Pet Laser Therapy

Modern veterinary medicine uses laser treatment to treat various illnesses, including chronic pain in animals. Whether or not a pet has had orthopedic surgery, class IV (cold) laser therapy is particularly beneficial for treating pets that suffer from osteoarthritis discomfort.

Light is used during a non-invasive technique called cold laser therapy to enhance blood flow and circulation. It is not a surgical laser that removes tissue; it is a laser with various wavelengths that promotes tissue healing. Laser therapy’s benefits include anti-inflammation, analgesic (pain reduction), accelerating tissue repair and growth, improving vascular activity, reducing fibrous tissue formation, improving nerve function, immunoregulation, and stimulating muscle trigger points and acupuncture points.

To decide whether a pet is a good candidate for laser therapy, our veterinarians will first evaluate your pet’s needs for pain management. Laser therapy is not advised for animals with cancer since it may worsen or spread the disease. Your veterinarian will develop a unique treatment strategy for your pet’s needs. Some pets may require one to two treatments, while others would be better served by multiple treatments over a more extended period. In these instances, your pet may benefit by having 2-3 treatments per week and then eventually taper down to 1-2 treatments per week for the best pain relief results.

The needs of each pet are taken into account during treatment sessions. Smaller dogs and cats might require sessions of 10 minutes. While a lengthier, 30-minute or more session may be helpful for a giant dog with arthritis in several joints. We also use laser therapy on wounds and surgical incisions to promote faster healing. Our veterinary technicians make your pet’s experience as comfortable as possible by having blankets available to relax on.