Laser therapy has existed in human medicine for several decades, being used successfully.
Due to the multitude of benefits this therapy presents, it has been implemented in veterinary medicine with the same success.
Laser treatment in dogs is used to treat a variety of conditions. It is a new non-invasive and painless therapy for treating pain, inflammation, edema, and repairing superficial injuries.
How does it work?
The laser light has predetermined frequencies and penetrates the tissues, causing chemical reactions in the affected cells. The laser light also penetrates healthy tissues but does not have any negative effect on them.
These chemical reactions are also known as photo biostimulation and result in:
- Changes in cellular metabolism.
- Vasodilatation in the affected area.
- Relieving inflammation and pain.
In other words, the laser supports the restoration of tissues and formation of scar tissue, accelerates the healing process, reduces inflammation, and can also offer spectacular results in the management of chronic pain.
The laser emission has an immediate effect on pain by interfering with the transmission of the painful sensation to the superior nerve centers.
It is less effective in treating inflammation and edema, these effects appearing only after a long period of application.
Laser therapy usually lasts between 2 and 20 minutes, depending on the size of the affected area and the complexity of the condition.
Usually, complete treatment with laser therapy includes from 7 to 20 sessions, and the results can be seen in:
- 2-4 sessions for analgesic action in acute pain.
- 3-7 sessions in chronic pain.
Laser therapy can be used as a single treatment or in combination with classical treatments (medication and/or surgery). Post-op laser therapy can reduce pain and stimulate the healing process.
The dogs that benefited from postoperative laser therapy healed faster and had a reduced ambulation time (they regained their mobility faster).
Also, postoperative laser therapy can help to strengthen the muscles and tissues and improve the quality of life of the canine patient.
Here are 10 reasons why you should choose laser therapy for your pet:
1. It is a non-invasive and painless method.
Laser therapy is a non-invasive method, meaning it does not cause any pain or damage to the tissues when applied, as is the case with surgery or injections.
This therapy also has no adverse effects as medication does. Moreover, the pet will stay in a comfortable position throughout the entire session.
This therapy also doesn’t cause any pressure or additional pain when applied to the affected area. Your pet won’t feel a thing!
2. A session lasts only a few minutes.
A laser therapy session lasts an average of 10 minutes. Usually, the device is held for 4 minutes on each area or each side of the affected area. In large dogs or those with multiple or extensive injuries, treatment can take up to 30 minutes.
3. You can use the device from the comfort of your home.
Previously, laser therapy for pets was performed only in veterinarians’ offices. But now, there are cold laser therapy devices for dogs that can be easily used at home, even by you. In this way, you save money and time going to the vet.
Also, your pet is going to be less stressed. Any pet is much more relaxed and cooperative at home with the owner than at the veterinary office among strangers.
4. You can stay with your pet during treatment.
Often owners are taken out of the examination room when they go with their pet to the vet. During laser therapy, owners are allowed to sit with their pets for extra comfort.
5. It reduces pain without medication.
Laser therapy uses visible light radiation to produce a photochemical reaction in the pet’s body cells. Laser light penetrates superficial tissues at a cellular level.
The cells will absorb the energy of the light that the laser device emits, transforming it into cellular energy. The cellular energy suppresses pain and reduces inflammation.
In other words, laser light energizes cells to relieve pain and inflammation without using medication.
6. It can be used to improve skin conditions.
Laser therapy has been shown to be effective in ameliorating bacterial skin infections, non-infected wounds, or burns. This therapy can also help pets that suffer from chronic or recurrent otitis, gingivitis, stomatitis, or periodontitis.
7. It can be used for hair growth in non-inflammatory alopecia.
Studies show that laser therapy can help dogs suffering from non-inflammatory alopecia. This type of alopecia occurs due to a physiological problem in the hair follicle. The dog begins to lose hair as these follicles become inactivated.
8. It can be used to improve musculoskeletal conditions.
Laser therapy can relieve pain and inflammation in several musculoskeletal disorders: tendon weakness, arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, knee, back, and spine problems, neck pain, and much more.
9. It can be used to improve nerve conditions.
Laser therapy has been proved to help with nerve regeneration, including in facial nerve paralysis. It can also help with nerve inflammation.
10. It can be used to help your pet recover faster after surgery.
If your pet has undergone musculoskeletal surgery, laser therapy can help it recover faster by reducing walking time and improving tendon and ligament function.
The surgical wound will also heal faster because laser therapy promotes healing.
There are many reasons to try laser therapy. Many pet owners have begun to choose this therapy instead of standard treatments, especially medications.
Pets are more relaxed because the stress is minimal. Laser therapy has no known side effects and is considered safe and effective in veterinary medicine.
In addition to all these benefits, laser therapy can be applied to pets of any age.
If your dog shows pain and discomfort or moves with difficulty, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of laser treatment.
Laser therapy is an effective and affordable method that can be performed from the comfort of your own home. This therapy can change your dog’s life for the better.
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