Stings and Things - Venomous snake bites » Discussions

Lasers

• VetVine CE
  Posted June 6, 2012

  Any comments or experience using class IV lasers to treat the edema seen with snake bites?

  Any comments or experience using class IV lasers to treat the edema seen with snake bites?
• Michael Schaer
  Posted June 6, 2012

  Hi:
  I have not seen any literature describing the use of lasers for the hemorrhagic lymph edema. Applying a molecular heat source might back fire if it were to possibly increase blood flow to the area of hemorrhagic lymphedema.
  Your question does cause some thought, but I would be hesitant to use the laser for my above reason. Should you ever come across anything that indicates otherwise, feel free to share this with me at schaerm@ufl.edu

  Hi: I have not seen any literature describing the use of lasers for the hemorrhagic lymph edema. Applying a molecular heat source might back fire if it were to possibly increase blood flow to the area of hemorrhagic lymphedema. Your question does cause some thought, but I would be hesitant to use the laser for my above reason. Should you ever come across anything that indicates otherwise, feel free to share this with me at schaerm@ufl.edu
• Michelle Quinn
  Posted June 7, 2012

  I do know that some vets in Texas are using class III or IV lasers several days post bite to decrease edema but I don't have first hand experience. Seems like I saw that Colorado State was launching a study on the subject just recently.

  I do know that some vets in Texas are using class III or IV lasers several days post bite to decrease edema but I don't have first hand experience. Seems like I saw that Colorado State was launching a study on the subject just recently.
• VetVine CE
  Posted June 13, 2012

  Dr. Schaer sent this reply:
  The swelling begins to regress by itself by the 3rd day in almost every case, so it will be difficult to prove that the laser is the reason. Need paired controlled studies. People making claims about lasers are not proving their claims with scientific methods in most cases. Awaiting that CSU study.
  

  Dr. Schaer sent this reply: The swelling begins to regress by itself by the 3rd day in almost every case, so it will be difficult to prove that the laser is the reason. Need paired controlled studies. People making claims about lasers are not proving their claims with scientific methods in most cases. Awaiting that CSU study.