Laser technology is transforming the way in which many different procedures are being performed in human medicine, but many people are surprised to discover that it is now also being utilized in veterinary medicine, enabling our pets to benefit from the same advantages that we do when it comes to laser treatments. 

Laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free and painless technique for treating a variety of different medical conditions that can affect our adored animals. It can be used alone, or in conjunction with other treatments and medications. The way in which it works is very simple. The laser used emits high-energy beams of light, set at specific wavelengths depending on what the laser is being used to treat, that is directed at the target area of your pet’s body. The laser energy stimulates our pet’s bodies to produce a substance that is known as ATP – a type of cellular energy that their body then uses to heal itself more quickly and effectively. 

Pet laser therapy is rarely a one-off. Instead, most pets are recommended to undergo a series of appointments over a number of weeks or months. Every animal is different and therefore the treatment plan that your vet recommends will vary based on the individual needs of your animal. This could be as frequent as two sessions a week, or as little as once a month. Typically, treatments are spaced fairly close together, to begin with in order to produce the greatest benefit to your animal, and then lowered to what is considered ‘maintenance’, to sustain the results achieved. 

 

Conditions that Pet Laser Therapy can be Successfully Used to Treat

Laser therapy has been shown to be an effective veterinary treatment for a range of different conditions, including but not limited to:

• Anal gland infections

• Arthritis

• Back Pain

• Cystitis

• Degenerative disc disease

• Dental problems including periodontal (gum) disease

• Ear infections

• Hip dysplasia 

• Hot spots

• Muscle, ligament and tendon damage

• Pain including chronic, post-operative and generalized

• Sinusitis rhinitis

• Stomatitis 

• Wound healing 

If your pet has recently had any sort of surgery, you may be recommended to consider laser therapy as part of the recovery process. This is because not only will it help to ease any post-surgical pain that your pet may be experiencing, but it will also expedite the healing process so that your pet can recover more quickly. This usually involves strengthening the muscles and tissues so that your pet can regain their mobility, thus improving their quality of life. 

 

Why Consider Laser Therapy for Your Pet?

Many people are skeptical of many modern veterinary treatments, particularly as the result that they produce isn’t visible to the naked eye. However, there are a number of reasons why experts in veterinary medicine agree that laser therapy should be considered by owners of animals who would benefit from the treatment. Some of the advantages of choosing laser therapy over other forms of treatment include:

• Your pet can avoid an open wound since it is entirely non-invasive

• It is totally painless

• There is no need for anesthetic

• It is safe for you to stay with your pet during their treatment (at the discretion of your vet)

• Laser therapy can be used to manage chronic pain so that your animal doesn’t become reliant on medications 

• There are no known side effects to the treatment

• Lasers can expedite the healing process so that your pet can recover more quickly and start to enjoy a greater quality of life

• Sessions are short, relaxed and easy for most animals to tolerate

• Laser treatment cost is often covered by insurance

• It is considered extremely safe and effective, making it a good alternative to many more conventional treatments

If you would like to find out more about pet laser therapy, or if you would like to know if your pet is a good candidate for this treatment, please contact our expert veterinary team in Paducah, KY today.