Laser Therapy For Dogs and Cats

At Oak Flats Vet Clinic, we pride ourselves with always searching for new ways to care for your pets especially where pain is concerned. Veterinary Laser Therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free and drug-free treatment that is used to treat a variety of conditions, and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatments.

Laser treatment employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace.

Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, your pet’s condition will influence how often and long laser therapy is necessary. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 3 to 4 minutes. Laser treatments are cumulative, so each additional treatment facilitates a greater improvement in your pet’s condition. The length and frequency of treatments vary by condition, so call us to book an appointment so we can devise a suitable treatment protocol for your family pet.

What Types Of Conditions Can Laser Therapy Be Used To Treat?

Laser therapy can be used to treat a multitude of ailments, including:

• Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
• Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma
• Back pain, especially the difficult to treat Iliopsoas muscle problems
• IVDD, especially a problem for Dachshunds
• Ear infections
• Gingivitis
• Hot Spots and open wounds
• Arthritis / hip dysplasia
• Degenerative disc disease
• Anal gland infections and inflammation
• Cystitis
• Lick granulomas

Many of our veterinary therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:

• Abnormal sitting or lying posture
• Circling multiple times before lying down
• Restlessness
• Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
• Limping, unable to get up or lie down
• Difficulty getting into car or down stairs
• Lack of grooming
• Won’t wag tail
• Licking or biting area
• Lack of appetite
• Trembling

Laser Therapy For Pain Relief

Laser treatments are an excellent way to provide pain relief to your canine companion. Laser therapy reduces pain by reducing inflammation through ‘vasodilation’ (the opening of blood vessels) and also by activating the lymphatic drainage system, thus draining swollen areas. The result is a reduction in swelling which reduces pain. The lasers also stimulate nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, thereby decreasing nerve sensitivity. Because there is less inflammation, less swelling and an interruption of pain signals to the brain, your pet will experience less pain. Laser treatments also stimulate the production of high levels of naturally-produced endorphins which further counteract your pet’s pain.

Laser Therapy To Recover From Injury Or Surgery

Laser therapy is a very helpful tool during postoperative recovery. In minor cases, laser therapy alone may be enough to alleviate pain and stimulate the healing process. Because it works directly on injured or affected areas, laser treatments can help speed up healing, strengthen muscle and tissue, improve mobility and enhance your pet’s overall quality of life almost immediately.

What Can I Expect At the Laser Therapy Appointment?

During the procedure we aim the laser device directly over the affected area for somewhere between 3 and 10 minutes. There is no pain associated with the treatment and most pets will relax during this time. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety he or she initially experiences will quickly dissipate. Occasionally, some pets actually fall asleep during their therapy sessions.

Is Laser Treatment Painful Or Uncomfortable?

Laser treatment is totally pain free and very comforting. As the laser is administered, your pet may feel a gentle and soothing warmth, tingling, or no sensation at all. For many patients laser therapy is very relaxing. As areas of pain or inflammation become more comfortable, any anxiety and tension your pet may be experiencing tends to quickly dissipate.

Are There Any Side Effects Of Laser Therapy?

Laser treatment has no known side effects, and is considered both safe and effective across the veterinary industry.

How Can I Schedule A Laser Therapy Appointment?

Scheduling an appointment for veterinary laser therapy is as easy as picking up the telephone, sending us an inquiry through our contact page or visiting our veterinary hospital in person. Our knowledgeable, compassionate veterinary team can help answer any questions you have. We will need to examine your pet to determine the best treatment procol and encourage you to make an appointment for your canine companion to begin experiencing the benefits of laser therapy today!