Cold Laser Therapy for Pets
The Drug-Free, Surgery Free Solution
Cold laser therapy is sometimes referred to as low-level laser therapy or Class IV laser therapy. It is a non-invasive procedure. The light from a particular type of laser is used to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. The procedure is quite comforting and pleasant for your pet and requires no sedation or restraint when used correctly.
How Cold Laser Therapy Works
Here at Hillsboro Advanced Veterinary Care, we use Cold Laser Therapy. Simply put, when we target the injured area with the laser, it stimulates cells to promote growth and repair. In other words, it “jump starts” your pet’s cells and helps them to work more quickly and effectively. It helps the body by increasing circulation, decreasing swelling, and reducing pain.
The Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy research has proven it to be effective with many different issues in pets. Some of those things include:
- Wound healing
- Increasing blood flow
- Inflammation
- Reducing the formation of scar tissue
- Improving nerve function and nerve regeneration
- Reducing pain
- Speeding the healing of infections
Conditions That Can Benefit from Cold Laser Therapy
Because this therapy speeds up the body’s natural healing process, the number of uses for it is almost unlimited. Here are some of the conditions we can use this therapy to speed recovery and reduce pain:
- Chronic arthritis
- Surgical incisions
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Traumatic injuries
With laser therapy, we can reduce inflammation in their joints and help to block some of that pain. It also aids in the healing process that the body needs to go through.
Because laser therapy increases comfort and mobility, it can help relieve pain without the use of drugs. This is particularly helpful when your pet
Are there any risks?
There are no risks when it comes to cold laser therapy. It is a safe and pain-free procedure. However, there are some specific conditions where it should not be used. For instance:
- When a pet has a cancerous tumor growth.
When cancer has spread to other areas, laser therapy should not be used.
There is a possibility of targeting cancer cells, which could accelerate cancer growth.
- If your pet is currently pregnant, it also shouldn’t be used.
Word of Caution
An effective therapeutic laser is a powerful medical device. Veterinarians are professionally trained on its use. Some types of low-level lasers are advertised and sold for use at home. However, we do not recommend them for use at home.
What to Expect
Because the therapy does not cause any pain for pets, we do not need to sedate or restrain your pet. In fact, the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to them.
We wear eye protection and place eye protection on your pet. This is to protect us and your pet from any eye damage. Otherwise, laser light can permanently damage the eyes.
Each treatment lasts around 1-4 minutes, but the length and frequency of treatments vary with your pet’s condition.
Most patients require several treatments for the most significant benefit. For this reason, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Your veterinarian will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition.
Conclusion
We use cold laser therapy in our practice on a regular basis and we are thrilled with its results. It is a safe and effective way to help your pet feel better and heal faster. Additionally, we can use it in combination with other types of treatment very effectively. We are here to give your pet the best care they can receive. If you have any questions, please contact us right away so we can set up an appointment.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stacey Funderburk
Hillsboro Advanced Veterinary Care
