Laser therapy has no known side effects. Because it is noninvasive, it is safe for almost all pets. Laser therapy is often a helpful treatment modality for pets who cannot receive certain medications due to disease or organ deterioration. It can also be used along with other therapies and medications to provide the body multiple opportunities for healing and repair.
Laser Therapy Benefits
Laser therapy’s cellular impacts trigger a variety of healing effects, including:
- Endorphin release
- Increased blood flow, which provides oxygen and cells needed for healing
- Decreased inflammation
- Muscle relaxation
- Faster healing and repair
Laser therapy is mostly used in pets to decrease inflammation, reduce pain, and speed up the healing process.
Common Conditions Treated
Laser therapy can be used to encourage healing from a variety of conditions, including:
- Chronic arthritis
- Acute injuries
- Tissue lacerations and wounds
- Degenerative disc disease
- Chronic ear infections
- Lick granulomas
- Tendon and ligament injuries
At BelaCoop Animal Hospital, we treat every surgical incision post-operatively with laser therapy, to enhance healing and decrease inflammation and pain. This one-time treatment typically allows us to remove a pet’s sutures in seven days, instead of 14 days.
What To Expect
During your pet’s laser therapy appointment, a handpiece, which delivers the laser light, is moved over your pet’s body surface. Your pet will feel a warm, soothing sensation. In fact, most pets find laser therapy relaxing—anxious cats often begin to purr, and dogs often drift off to sleep. After the session, they will feel relaxed, much like you would after receiving a good massage.
Response to treatment depends on your pet and their injury. While some pets experience immediate pain relief, most pets—especially those with chronic conditions—undergo several sessions before their owners notice an improvement. The effects of each session are cumulative, and the benefits will increase over time.
Your pet’s treatment protocol will also depend on their condition. Whereas surgical incisions may require only one treatment, larger wounds may require several sessions. Chronic conditions, such as arthritis, often require long-term treatment to manage inflammation and pain. We offer packages for pets requiring long-term therapy, to help make treatment more affordable.
Want to find out if your pet can benefit from laser therapy? Contact us to schedule a consultation.
