Laser therapy is one treatment option that we are happy to provide here at Westwood Veterinary Hospital. While this may sound like something from a science fiction film, lasers have been used in human and veterinary medicine for decades. This article includes information on veterinary laser therapy from a local Ardmore, OK veterinarian.
What is Veterinary Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy, as the name implies, is a type of physical treatment for pets that uses lasers. This may sound alarming, but the lasers utilized are light-based and do not cut or puncture the skin.
How Do Lasers Work?
Let’s shed some light on how lasers function. The technology relies on light. In fact, the term ‘Laser’ is an abbreviation that stands for Light Amplification of Stimulated Emission of Radiation.
Lasers may produce three different sorts of light beams. Monochromatic refers to a single wavelength. Then there is coherent electromagnetic radiation, and intense light that is generated by electrons in a phase relationship. Finally, there is collimation. This type of laser emits photons, which are focused into a single beam of light.
Coherent and collimated lasers can be focused extremely precisely. That is where we got the term “laser focus.”
Now that we’ve determined the different sorts of lasers, we can look at them in terms of classifications. There are four types. Class 1 would be comparable to what you see on barcode readers at supermarkets. They’re the weakest. Class 4 is the strongest; it is capable of making incisions. Class 3 is the sort most commonly utilized in therapy.
That is, of course, the short version: consult your veterinarian for more specific information.
How Does Laser Therapy Work?
Laser therapy is based on photobiostimulation. The laser light can penetrate far into the cells. This results in a chemical reaction, or rather a succession of them. These include enhancing the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers; improving circulation; lowering inflammation; extending healing time; reducing inflammation and associated pain; and promoting bone healing. That is a fairly impressive list!
The therapy’s effects and advantages usually accumulate over time. This means that your pet’s condition will continue to improve with each subsequent treatment.
What Does Laser Therapy Treat?
We enjoy laser treatment because it is so adaptable. It is frequently used to treat dogs suffering from arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other bone/joint problems. However, it is used to treat a variety of different illnesses.
The list contains the following:
- Muscle Atrophy
- Skin Problems
- Nerve Issues
- Tendon and Ligament Problems
- Acute and Chronic Injuries
- Muscular-skeletal Abnormalities
- Osteoarthritis
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Lick Granuloma
- Cellulitis
- Arthritis
- Ear Problems
- Sprains and Strains
- Hip Dysplasia
- Gingivitis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Wounds
- Dental procedures
- Inflammation
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Bone Fractures
- Injury Recovery
As you can see, this can be an effective treatment for a wide range of conditions. Contact your veterinarian for further information.
What Are the Benefits of Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy provides numerous unique and fantastic benefits, many of which make it an excellent choice for treating our pets. But what are the advantages of this rapidly advancing treatment?
Let’s look at some of the main ones:
- Painless When considering any type of animal care, one of the most important concerns and queries should be the pet’s comfort. Laser therapy is particularly effective in this area. It’s completely painless! In fact, many pets appear to like the treatments. During their sessions, our patients frequently show visible signs of relaxation. Some of them really fall asleep!
- No Incision Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment. No incision is necessary. In fact, it frequently reduces healing time.
- No Anesthesia is required. While anesthetic is generally safe, it should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Some pets may be sedated before treatments, but they do not need to be put under.
- No Recovery Time. The fact that laser therapy is painless and noninvasive is remarkable in and of itself. However, these add up to another excellent benefit. Your pet will not require any special aftercare, other than a snooze and some extra forehead scritches. (A new toy or a tasty treat is optional, but would be appreciated.)
- No Known Side Effects. Laser therapy is quite safe. In reality, there are no documented adverse consequences. That alone is a big plus!
- Quick Sessions Laser therapy sessions normally don’t last very long. Most appointments last approximately or slightly less than 20 minutes. With so many individuals juggling busy schedules these days, this is an excellent benefit.
- Customized Treatment Plan Each of our patients is unique, and their therapies should be as well. Laser therapy can be included into a variety of treatment approaches. For example, it may aid one dog’s recovery from surgery while benefiting another by reducing inflammation. This typically allows us to deliver the most robust and effective alternatives while minimizing our patients’ discomfort. For instance, a pet that has had surgery after an injury may benefit from laser therapy as they are recovering. We can also make adjustments as needed.
Ask your vet for more information.
How Frequently Should Pets Be Treated With Laser Therapy?
The exact treatment program for your animal companion will be determined by the issue for which they are being seen. If your pet has an acute condition, daily treatments may be most beneficial, particularly if he or she is in pain. Other pets may benefit from two or three weekly sessions.
Generally, the sessions end once the full benefit has been obtained. Your veterinarian will monitor the results and revise the schedule as necessary.
Will My Dog Get Tired After Laser Therapy?
It is not uncommon for our furry patients to be a little tired following their laser therapy sessions. There are several reasons for this. The most significant benefit is probably reduced pain and stiffness. That alone can be really soothing. That alleviation can also promote deep, healing sleep. Make sure your pet has a comfortable bed to relax in.
Does Laser Therapy Work?
Yes! In fact, that may be the most important thing about it. Laser therapy is not only effective, but it can also provide some stunning outcomes! We always enjoy seeing a stiff elderly dog become lively again, or simply relax as their discomfort is reduced. At the end of the day, we want to help our animal partners stay as healthy and comfortable as possible.
However, it may not be the best course of action for every pet. Treatment alternatives should always be discussed on an individual basis. Please contact us if you believe your four-legged pet could benefit. It never hurts to know more!
Conclusion: Laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment that can benefit pets with a wide range of medical concerns. While it is most commonly used to treat arthritic dogs, it is quite versatile and can be used for a variety of problems. If you think that your pet may benefit from this cutting-edge treatment, contact your Ardmore, OK vet ASAP.
Contact Your Ardmore, OK Veterinary Clinic
Do you believe your pet could benefit from laser therapy? Would you like to learn more about it? Please feel free to contact us at your local Ardmore, OK animal hospital. We’re here to help!
