Laser Therapy
Non-invasive relief for your pet
Laser therapy (photobiomodulation therapy), is fast-acting and versatile. This modality of therapy effectively treats a wide variety of conditions including pre-surgical, post-surgical, acute, and chronic disease states.
Utilizing one of Companion Animal Health’s state of the art therapeutic laser systems, TOVWC is able to offer laser treatments catered to your pet(s) specific needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and receive a personalized treatment program to get your best friend feeling better, faster!
What is laser therapy? Drug Free. Non-invasive. Relief for your pet. Therapeutic lasers have been scientifically proven successful in treating post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions.
Is laser therapy new? The beneficial effects of laser light on tissue were first recognized almost forty years ago. Since then, there have been thousands of studies documenting the positive effects laser light has on different types of cells, tissue, and disorders. Recent advances in technology and manufacturing have made it possible to have this exciting modality available for our patients.
How long does the treatment take? Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition. Therefore, treatments will vary in time, complexity and cost. For some chronic patients, multiple joints will be treated during one laser treatment session. When appropriate, laser therapy can be used as a complementary adjunct to other treatment plans. Treatment times range from 2 minutes to 20 minutes.
What can be treated with laser therapy? If your pet is feeling pain, has inflammation, or a wound, the laser is a sterile, pain-free, surgery-free, and drug-free treatment. Laser is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, numerous dermatological problems, and pain. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, the laser has been shown to provide relief and speed healing.
Here are some areas where laser therapy can help:
Skin: Allergies, cuts/bites, feline acne, infections, inflammation, lick granulomas, wounds, ear infections
Oral: Tooth Extraction pain relief, inflammation, periodontal disease
Musculoskeletal: Sprains, strains, fractures, chronic pain, degenerative joint disease (DJD), fractures, hip dysplasia, tendonitis, arthritis
Post-Surgical: Healing of the incision, inflammation, and pain relief
Gastrointestinal/Urogenital: Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), bladder infections
Laser can also be used to stimulate acupuncture points in a non-invasive, needle-free manner for animals that don’t respond well to needles. Acupuncture has many diverse uses in animals. Please read more on our acupuncture services.
What can I expect from a laser treatment for my pet? The laser light is delivered through a non-invasive hand piece to treat the affected area. Your pet will feel a gentle and soothing warmth. Simply put, it provides relief. The fur does not need to be clipped, but we do normally moisten the fur. Eye protection will be worn by the laser operator and anyone in close proximity to the laser probe. The eyes of the animal will be directed away from the treatment and covered with doggles. The clinician will move the probe over the area of treatment to assure the laser is being delivered to the area which needs improvement. As the laser is administered, many pets will relax, much like you would experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate.
How does it work? The Companion therapy laser system sends photons, or packets of light energy, deep into tissue without damaging it. These photons are absorbed within the mitochondria of the cells and induce a chemical change called “photo-bio-modulation”. This light energy then produces ATP in the cell. ATP is the fuel, or energy, cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at an optimal rate. Increased ATP production leads to healthier cells, healthier tissue, and healthier animals.
What will my pet feel? As the laser is administered, often pets will relax and enjoy, much like you would experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate. Occasionally, angry cats will start to purr and dogs will fall asleep during their therapy session.
Are there any side effects? There are no known side effects with this treatment. It is critical to avoid shining the laser into the eyes of the pet or the people holding the pet so everyone needs to wear special protective goggles. It is not recommended to use this therapy over any areas of cancer as its job is to help make more cells, which unfortunately can be cancerous cells also.
What can I expect at home? You might see a change in activity when your pet comes home. For some it might be increased activity and others may be more relaxed. This is due to the pain relief and reduction in inflammation.
How should I support this treatment at home? There are no specific things you need to do at home, other than follow normal restrictions, dietary needs, and additional treatment protocols as you pet’s condition dictates and is outlined by your veterinarian.
When can I expect to see an improvement? What might I see? You may see relief in the first treatment or so as pain and inflammation are reduced. For example: better mobility for joint conditions, drying and healing of dermatological issues, faster healing for wounds and incisions, or your pet just being more relaxed and comfortable. For some conditions, a series of treatments may be necessary before you see results due to the severity or complexity of the condition. Each pet is different, and treatments are unique for your pet’s specific needs.
On a personal note Dr. Woerner has used laser on her horses for a variety of injuries and on her dog after his knee surgery. The effects have been amazing! If you are interested in how laser therapy may benefit your pet, please feel free to give us a call.