What Is Laser Therapy?
We’re always searching for new ways to care for your pets especially when pain is concerned. That’s why we offer laser therapy.
Veterinary laser therapy treatment is the cutting edge of medical therapy. It is a pain-free, surgery-free and drug-free treatment that is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatments, also including post-surgery recovery. The application is non-invasive and often very calming and therapeutic for pets.
What types of conditions can laser therapy be used to treat?
Laser therapy can be used to treat a multitude of ailments, including:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Back pain
- Gingivitis
- Hot spots
- Open wounds
- Ear infections
- Anal gland infections
- Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
- Soft tissue trauma
- Trembling
How does it work?
Laser treatment employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace.
Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, your pet’s condition will determine the length and frequency of laser treatments. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 3 to 10 minutes. Allow your veterinarian to help devise a sufficient laser treatment schedule for your pet.
Laser therapy for pain relief
Laser treatments are an excellent way to provide pain relief to your fur-baby. Laser therapy reduces pain by reducing inflammation through the opening of blood vessels and by activating the lymphatic drainage system, draining swollen areas.
The result is a reduction in swelling which reduces pain. The lasers also stimulate nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, thereby decreasing nerve sensitivity. Because there is less inflammation, less swelling and an interruption of pain signals to the brain, your pet will experience less pain.
Laser therapy to recover from injury or surgery
Veterinary laser therapy is a very helpful tool during post-op recovery. In minor cases, laser therapy alone may be enough to alleviate pain and stimulate the healing process. Because it works directly on injured or affected areas, laser treatments can help speed up healing, strengthen muscle and tissue, improve mobility and enhance your pet’s overall quality of life almost immediately.
Is laser therapy a good option for my pet?
Many of our veterinary therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:
- Abnormal sitting or lying posture
- Circling multiple times before lying down
- Restlessness
- Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
- Limping, unable to get up or lie down
- Difficulty getting into car or downstairs
- Lack of grooming
- Won’t wag tail
- Licking or biting area
- Lack of appetite
- Trembling
What can I expect at my pet’s laser therapy appointment?
A technician will hold the laser wand directly over the affected area for somewhere between 3 and 10 minutes. There is no pain associated with the treatment and most pets will relax during their session.
The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety he or she initially experiences will quickly dissipate.
Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, your pet’s condition will determine the length and frequency of laser treatments. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 3 to 10 minutes. Allow your veterinarian to help devise a sufficient laser treatment schedule for your pet.
Is laser treatment painful or uncomfortable?
Laser treatment is totally pain-free and very comforting. As the laser is administered, your pet may feel a gentle and soothing warmth, tingling, or no sensation at all.
Are there any side effects?
There are no known side effects and is considered both safe and effective across the veterinary industry.
Our knowledgeable, compassionate veterinary team can help answer any questions you have.
Schedule an appointment for your fur-baby to begin experiencing the benefits of laser therapy today!