Wound Care

Treating Wounds With Fluorescence Biomodulation

Fluorescence biomodulation may be useful in improving equine wound environments and enhancing healing, according to information presented at the 69th AAEP Annual Convention, held in San Diego.

“The use of fluorescence biomodulation has been shown to reduce inflammation, bacterial infection and improve healing of wounds in humans and other species,” said Fred Caldwell, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, DACVSMR, a professor of equine sports medicine and surgery at the JT Vaughan Large Animal Teaching Hospital, at Auburn University, College of Veterinary Medicine, in Alabama. “Fluorescence biomodulation is noninvasive, painless, easy to perform, and only requires the LED lamp, topical photo converter gel and protective eyewear for the personnel. Treatment is currently recommended once weekly for a 4-minute total treatment and can quickly and easily be performed in a field setting.”

Equine wounds are a common condition that often require emergency treatment. The tendency for these wounds to form exuberant granulation tissue, especially wounds on the distal limb, can be challenging to manage, so a faster recovery time leads to better patient outcomes. The goal of treatment is an equid’s complete return to function.

Dr. Caldwell explained that fluorescence biomodulation is a form of photobiomodulation that uses fluorescent light energy to modulate biological processes through the activation of photoreceptors in tissues. It also upregulates growth factors, demonstrates antimicrobial properties and improves wound remodeling.

To perform the treatment, clinicians should first check to ensure all components are ready for use, which include topical gel, chromophore ampule and an LED lamp. Hair should be clipped away from the wound site edges; the wound should be debrided if necessary and cleaned using saline soaked gauze.

The gel should be applied to the wound about 2-mm thick, ensuring the edges are covered completely. Then, while wearing the protective eyewear included, clinicians should hold the lamp as close as possible to the site and press the start button. The lamp will beep and a 2-minute timer will begin. A second beep will occur to let the user know that the session has been completed. Once the first session is completed, the steps are repeated immediately. Treatment is recommended again after 7 days.

Dr. Caldwell detailed a case where a 19-year-old Dutch Warmblood mare presented with facial bone sequestrum from frontonasal sinusotomy in addition to a multidrug-resistant incisional infection. Veterinarians at Auburn University discontinued systemic antibiotic therapy and completed 2 double-application treatments of fluorescence biomodulation 3 days apart. They reported rapid improvement in wound appearance, reduced swelling and drainage following the second treatment. Twenty-two days after treatment the mare was nearly completely healed.

Dr. Caldwell concluded fluorescence biomodulation should be considered as an important part of wound management treatment plan.

“In summary, fluorescence biomodulation can be useful in improving the wound environment and enhancing healing. We haven’t seen any evidence of excessive granulation tissue formation associated with its use,” Dr. Caldwell said. “And again, based on trying to use every tool in your arsenal that you have available to you, I think this is one of those tools that can really be helpful, especially in those chronic wounds that seem to be just stagnating, to wake them up so to speak, and stimulate them to heal.” MeV