Learn about a pain-free and non-invasive treatment option for your furry friend – cold laser therapy. Our vets in Weldon Spring have shared some valuable information on this treatment that can aid in your dog's healing.
Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy For Dogs
Have you heard of cold laser therapy? It's a non-invasive technique that uses low-level laser or Class IV laser therapy to increase blood circulation and promote cell regeneration. This drug-free approach is commonly used to treat inflammatory conditions and is now being used alongside traditional medical treatments for soft tissue or tendon injuries and arthritis. It can also help accelerate wound healing.
How Does Cold Laser Therapy Help Treat Dogs
The veterinary industry has approved pet laser therapy as a safe and effective treatment. It can effectively address various diseases, injuries, and conditions like tissue injuries (such as strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We commonly use it alongside other treatments to enhance the outcome for our pet patients.
Here are some of the advantages that cold laser therapy can provide:
- 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 complete treatment properly.
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 trained and competent in administering laser therapy, your dog should not experience any discomfort during the treatment. In our experience, when the vet uses a handheld laser wand to treat injured tissue, it often produces a soothing or relaxing sensation for most pets. However, during the session, all staff and patients need to wear protective goggles to prevent any permanent damage to the human or canine retina caused by laser beams directed at the eye.
Will my dog Need More Than One Session of Cold Laser Therapy?
For optimal results, it is recommended to follow the frequency of cold laser therapy treatment advised by your veterinarian as the benefits are cumulative and develop over time.
How Long Will Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy Benefit My Dog?
The duration of the laser therapy sessions differs depending on the section that is being treated and the amount of energy that is delivered through the laser. Usually, a laser therapy session lasts between 5 to 20 minutes. We conduct a comprehensive physical examination, along with x-rays if necessary, before the therapy to determine if the cold laser therapy is the appropriate treatment choice 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.