Class IV, or “cold,” laser therapy might be the perfect solution for pet owners looking to heal their pet’s ailments without drugs or side effects or to amplify the effects of other treatments. Our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital laser therapy equipment is safe, effective, and affordable, and produces results in only a few sessions.

Cold laser therapy uses a principle called photobiomodulation, the process by which specific light wavelengths penetrate tissues, where photon energy stimulates cellular biological changes. This is different from carbon dioxide or other surgical lasers, which use thermal energy to cut and coagulate tissues. Used by a trained veterinary professional, photobiomodulation is safe for nearly all pets and has no known side effects, making it an ideal treatment for almost any condition.

Except for cancer and pregnancy, for which the treatment is contraindicated, laser therapy is effective for many pet ailments. The therapy can be used alone over multiple sessions or combined with drugs, rehabilitation, supplements, surgery, or alternative therapies. Some of the common conditions veterinarians treat with laser therapy include:

Is your pet a candidate for laser therapy treatments? Here are the ways laser therapy can help your furry pal.

#1: Pet laser therapy reduces inflammation

Inflammation is a root cause of several chronic conditions, such as osteoarthritis or allergies, and can become self-perpetuating. Inflammation also plays a role in acute injuries to stimulate healing, but an overzealous inflammatory response actually can slow the healing process. Laser therapy helps to break the inflammatory cycle by reducing the production of pro-inflammatory chemical mediators, such as prostaglandins—which are the substances that many anti-inflammatory drugs target. The laser also can help dilate and activate lymph vessels, encouraging drainage to reduce swelling. 

#2: Pet laser therapy reduces pain

Pain is a sensation produced by nerve signals transmitted to the brain, designed to help the body detect and protect an injured area. Sometimes, nerve cells become overly sensitized, and pain rapidly grows out of proportion to the injury or becomes chronic. Like inflammation, this pain cycle can become self-perpetuating and counterproductive and also can reduce a pet’s quality of life. Laser therapy works on pain by stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain relievers, and by reducing pain signal transmission along nerves.

#3: Pet laser therapy speeds healing

The light energy produced during laser therapy deeply penetrates tissue, depending on the wavelength, and can stimulate skin, soft tissue, and bone healing. Laser therapy accomplishes this by improving blood flow, which brings healing elements and oxygen to tissues. The laser also stimulates new blood vessel formation and increases growth factor production, collagen production, and cell migration to the injured site. Faster healing means a faster overall recovery process after an injury or surgery and reduced susceptibility to infection or other complications. 

#4: Pet laser therapy is easy to administer

Each laser therapy session takes only a few minutes, during which your pet can rest in a comfortable position with you in their exam room. The laser treatment head glides smoothly over skin and fur without any painful pressure or friction, creating a slight warming sensation over the treatment areas. Most pets relax during this process, making it easy and stress-free to administer. 

Because laser therapy has minimal to no side effects, the treatments do not interact negatively with other therapies or drugs. For pets with liver, kidney, gastrointestinal, heart, or other problems that preclude the use of pain-relieving medications or surgeries, laser therapy offers a viable alternative to improve comfort.

#5: Pet laser therapy is backed by research

Some pet owners may feel skeptical about using non-traditional or alternative therapies, but laser therapy is backed by years of scientific research. This research has revealed how and why laser therapy works, supported the development of more powerful, targeted, and advanced equipment, and helped veterinarians—and human physicians—develop the most effective treatment protocols. Laser therapy is widely accepted in the veterinary medical community as an effective treatment option.

Most pets will experience medical conditions causing inflammation, pain, or slowed healing at some point in their lives and could benefit from laser therapy. Our Twin Maples Veterinary Hospital team members are trained to use our powerful laser equipment safely and to ensure optimal results. Contact us to schedule a laser therapy consultation or to learn more about packages and pricing.