All About Laser Therapy for Pets
Veterinary care has come a long way in the past 20 years. Pets are treated with significantly more respect than in past generations, and treating and managing pain is high on the list of priorities. Advancements in post-operative recovery, chronic pain management, and new options for age-related conditions have significantly improved the lives of modern pets.
Laser therapy for pets is one such treatment modality (also called cold laser therapy, low level laser therapy, and photomodulation therapy). Although laser therapy has been used in human medicine for over 40 years, it’s only just begun to reach its potential in the veterinary world.
The team at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital is excited to share the many benefits of laser therapy with our readers!
Laser Therapy for Pets
One of the things that makes laser therapy for pets so innovative and exciting is its simplicity – laser therapy uses light to heal the body on a cellular level. It works in the following ways:
- Stimulates the tissue to increase wound healing and repair
- Increases blood flow to the affected area (also important for healing)
- Accelerates nerve regeneration
- Decreases inflammation and fluid retention
- Stimulates the release of endorphins and serotonin (both reduce pain)
- Relaxes the muscles
Laser therapy can be used to treat chronic pain, arthritis, post-surgical pain, and wounds to the skin, muscle, or bone.
Pera’s Pain Management
Our patient Pera, a German Shepherd mix is 14 years old who struggles with arthritis. Her mom turned to laser therapy treatments to help with her hind legs while living in Mexico. Since moving to Brooklyn and becoming a new patient of All Creatures Veterinary Hospital, she has continued her laser therapy. She has been showing signs of improvement with her range of motion on her hind limbs.
She has always been a happy and active dog and laser therapy lets her senior years be active but more comfortable while doing so. Her mom has noticed that she’s been able to play a little bit longer and to her that means the world.
Her arthritis has improved with laser therapy but it’s key to be consistent with the laser therapy sessions. Her mom has been very compliant with her consistency and it shows in Pera’s results. Laser therapy is an option for many things and here at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital we would love to help you and your pet get back on track to a more comfortable lifestyle.
Give Us a Call
Reducing pain in pets directly impacts quality of life, which is something we’re passionate about here at All Creatures Veterinary Hospital. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with additional questions or concerns about laser therapy for pets.