Laser therapy for pets has become an increasingly popular treatment option in veterinary medicine. This alternative therapy involves using low-level lasers to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation, which helps relieve pain and speed healing. Our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team explains laser therapy’s benefits, including reduced inflammation, a quicker recovery time, and an improved quality of life for a pet with a chronic condition.
What is laser therapy for pets?
During laser therapy, a cold laser emits specific light wavelengths that penetrate the skin and tissues. These light wavelengths interact with cells, triggering photobiomodulation, which stimulates cellular activity, leading to an increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cells’ energy currency. The result is enhanced cellular repair and regeneration, reduced inflammation, and improved blood circulation. These effects help alleviate pain, accelerate healing, and improve overall tissue health. The therapy is painless and non-invasive and can treat various conditions.
How does laser therapy benefit pets?
Laser therapy can improve a pet’s quality of life by alleviating pain, enhancing recovery, and supporting overall wellness. Laser therapy’s benefits include:
- Pain relief — Laser therapy helps reduce pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity and promoting the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers.
- Reduced inflammation — Laser therapy decreases inflammation and swelling by enhancing blood flow and lymphatic drainage, which helps speed the healing process.
- Accelerated healing — Laser therapy promotes quicker tissue repair and regeneration by stimulating cellular activity and increasing ATP production, aiding in wound, injury, and post-surgical site healing.
- Improved mobility — For pets with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, laser therapy can help reduce joint stiffness and improve range of motion, enhancing overall mobility.
- Non-invasive and painless — The treatment is non-invasive, painless, and well-tolerated by most pets, making laser therapy a stress-free option for managing various health issues.
Pet conditions treated with laser therapy
Laser therapy can be used to treat various conditions in pets, including:
- Arthritis — Laser therapy reduces joint pain and inflammation, improving a pet’s mobility.
- Post-surgical healing — For pets who have had surgeries, laser therapy can speed recovery and reduce post-operative pain and swelling.
- Wound healing — Laser therapy accelerates the healing of cuts, abrasions, and surgical incisions.
- Skin conditions — This therapy can help manage chronic conditions such as dermatitis and hot spots.
- Muscle and ligament injuries — Laser therapy promotes quicker recovery from sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Chronic pain — Laser therapy can reduce pain and discomfort in pets suffering from chronic pain conditions, improving their quality of life.
What do laser therapy sessions for pets entail?
Laser therapy is a straightforward and painless procedure that includes:
- Assessment — Our Heartland Veterinary Hospital veterinarian assesses your pet’s condition and determines whether laser therapy is an appropriate treatment.
- Application — Our team applies the laser device to the pet’s affected body area for a few minutes, depending on the condition being treated.
- Frequency — Treatment frequency varies. Some conditions require multiple sessions per week initially, followed by maintenance treatments. Our veterinarian will determine the session frequency based on the initial assessment and treatment plan.
Laser therapy for pets: Considerations and safety
Always consult with our veterinarian about your pet’s health and suitability for laser therapy to ensure their safety. While noninvasive and safe, laser therapy is not appropriate for pets with the following health conditions:
- Pregnancy
- Eye conditions
- Cancerous masses
- Wounds that are actively bleeding
- Immunocompromising illnesses
How effective is laser therapy for pets?
Laser therapy’s efficacy varies based on your pet’s condition, their individual response to the therapy, and the treatment’s frequency and duration. Many pet owners have reported significant improvements in their pets’ quality of life after laser therapy. Dogs with arthritis often have increased mobility and reduced pain, while cats with chronic wounds heal more quickly and experience less discomfort. Laser therapy is frequently used as an adjunct treatment to traditional veterinary medicine, thereby increasing its efficacy in treating various conditions.
Laser therapy offers a promising, holistic approach to managing medical conditions while complementing other treatment modalities. Its noninvasive nature and ability to promote natural healing can be a valuable addition to your pet’s health care regimen. Contact our Heartland Veterinary Hospital team to discuss your furry friend’s needs and determine if laser therapy is suitable for treating their condition.
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