotripsy, in which laser light creates an acoustical shock wave used to break down urologic calculi. Nonsurgical applications i...