Cold laser therapy is a gentle and non-invasive treatment option that can effectively relieve pain in your cherished pet. In this post, our Mahopac vets provide valuable insights into cold laser therapy for dogs and explain how this unique veterinary treatment can promote healing in your dog.
Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, harnesses concentrated light to enhance blood flow and promote cell regeneration.
This drug-free and non-invasive treatment is commonly employed for addressing inflammatory conditions. Additionally, it has been increasingly utilized alongside conventional medical interventions to manage soft tissue injuries, tendon ailments, arthritis, and even to facilitate wound healing.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Treat Dogs
Yes. The veterinary industry has deemed pet laser therapy safe and effective. It can effectively treat diseases, injuries and conditions such as tissue injuries (including strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We often use it to supplement other treatment options to give our pet patients an improved outcome.
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
Furthermore, laser therapy has no adverse side effects, and there is no need for sedation during the procedure. Rest assured that your pet won't experience any hair loss since cold laser therapy does not necessitate the removal of fur for effective treatment.
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?
If the veterinarian is skilled and experienced in conducting laser therapy and follows proper protocols, your dog should not experience any pain during the treatment. In fact, based on our observations, when the vet gently moves a handheld laser wand over the injured area, it often creates a comforting sensation that most pets find soothing and relaxing.
To ensure safety, both the veterinary staff and patients are required to wear protective goggles during the session. This precaution is necessary because laser beams directed at the eyes can cause 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 length of sessions varies depending on the area being treated and how much energy is being delivered through the laser. A typical laser therapy session lasts between 5 and 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.