The University of Calgary Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (UCVM) now has a state-of-the-art surgical laser thanks to a generous gift of $20,000 from the Equine Foundation of Canada (EFC), which contributed to the overall costs of the technology.
Better technology = Better horse health
The University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine Dept. now has a state-of-the-art surgical laser thanks to a generous gift of $20,000 from the Equine Foundation of Canada.
The Dornier Diode Laser was unveiled to a group of UCVM clinicians, veterinarians from the Distributed Veterinary Teaching Hospital (DVTH) and members of the Equine Foundation of Canada executive.
“It is very gratifying to see how the money that was provided to the college is spent to help the welfare of horses and learning for veterinarians,” said Eldon Bienert, President, Equine Foundation of Canada.
The Dornier Diode laser will accommodate a number of surgical applications for both equine and small animals. Laser surgery is minimally invasive therefore it reduces or eliminates the need for anesthesia and also reduces pain and the chance of infection.
“It is an excellent complimentary tool to the Dynamic Respiratory Scope (DRS), which allows us to diagnose upper airway and throat problems that occur during exercise,” said Renaud Leguillete, Associate Professor of Equine Internal Medicine.
“The laser will act like a high precision scalpel through the end of the endoscope and can therefore treat these conditions without the use of general anesthesia. This results in a shorter recovery time for the patient.”
Up until now, laser surgery has not been an option for treating horses in Alberta and the new equipment opens a number of possibilities for better care and treatment for horses in the area.