Veterinary laser therapy has been used to treat health issues in animals for over 40 years, but it has become more commonplace in small veterinary clinics recently, as technology has improved and become more accessible. If you are considering veterinary laser therapy, here are the answers to the questions you are probably asking:
What Exactly is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy is a treatment that uses medical lasers to send photons (or light energy) deep into your pet’s damaged tissue without harming the surrounding areas. The photons are absorbed at a cellular level, and promote the production of a chemical compound called “adenosine triphosphate” or ATP. ATP is sometimes referred to as the “molecular currency” because it gives cells the energy to “buy” healthier, rejuvenated cells that promote healing and comfort to painful tissue.
What Should be Expected During a Laser Therapy Session?
During a pet’s laser therapy session, eye protection is worn by the technician and any other people in the vicinity. The pet’s eyes are covered with a towel or appropriate eye protection. The technician will then use a probe to administer a warm laser to the source of pain in the animal. The technician will probably go over the area with the laser a few times to ensure the damage cells are properly saturated with photons. As soon as the treatment is administered, the pet may go home.
What Type of Injuries Do Medical Lasers Effectively Treat?
Laser therapy promotes wound healing and the healing process of incisions after surgery. In addition to treating abrasions in the skin, medical lasers are an effective treatment for inflammatory issues that commonly plague aging animals, such as arthritis. Veterinary lasers used to treat animal arthritis serve a dual purpose– it treats the pain and relieves pressure on joints to improve mobility.
How Long Does it Take to See Results?
Many times pets show signs of improved health within 12 to 24 hours of receiving laser therapy for pain management. For the best results, many veterinarians who use medical lasers recommend 3 treatments for minor health issues and up to 10 treatments for severe issues. If you are concerned about the time commitment veterinary laser therapy may require, you might find it comforting to hear that the typical laser therapy session only takes about 10 to 20 minutes.
Is The Treatment Scary or Uncomfortable for Pets?
Every pet owner who cares about their pet enough to seek treatment feels concerned about the pet’s comfort level during the treatment. Laser therapy is non-invasive and veterinarians who administer the treatment say that the pet experiences a sensation akin to a hot stone massage. Most pets appear to find the treatment relaxing.
Have you ever used medical laser therapy to treat your pet’s ailments? How was your experience? Please leave us a comment with the details!
