Cold laser therapy enables the pain-free and non-invasive treatment of your beloved companion. In this post, our Louisa veterinarians share valuable information about cold laser therapy for dogs and how this special veterinary treatment can aid in their healing.
Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, involves using focused light to boost blood circulation and promote cell regeneration. This non-invasive, drug-free treatment is utilized for managing inflammatory conditions. Recently, it has been combined with traditional medical treatments for addressing soft tissue or tendon injuries and arthritis. Additionally, it can aid in promoting wound healing.
How does cold laser treatment for dogs help?
The veterinary industry considers pet laser therapy safe and effective. It effectively treats diseases, injuries, and conditions like tissue injuries (strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We frequently incorporate it as a complement to other treatment options, enhancing the overall outcome for our beloved 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 has no negative side effects, and no sedation is required. You also don't need to worry about your pet missing fur, as cold laser therapy doesn't require fur removal to complete treatment properly.
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
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 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.
From our experience, when the vet uses a handheld laser wand to move over injured tissue gently, it creates a pleasant sensation that most pets find soothing and relaxing.
Protective goggles are required for all veterinary staff and patients during a session. Laser beams directed at an eye can cause permanent damage to both human and canine retinas.
Will my dog need more than one session of cold laser therapy?
The benefits of cold laser therapy accumulate over time and require completing treatments at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian for optimal results.
How long will veterinary cold laser therapy benefit my dog?
The duration of veterinary cold laser therapy benefits for dogs depends on the specific condition being treated. Typically, most dogs find relief from symptoms after a few sessions, and the effects can last from a few weeks to several months.
However, for chronic conditions or ongoing pain management, regular sessions may be necessary to continue experiencing long-term benefits.
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.