Laser Therapy
As an effective treatment designed to treat acute and chronic pain in pets, pet laser therapy is often used at vet practices for dogs and cats. If you’re looking to try cold laser therapy for your pet, Elk Rapids Animal Hospital can provide an option that soothes their pain and promotes faster healing. You can work with a licensed professional at our hospital to develop a suitable therapy plan.
What Is Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) for Pets?
Laser therapy for dogs and cats is a non-invasive treatment that involves the use of a laser tool and light wavelengths to relieve pain and expedite recovery. It can be used to treat several types of conditions in our pets, a few of the common conditions are below:
- Arthritis
- Tendon and ligament tears
- Damaged bones (fractures)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Ear infections
- Spinal injuries
- Wounds
- Post-op pain relief
Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy
One of the main benefits of low-level laser therapy is that it’s non-invasive and painless. Often, it only takes a few sessions for the treatment to start improving your pet’s condition. Laser therapy:
- Treats chronic joint pain
- Treats pain from injuries and procedures
- Promotes the healing of body cells and tissue
- Improves blood circulation to damaged tissue
- Reduces inflammation
This injury and arthritis laser therapy treatment is also a relaxing experience for most patients. This keeps their stress to a minimum and allows them to stay comfortable during the procedure.
How Does LLLT Work?
LLLT uses light wavelengths to penetrate damaged cells and tissue. The laser wavelengths stimulate adenosine triphosphate, also known as ATP, which enhances the cells’ healing capabilities. When the therapist brings the laser into contact with the skin, the light goes inside the skin and tissues to repair any damage that may be present. The longer the light wavelength, the deeper the laser treatment will penetrate the cells.
The typical laser therapy treatment takes just three to eight minutes, and most patients feel a relaxing sensation at the point of treatment. During the laser therapy session, the tool can also improve immune cell circulation in the sore or injured area.
What Happens After Treatment?
The number of treatments needed often depends on the patient and the type of injury or illness they have. Many patients visit the animal hospital once a month or every two weeks to manage chronic issues. Depending on the condition, pet owners may start to notice improvement after one to three sessions.
Because there are no known side effects of cold laser therapy for dogs and cats, your pet can enjoy the benefits of reduced pain and faster healing without the common side effects we see with medications and other types of traditional, more invasive treatment.
Pet Laser Therapy in Elk Rapids, MI
Elk Rapids Animal Hospital provides pre- and post-operation laser therapy, as well as pet laser therapy in Elk Rapids for a variety of acute and chronic conditions in dogs and cats. If you have a referral or you’re interested in exploring class IV laser therapy for your dog and cat, contact us today.
