Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Adjunctive use of a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum garnet laser for treatment of pythiosis granulomas in two horses.
- Journal:
- Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association
- Year:
- 1997
- Authors:
- Sedrish, S A et al.
- Affiliation:
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences · United States
- Species:
- horse
Plain-English summary
Pythiosis is a skin disease in horses caused by a type of fungus called Pythium insidiosum. In this study, two horses with pythiosis granulomas, which are abnormal growths caused by this infection, underwent surgery to remove the growths. After the surgery, a special laser was used to treat the area where the growths had been, which helped to prevent them from coming back. One year later, neither horse showed any signs of the disease returning. This laser treatment seems to be effective in reducing the chances of recurrence after surgery.
Abstract
Pythiosis, caused by Pythium insidiosum, is a common cutaneous granulomatous disease in horses. Surgical removal is the most common treatment; however, high rates of recurrence have been reported. Results of examination of 2 horses with pythiosis granulomas in which a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser was used to photoablate the bed after removal are reported. The mass had not recurred in either horse 1 year after surgery. Photoablation results in collateral thermal necrosis and may kill organisms that have infiltrated surrounding tissues, thus reducing the risk of recurrence.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9267509/