How does laser therapy affect my pet’s tissue?
Therapeutic lasers use light waves of a specific wavelength to cause the alteration of cellular and tissue physiology. Light absorbed by cellular components stimulates electrons and activates cells to promote growth, proliferation, migration, and repair. The main clinical benefits of laser use in pets include decreased inflammation, decreased pain, and improved wound healing.
Who can benefit from laser therapy?
Laser therapy is used for many veterinary medical conditions, including:
– Chronic arthritis
– Surgical incisions
– Tendon and ligament injuries
– Traumatic injuries
Laser therapy is particularly useful for pets with limited medical treatment options, such as:
– Pets with liver disease who cannot take medications
– Cats, for whom only a few pain-control medications are approved
– Older pets with diminished organ function
How are laser treatments administered?
During a treatment session, the handheld laser wand is slowly moved back and forth over the damaged tissue, producing a warm, pleasant sensation that most pets seem to enjoy and find relaxing. Sessions usually last 15 to 30 minutes, with the number of sessions and frequency of treatments dependent on the injury.