When your pet is in pain, you want them to receive the best treatment available to restore their comfort. Laser therapy is a surgery-free modality that harnesses light’s energy to minimize your pet’s pain and inflammation, expediting their healing. Although this innovative treatment option is cause for optimism, you likely have questions about how the modality works and whether your pet can benefit. Our Cane Bay Veterinary Clinic team explains this safe and powerful therapy option for pets. 

Question: What is laser therapy for pets?

A: Laser therapy has been available to people since the 1970s. However, pets have benefitted from this treatment modality only during the past decade. This U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved treatment modality uses light energy in the form of photons to cause cell changes in a targeted body area to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes. Our Cane Bay Veterinary Clinic team uses laser therapy to treat a wide range of pets’ injuries, diseases, and congenital disorders. Laser therapy’s various names, such as cold laser therapy, low-level laser therapy, class III laser therapy, and class IV laser therapy, describe the devices being used to administer the treatment. No matter the moniker, each has the same healing effect on tissue.

Q: How does laser therapy work on my pet?

A: Laser therapy (i.e., photobiomodulation) is the result of electromagnetic energy interacting chemically and biologically with tissue. Laser therapy emits photons (i.e., light energy) into a pet’s damaged cells. This light energy is absorbed by the mitochondria, the powerhouses of cells, and stimulates them to produce more energy. The increased cellular energy accelerates the healing process, reduces inflammation and pain, and improves blood circulation. Keep in mind that laser therapy treatment is not surgery, the lasers used in this treatment modality are different from surgical lasers and cause no tissue damage or discomfort to your pet.

Q: Can laser therapy treat my pet’s condition?

A: As with any medical treatment, laser therapy’s applicability depends on your pet’s specific condition and health history. Our Cane Bay Veterinary Clinic team will determine whether laser therapy could be beneficial for your pet. In addition, our team will tailor the treatment process to your pet’s individual needs. Laser therapy has been effective in treating many pets’ conditions, including:

  • Arthritis — Laser therapy can help alleviate arthritis pain and inflammation, improving your pet’s mobility and quality of life.
  • Wound healing — Laser therapy accelerates tissue repair and cell growth, which can expedite the healing process for wounds, burns, or surgical incisions. 
  • Skin conditions — Skin conditions, such as dermatitis, hotspots, or lick granulomas, can benefit from laser therapy’s anti-inflammatory effects.
  • Soft tissue injuries — Muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries heal more quickly with laser treatment.
  • Pain relief — Whether your pet is experiencing acute pain from an injury or chronic pain from a condition such as hip dysplasia, laser therapy can provide significant relief.

Q: How are laser therapy treatments administered to my pet?

A: During a laser therapy session, your veterinarian will use a handheld wand that emits therapeutic laser light. The laser wand is applied directly to the skin and slowly moved back and forth over the affected area. Most pets find the process calming, as the therapy creates a warm sensation on their skin. One laser therapy session typically lasts 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the treatment area’s size and condition. The number of sessions required depends on the condition’s severity and type. Acute conditions might improve after 1 or 2 sessions, while chronic conditions often require a series of treatments initially, followed by periodic maintenance sessions.

Q:  Will my pet have side effects from laser therapy?

A: One of laser therapy’s major benefits is the minimal side effect risk. This noninvasive, drug-free treatment option can be used safely on its own or in tandem with other treatments such as acupuncture, pain medications, physical therapy, massage, and chiropractic treatment. The combination often provides better outcomes than any one therapy alone.

Laser therapy is a safe, noninvasive, and effective method for treating various ailments and can have a positive effect on your pet’s quality of life. To determine whether laser therapy could be beneficial for your pet’s condition, schedule an appointment with our Cane Bay Veterinary Clinic team.