In this article, our vets at Santa Clarita provide useful insights about cold laser therapy for dogs. This non-invasive treatment method can relieve pain effectively and help your furry friend recover faster.
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 drug-free and non-invasive treatment is effective in treating inflammatory conditions. Moreover, it is now commonly used alongside traditional medical treatments to treat arthritis, soft tissue, or tendon injuries. Additionally, it has proven to be beneficial in promoting wound healing.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Treat Dogs
Indeed, the veterinary industry has confirmed that pet laser therapy is safe and efficient. This treatment can effectively address various issues, including tissue injuries like strains and sprains, as well as arthritis and other conditions.
We often use it to supplement other treatment options to improve our pet patients' outcomes.
Some of the benefits that cold laser therapy can offer are:
- 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
Moreover, laser therapy is completely safe and has no adverse effects, and your pet won't need any sedation. You don't have to be concerned about your pet losing any hair because cold laser therapy doesn't require the removal of fur during treatment. It is a harmless and effective procedure that can be performed without causing any discomfort to your furry friend.
What Are Some Common Concerns 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
You may have a pet that is unable to undergo the traditional method of treatment and, therefore may benefit from veterinary cold laser therapy, such as:
- Pets who suffer from liver disease leaving them 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?
Provided the veterinarian performing the treatment is well-trained and experienced in administering laser therapy, and the treatment is performed correctly, there should be no pain involved for your dog.
In fact, in our experience, when the vet waves a handheld laser wand back and forth over injured tissue, this seems to produce a pleasant sensation that most pets seem to find soothing or relaxing.
During a session, all veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles, as laser beams directed at an eye are capable of causing permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.
Will my dog Need More Than One Session of Cold Laser Therapy?
Over time, 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 laser therapy sessions can differ based on the targeted area and the amount of energy required for treatment. Generally, a laser therapy session lasts for a duration of 5 to 20 minutes.
Prior to the treatment, we conduct a thorough physical examination of your pet and may require X-rays, to ascertain if cold laser therapy is the appropriate treatment 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.