Laser therapy can be used in combination with traditional treatment methods to manage a number of conditions and speed up healing. In this post, our Villa Rica vets talk about what veterinary cold laser therapy is and how exactly it helps our furry friends to feel better and get moving quicker.
What is cold laser therapy for pets?
We often get asked, 'What is veterinary cold laser therapy?'. Cold laser therapy (also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy) employs concentrated light to increase blood circulation and stimulate cell regeneration.
This non-invasive therapy is used to target and treat inflammation. It has recently been used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments to treat soft tissue or tendon injuries, as well as arthritis. It can also help to speed up wound healing.
Pet laser therapy is known as a safe treatment option within the veterinary community. It is an effective treatment for a variety of diseases, injuries, and conditions, including tissue injuries (including strains and sprains) and arthritis.
It can successfully be used to supplement many traditional treatments.
Some of the key benefits of treatment using veterinary laser therapy include:
- Enhance circulation
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed the healing process
In addition, laser therapy does not have any negative side effects and no sedation is required. We also do not need to clip or shave the area being treated.
What is laser therapy used for when treating animals?
Some of the conditions that cold laser therapy can be used to treat include:
Arthritis & Musculoskeletal Injuries
Cold laser therapy, particularly for arthritis, is a versatile treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and joint inflammation. It alleviates inflammation and bruising while improving joint mobility.
Arthritis is defined by cartilage loss in the joint cavity, which causes pain, swelling, and stiffness. Cold laser therapy has shown significant results in the treatment of arthritis, regenerating lost cartilage, repairing damaged cells, and gradually improving joint strength over time.
Wound Healing
The energy absorbed by your pet's tissues causes physiological and biochemical reactions that increase circulation, promote cellular growth, and restore balance for tissue healing. As a result, tissue repair, regeneration, inflammation reduction, and pain relief occur.
Post-Surgical Healing
Because laser therapy is beneficial for wound healing, it may also be beneficial for post-surgical recovery. As a post-surgery treatment, laser therapy can reduce scar tissue formation, inflammation, and increase range of motion, resulting in a faster recovery and improved physical therapy (if that's part of your pet's recovery plan).
Dermatological Conditions
Some skin conditions, such as skin lesions, can benefit from laser therapy. In this case, laser therapy will increase the number of healthy cells, which will help to treat your pet's lesions. The process also promotes healing by increasing collagen production, which can help to prevent scarring.
Does veterinary cold laser therapy hurt pets?
There should be no pain for your dog if the veterinarian performing the treatment is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy.
In fact, when the vet waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, we've noticed that it produces a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing or relaxing.
All veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles during a session, as laser beams directed at the eye can cause permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.
How long will my pet's laser therapy visit last?
The length of the sessions varies depending on the area being treated and the amount of energy delivered by the laser. A laser therapy session typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.
Before treatment, we will perform a full physical exam, in addition to X-rays if required, to determine whether cold laser therapy is the right treatment option for your pet.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.