Cold laser therapy allows for your beloved companion's pain-free and non-invasive treatment. In this post, our Murfreesboro vets share some valuable information about cold laser therapy for dogs and how this special veterinary treatment can help them heal.
Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy Treatment For Dogs
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy, focuses light to boost blood circulation and stimulate cell regeneration. This drug-free, non-invasive treatment effectively treats inflammatory diseases.
Recently, it has been integrated with conventional medical therapies to address soft tissue or tendon injuries, along with arthritis, while also accelerating wound healing.
How does cold laser therapy help treat dogs?
The veterinary industry has confirmed that pet laser therapy is safe and effective for treating diseases, injuries, and conditions such as tissue injuries (including strains and sprains) and arthritis.
We frequently utilize it to enhance other treatment options, providing our pet patients with improved outcomes.
Cold laser therapy offers several benefits, including:
- 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 negative side effects and does not require sedation. You also don't have to be concerned about your pet losing fur because cold laser therapy does not require fur removal to complete treatment successfully.
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 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?
Your dog shouldn't experience any pain if the veterinarian administering the treatment is proficient and skilled in delivering laser therapy correctly.
In our experience, when the vet moves a handheld laser wand over injured tissue, pets often find this soothing or relaxing.
Throughout the session, all veterinary staff and patients must wear protective goggles. Laser beams aimed 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?
Over time, cold laser therapy accumulates its effects. For optimal results, follow your veterinarian's recommended treatment frequency.
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.