You may have a basic idea of what laser therapy for humans is, but you may wonder whether laser treatment can benefit your pet. This safe, surgery-free, and non-invasive procedure is a new way to care for your furry friend where pain is involved.
The treatment relieves pain and helps the injured tissues to heal at a faster pace. The process takes about eight to 10 minutes and the best part is that you get to see your pet’s discomfort disappear in real-time.
So, What Exactly Is Laser Therapy For Your Pet?
Veterinary laser therapy is a procedure that applies light energy to injured tissues to reduce swelling, pain and accelerate healing. The therapy can be used along with pain medication or in place to manage inflammation, pain, and healing. Laser therapy can work for cats, dogs, horses, and other pet species.
How Does It Work?
During the laser treatment, the vet directs a small ray of light energy toward the injured cells for 30 seconds or more, depending on the severity of the injury. The light energy from the laser travels through your pet and interacts with the parts of the cells that are sensitive to light.
This interaction stimulates repair and growth while reducing the swelling of the injured tissue. The severity of your pet’s injury will also determine the number of times your pet will require laser treatment.
What Does It Do For Your Pet?
Laser therapy effectively minimizes pain and swelling caused by various chronic pet illnesses, thereby supporting healing. Conditions that veterinary laser therapy can treat include the following:
- Degenerative joint disease or arthritis.
- Severe and persistent ear infections.
- Periodontal disease.
- Post-surgery discomfort.
- Fractures and wounds.
- Nerve wounds.
- Pain from hip dysplasia.
- Pain from strains and sprains.
The procedure is pain-free and may generate a calming warmth in the part being treated. Some pets have actually fallen asleep during the treatment because they became so comfortable and relaxed.
Can Your Pet Benefit From Laser Therapy?
If you notice any changes in your pet’s behavior such as loss of appetite, unnatural sleeping or sitting postures, limping, difficulty getting up from a lying down position, your pet may require laser treatment.
Also, your pet can benefit from laser treatment if he has the following health issues:
- Surgical cuts and openings.
- Lingering arthritis.
- Injuries from a trauma.
- Ligament and tendon injuries.
Similarly, laser treatment can work for your pet if he is old and has failing organ function, has liver disease and cannot take medicines, is exotic and it is difficult to give medications to him, and lastly, if your pet only has a few pain medications he can use.
To learn more benefits of laser therapy for your pet, visit Country Veterinary Clinic at our office in Live Oak, California. You can also call (530) 491-4500 to book an appointment today.
