Laser treatment provides a painless non-invasive treatment for many conditions, from arthritis and post-surgical pain to wounds and rehabilitation. Our laser allows us to treat your pet here at the practice ...
How our Laser works:
The laser works by delivering specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce a therapeutic effect to the area being treated. In turn it increases the circulation and draws oxygen and nutrients to the effective area creating an optimal healing environment.
Results include increased circulation, decreased swelling, reduction of pain and enhanced tissue repair. There are many conditions that would benefit from a course of laser therapy.
The conditions it can be used for:
Numerous studies have shown that laser therapy can help with so many conditions and the following are just a few:
The laser works by delivering specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce a therapeutic effect to the area being treated. In turn it increases the circulation and draws oxygen and nutrients to the effective area creating an optimal healing environment.
Results include increased circulation, decreased swelling, reduction of pain and enhanced tissue repair. There are many conditions that would benefit from a course of laser therapy.
The conditions it can be used for:
Numerous studies have shown that laser therapy can help with so many conditions and the following are just a few:
- arthritis
- joint pain
- sprains
- puncture wounds
- post traumatic injury
- post-surgical pain
- neck and back pain
- dental pain / diseases (e.g. feline stomatitis)
- hip dysplasia
- burns
- chronic wounds
- Westie lung disease (Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis)
- rehabilitation
- post-orthopaedic surgical recovery to name a few conditions
Conscious treatment:
There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to your pet. There is little or no sensation during treatment but they may experience mild, soothing, warmth or tingling.
Your pet's individual treatment plan:
If your vet advices you to start treatment with laser therapy for your pet, a treatment plan will be drawn up. This will take into account the area of treatment on your pet's body and the nature of their injury or condition. This will need to be followed for maximum effect.
For chronic conditions such as arthritis a 'loading dose' course will be advised of 6 sessions (3 treatments in week 1; 2 treatments in week 2 and 1 treatment in week 3). Thereafter treatments are usually monthly. Laser is safe to use regularly and some patients may benefit from more regular use. The patient's owner is best place to report on their pet's progress and we can adjust their treatment plan accordingly.
Acute conditions such as wound care after an operation or injury will require more regular treatments. In some cases the first laser treatment will be given before the patient leaves the operating room.
What you can expect:
After a series of laser treatments the injured area typically returns to normal, pain is relieved, swelling reduced, healing promoted and an increase in the pets range of movement clearly visible.
Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before the pain reduces.
Each treatment is cumulative and as an example pets being treated for arthritis may have a treatment three times in the first week, twice in the second, once in the third week then once a month as a top up treatment. In the case of, for example, wound management treatments may have to be more regular and the pet's treatment schedule is influenced by healing.
Some patients may be more receptive to treatment than others, but together with you we can monitor their progress.
Side effects:
During more than 20 years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have been reported. Very occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.
Reasons why we wouldn't treat your pet:
We avoid using this type of treatment near any masses or tumours, around the thyroid area in the neck and overlying the abdomen in pregnant animals – though using the laser on their legs for example is fine.
As far as the dangers of us using the laser itself, we wear special glasses to protect our eyes and if you are holding your pet you will need them too!
And it works!
Many would argue the placebo effect in human medicine but we don’t have that issue in veterinary medicine as our patients are not very good at talking! We have treated numerous patients with reports of great success.
It’s always good to hear what owners have to say about the progress their pet has made after their laser therapy treatment.
Sammy, the labrador was an ideal candidate for laser therapy. At 13 years old he had a number of problems including arthritis and was on medication. His condition was worsening and stronger anti-inflammatory / painkiller medication were not an option. His owner noticed the benefits in a short space of time and returns to us for a top up treatment when needed. Here is Sammy's owners testimonial.
“... at 13 years old our Lab x has been on medication for arthritis and general wear and tear of joints/spine for a long time. His laser treatments have made such a difference, it’s unbelievable! He is so much happier, a lot less stiff, wanting to play more and eager to go for walks again. You even said we can review the medication he is on which is great. We would highly recommend people to give it a try. It's worked for our Sammy.”
Many pets are suitable candidates for laser therapy. If you would like to find out more and find out if your pet would benefit from treatment please ring us on 01376 325511.