What is Therapeutic Laser Therapy for Dogs and Cats?
Therapeutic laser therapy uses a low-intensity laser or LED (light-emitting diode), in order to stimulate and enhance your pet's cell function, relieve their pain and improve their healing.
Several different conditions have been shown to improve with the use of laser therapy for dogs, cats, and other pets, including joint pain, muscle spasms, and arthritis symptoms.
During this treatment, the energy from the lasers increases your pet's circulation, drawing nutrients, oxygen, and water to the affected area and encouraging your animal's natural healing processes.
Uses for Laser Therapy
Laser therapy encourages cell regeneration and increases circulation, benefiting the following conditions and procedures:
- Edema and Congestion
- Wounds
- Bone Fractures
- Hip Dysplasia
- Strains & Sprains
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Sprains and Strains
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Post-Traumatic Injury
- Lick Granuloma
- Dental Procedures
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- Tendinopathies
Therapeutic Laser for Dogs and Cats FAQs
- Has its effectiveness been demonstrated scientifically?
Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of Laser Therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser for many clinical conditions.
- Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?
There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.
- Are there any side effects or associated risks?
During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days as the healing response is more active after treatment.
- How often should a patient receive laser therapy?
Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once every week or two as improvement is seen. For most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 2 to 8 minutes. A majority of patients exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after a laser treatment.
A sample treatment schedule is as follows:
- Every other day for one week (3 total)
- Twice the second week (2 total)
- Once the third week (1 total)
- Boosters as needed
- How many laser therapy treatments does it take?
This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 1-2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 8 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
- How long before results are felt from laser therapy?
Your pet may feel improvement in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
- What should I expect from my pet's laser therapy treatment?
There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to your pet. Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3 to 8) for the greatest benefit.
Class IV Laser Therapy treatments are cumulative in nature. The length and frequency of treatments vary with your pet’s condition.