Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs
Cold laser therapy (also referred to as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy) uses focused light to increase blood circulation and stimulate the regeneration of cells.
This non-invasive, drug-free treatment is used to treat inflammatory conditions. More recently, it has been used in conjunction with traditional medical treatments to treat soft tissue or tendon injuries and arthritis. It can also be used to encourage wound healing.
How does cold laser treatment help dogs?
Absolutely. Pet laser therapy is considered safe and effective by the veterinary industry. It effectively treats diseases, injuries, and conditions like tissue injuries (strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We usually use it to supplement other therapies, improving the final result for our cherished animal patients.
Cold laser therapy offers several benefits:
- Enhance circulation
- Allowing the muscles to relax
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- Vasodilation can increase blood flow ultimately increasing oxygen and speeding up the healing
- Reduce pain and swelling
- The release of endorphins
- Speed the healing process
In addition, laser therapy does not have any negative side effects and no sedation is required. You also don't need to worry about your pet missing any fur as cold laser therapy doesn't require the removal of fur in order to properly complete treatment.
What are some common conditions that cold laser therapy can help treat?
There are many conditions and symptoms that veterinary laser therapy can help with, including:
- Chronic arthritis
- Surgical incisions
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Traumatic injuries
Your pet might be unable to receive conventional therapy, in which case veterinary cold laser therapy could be beneficial. Examples of such pets include:
- Pets who suffer from liver disease and are unable to take commonly used medications
- Cats that are only able to use specific pain management medications
- Exotic pets that may not be able to have medications administered normally
- Older pets that are unable to be medicated due to decreased organ function
Will my dog feel the laser while receiving treatment using veterinary cold lasers?
If the veterinarian is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy and performs the treatment correctly, your dog should not experience any pain.
Based on our experience, when the vet uses a handheld laser wand to gently move over injured tissue, it creates a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing and relaxing.
All veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles during the session. Laser beams directed at the eye can permanently damage both human and canine retinas.
Will my dog need more than one session of cold laser therapy?
The effects of cold laser therapy are cumulative. For best results, treatments should be completed at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian.
How long will veterinary cold laser therapy benefit my dog?
The duration of sessions varies according to the area being treated and the amount of energy delivered by the laser. A typical laser therapy session lasts from 5 to 20 minutes.
Before treatment, we will perform a complete 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.