Basic FAQs About Laser Therapy for Pets

Did you know laser therapy is one of the most successful and flexible modern veterinary therapies available? This cutting-edge medication has been available for several decades and has helped hundreds, if not millions, of pets feel better. This article by a local Coquitlam, British Columbia veterinarian addresses laser therapy for pets.

What exactly is laser therapy?

Albert Einstein is credited with creating the concept of Cold Laser Therapy in 1916. He really created the term Light Amplification via Stimulated Emission of Radiation, also known as LASER. The concept became a reality in 1967, when Professor Andre Mester began employing low-power lasers in medical applications.

The key of laser therapy is in the name: light amplification. Light waves have an impact on the body’s cellular structure and can cause certain biological changes. This is called photobiomodulation. Cold laser therapy, also known as low level laser or Class IV laser therapy, stimulates cells using electromagnetic radiation in the infrared region.

Laser units create three types of light beams: monochromatic, or single wavelength; coherent, or electromagnetic radiation; and collimated, which emits photons in a single beam of light. The last two types, coherent and collimated, can be concentrated on very particular locations. This is the origin of the term “laser focus”!

There are four different types of lasers, each classified. Class 1 is the least capable. These are the varieties used in barcode scanners, which are common in modern stores. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the most powerful laser, the Class 4. These are able to cut through materials.

Class 3 is typically utilized in therapy. This form of treatment can assist to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve nerve function. It can also aid to reduce healing time. It also enhances and/or restores metabolic function and promotes cell health, functioning, and metabolism. Cold lasers do not penetrate deep under the skin’s surface, while hot lasers cut tissue.

Laser therapy is currently being utilized to treat a wide range of ailments in pets. There’s a reason it’s gaining popularity!

What Problems Might Laser Therapy Be Used To Treat In Pets?

Lasers are most commonly used to treat arthritis in veterinary medicine, especially in dogs. They are also used to aid pets with a number of ailments.

Here are a few examples:

• Neurological diseases
• Inflammation
• Joint Pain
• Neuropathic Pain
• Tendon/ligament issues
• Degenerative disk disease
• Ear Infections
• Muscle Atrophy
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Traumatic Injury
• Wound Healing
• Musculoskeletal Injuries 
• Dermatitis 
• Hot Spots
• Chronic pain
• Osteoarthritis
• Intervertebral Disk Disease
• Lick Granuloma 
• Cellulitis
• Arthritis 
• Wounds
• Hearing Issues

For additional information, speak with your Coquitlam, British Columbia veterinarian.

What Are The Advantages Of Cold Laser Therapy?

When considering any type of treatment for your cherished pet, balance the benefits and drawbacks. The former are significantly more prevalent in this scenario!

Here are a few of the key advantages:

Laser Therapy Is Pain-Free

When considering pet treatments, pain and suffering are always top concerns. Cold laser therapy does not cause any pain. In fact, many of our patients appear to enjoy it. It’s fairly common for pets to fall asleep during therapy.

It’s Non-Invasive

While your four-legged friend may need to wear special spectacles, the treatment does not involve any surgical incisions.

Pets do not require anesthesia throughout their treatments. Your canine companion will also not need a shave. 

Laser Therapy Is Very Safe

Many drugs and therapies have a risk of negative effects. Another reason we choose cold laser therapy is that there are no known negative effects. That alone is a compelling justification for using cold lasers in therapy.

The Sessions Are Quick

Cold laser therapy sessions do not require much time. The usual session lasts between 10 and 30 minutes. Even very busy folks can easily fit this into their calendars.

With Laser Therapy, There’s No Need For Recovery Time

As previously stated, cold laser therapy treatments are fast and painless. Fido and Fluffy won’t need any extra care, beyond a snack and a few scritches. (A new toy or additional cuddling are also likely to please your pet friend.)

Laser therapy is highly versatile

Laser therapy can be used safely in conjunction with a wide range of other treatments. For example, if your pet is involved in an accident and sustains a limb injury, they may require surgery. In such cases, laser therapy can aid in the healing process following surgery. Treatments can also be repeated as needed. There’s no need to wait between sessions, which can be advantageous.

It’s Useful!

Finally, but not least, laser therapy works! Laser therapy can help pets with a wide range of medical issues. It’s made a lot of our lovely patients feel better. We can’t overstate how wonderful it is to witness a stiff old dog become lively and playful again.

What Should I Expect During My Pet’s Appointment?

When you arrive for your consultation, your pet will be given special spectacles to wear. (These may appear cute, but they serve to protect the eyes.)

The technician will focus the laser on the area of your pet’s body that is being treated. They will hold the laser in place for a set amount of time, often between three and 10 minutes. This has absolutely no negative impact on the pet. Some people even fall asleep during their sessions!

How Many Sessions Would My Pet Require?

Pet treatment regimens are always developed on an individual basis once the pet has been properly evaluated. Our furry patients are uniquely unique, and their treatment strategies should be, too!

Your veterinarian will decide the number of sessions required and will conduct regular reassessments and reevaluations. The schedule can be changed over time, and it will gradually decrease once the full advantages are realized. For more information, consult your veterinarian.

Is Laser Therapy Right for My Pet?

While we are very delighted to be able to provide this therapy, it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment solution and will not be appropriate for every medical issue. Every pet should have a unique care routine that is tailored to their age, health, physiology, and lifestyle. However, if you believe your pet could benefit,  contact your veterinarian about it.

Conclusion: Cold laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment that makes use of light therapy. The lights employed in cold lasers cause various reactions in the body, which provide a variety of healing effects. These include less pain, reduced inflammation, faster healing, and enhanced cell function. The medicines can be used to treat a wide range of medical concerns in pets, but they are most commonly used to assist dogs with arthritis.

Schedule an appointment at our Coquitlam, British Columbia veterinary clinic.

Do you want to know more about cold laser therapy? Do you believe your pet would benefit? Please do not hesitate to contact us at any time. As your Coquitlam, British Columbia pet hospital, we are always here to help!