Did you know that laser therapy is a highly successful and adaptable modern veterinary treatment? This cutting-edge medicine has been around for decades, and it has made thousands, if not millions, of pets feel better. This article features a local Wichita, KS veterinarian discussing laser therapy for pets.
What is Laser Therapy?
Albert Einstein is credited with creating Cold Laser Therapy in 1916. He coined the phrase “Light Amplification through Stimulated Emission of Radiation,” or LASER. The concept initially became a reality in 1967, when Professor Andre Mester began employing low-power lasers in medicine.
The key to laser therapy is actually in the name: Light Amplification. Light waves affect the body at the cellular level and can cause certain biological changes. This is referred to as photobiomodulation. Cold laser, also known as low level laser or Class IV laser therapy, stimulates cells with electromagnetic energy from the infrared light spectrum.
Lasers generate three types of light beams: monochromatic, or single wavelength; coherent, or electromagnetic radiation; and collimated, which emits photons in a single beam of light. The last two types, coherent and collimated, can be directed to very specific locations. This is where the term “laser focus” came from!
Lasers come in four different varieties, which are classified. Class one is the weakest. These are the varieties utilized in barcode scanners, which you can find in many stores today. On the other end of the spectrum, the Class 4 laser is the most powerful. These can cut through stuff.
Class 3 is commonly utilized in therapy. It’s beneficial for relieving pain, reducing inflammation, and improving nerve function. It can also help speed up the healing process. It also enhances and/or restores metabolic function and promotes cell health, functioning, and metabolism. Cold lasers do not penetrate deeply beneath the skin’s surface, but hot lasers cut tissue.
Laser therapy is currently utilized to treat a wide range of conditions in pets. There’s a reason why it’s growing popular!
What Issues Can Laser Therapy Help Treat in Pets?
In the realm of veterinary medicine, lasers are most commonly employed to cure arthritis, especially in dogs. However, they are also used to assist dogs with a number of problems.
This includes the following:
- Soft tissue injuries.
- Traumatic Injuries
- Wound Healing
- Musculoskeletal Injuries And Pain
- Neurological Disorders
- Inflammation
- Joint Pain
- Neuropathic Pain
- Tendon And Ligament Issues
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Ear Infections
- Muscle Atrophy
- Skin Problems
- Chronic Pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Intravertebral Disc Disease
- Lick Granuloma Cellulitis
- Arthritis Wounds
- Ear Problems
For further information, consult your veterinarian in Wichita, KS.
What Are the Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy?
When choosing any type of treatment for your beloved pet, you should assess the advantages and disadvantages. There are certainly more of the former in this scenario!
Here are some of the primary advantages:
Laser Therapy Is Painless For Pets
When it comes to pet treatments, pain and suffering are always front of mind. Cold laser therapy is painless. In fact, several of our patients appear to enjoy it. Pets frequently fall asleep during treatments.
The Treatment Is Non-Invasive
Another advantage of cool lasers is that they are not intrusive. Pets are not required to be put under anesthesia for their treatments. Your furry friend will also not need to be shaved. While your canine companion will need to wear special glasses, the treatment does not involve any surgical incisions.
Laser Therapy Is Very Safe
Many drugs and therapies have a risk of side effects. Another reason why we offer cold laser therapy is that there are no known adverse effects. That alone is a compelling rationale for utilizing cold lasers in therapy.
Fast Sessions
Cold laser therapy sessions don’t take much time. The average session will last between 10 minutes and half an hour. Even the busiest folks can easily fit this into their calendar.
No Recovery Time Required
As previously said, cold laser therapy treatments are rapid and painless. Fido and Fluffy won’t require any special upkeep, just a snack and a few head scratches. (Your pet is unlikely to protest a new toy or additional cuddles.)
Laser Therapy Is Quite Versatile
Laser therapy can be safely combined with a variety of different forms of treatment. For example, if your pet is in an accident and injures their leg, they may require surgery. In such cases, laser therapy can aid in the recovery process following surgery. The treatments can be repeated as often as necessary. There is no need to wait between sessions, which can be useful.
It Works!
Last, but not least, laser therapy works! It has made many of our adorable patients feel better. We can’t express how lovely it is to see a stiff old dog become lively and playful again.
What Should I Expect at My Pet’s Appointment?
When you arrive for your consultation, your furry companion will be given special glasses to wear. (These may appear cute, but they are intended to protect the eyes.)
The technician will hold the laser over the area of your pet’s body that is being treated. They will keep the laser in place for a certain amount of time. This normally lasts three to ten minutes. This has no negative consequences for the pet. In fact, several participants doze off throughout their sessions!
How Many Sessions Will My Pet Need?
Pet treatment plans are always created on an individual basis, once the pet has been thoroughly evaluated. All of our furry patients are unique, and so should their treatment approaches!
Your veterinarian will decide the number of sessions required and will reevaluate regularly. The schedule will likely taper off once the full advantages have been received. Contact your Wichita, KS veterinarian for further information.
Is Laser Therapy Suitable For My Pet?
While we are happy to be able to provide this therapy, it is not a one-size-fits-all treatment solution and will not be appropriate for every medical condition. Each pet should have a personalized care routine depending on their age, health, physiology, and lifestyle. However, if you believe your pet would benefit, you should consult with your veterinarian.
Conclusion: Cold laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment that utilizes light therapy. The lights employed in cold lasers cause certain reactions in the body, which provide a variety of healing effects. These include decreased pain, inflammation, faster healing, and better cell function. The medications can be used to treat a wide range of medical concerns in pets, but they are most commonly used to aid dogs with arthritis.
Book An Appointment With Our Wichita, KS Veterinary Clinic.
Would you like to learn more about cold laser therapy? Do you believe your pet would benefit? Please feel free to contact us at any time. As your Wichita, KS pet hospital, we are always available to assist!