Did you know that laser therapy is one of the most effective and most versatile modern veterinary treatments out there? This cutting-edge treatment has actually been around for several decades, and has helped thousands, if not millions, of pets feel better. A local Severn, MD vet discusses laser therapy for pets in this article.

What Is Laser Therapy?

Albert Einstein is credited with developing the idea of Cold Laser Therapy, back in 1916. He actually coined the term Light Amplification through Stimulated Emission of Radiation, which we all know by its acronym, LASER. The idea first became reality in 1967, when Professor Andre Mester first started using low power lasers in medicine.

The key of laser therapy is really in the name: Light Amplification. Light waves do affect the body at the cellular level, and can trigger specific biological changes. This is known as photobiomodulation. Cold laser, also known as low level laser or Class IV laser therapy, applies electromagnetic radiation within the infrared spectrum to stimulate the cells. 

Laser units produce three types of light beams: monochromatic, or single wavelength; coherent, or electromagnetic radiation; and collimated, which emits photons in one single beam of light. The latter two kinds, coherent and collimated, can be focused on very, very specific areas. This is where the term laser focus comes from!

There are four distinct types of lasers, which are grouped into classes. Class 1 is the weakest. These are the types used in barcode scanners, which you see in many stores today. On the other end of the spectrum, we have the Class 4 laser, which is the most powerful. These are able to cut through substances.

Class 3 is the type usually used in therapy. This type of therapy can help reduce pain, lower inflammation, and improve nerve function. It can also help speed up healing time.  It also improves and/or restores metabolic function, and improves cell health, functions, and metabolism. Cold lasers do not penetrate far beneath the surface of the skin; hot lasers will cut tissue.

What Are The Benefits Of Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy is now used to treat a variety of issues in pets. There’s a reason it’s becoming so popular: it has some very unique perks.

Let’s go over a few of them:

What Issues Can Laser Therapy Be Used To Treat In Pets?

In the world of veterinary medicine, lasers are usually used to treat arthritis. However, they are also utilized to help pets with a variety of different issues.

These include the following:

• Soft Tissue Injuries
• Traumatic Injuries
• Wound Healing
• Musculoskeletal Injuries/Pain
• Neurological Diseases
• Inflammation
• Joint Pain 
• Neuropathic Pain 
• Tendon And Ligament Issues 
• Degenerative Disc Disease 
• Ear Infections 
• Muscle Atrophy
• Skin Issues, including dermatitis and hot spots. 
• Pain
• Osteoarthritis 
• Intervertebral Disc Disease 
• Lick Granuloma 
• Cellulitis 
• Arthritis 
• Wounds
• Ear Problems 

Ask your Severn, MD vet for more information. 

What Are The Benefits Of Cold Laser Therapy?

When considering any sort of treatment for your beloved pet, you’ll want to weigh the pros and cons. There are definitely far more of the former in this case!

Here are a few of the main benefits:

Laser Therapy Is Painless

Pain and discomfort are always a big concern when looking at treatments for pets. Cold laser therapy is painless. In fact, quite a few of our patients seem to enjoy it. It’s not unusual for pets to fall asleep during treatments.

It’s Non-Invasive

Another thing we love about cold lasers is the  fact that it’s non-invasive. Pets do not need to be put under anesthesia for their sessions. Your furry bestie also won’t need to be shaved. And while your furry pal will need to wear special glasses, the treatment doesn’t require surgical incisions.

Laser Therapy Is Very Safe

With many medications and treatments, there will be a risk of side effects. Another reason we offer cold laser therapy is the fact that there are no known side effects.  That alone is a pretty powerful argument for using cold lasers in therapy. 

Fast Sessions

Cold laser therapy sessions really don’t need much time. The average session will only take between 10 minutes and a half hour. That’s easy for people to work into their schedules.

No Recovery Time Needed

As mentioned above, cold laser therapy treatments are quick and painless. Fido and Fluffy won’t need any down time or special aftercare … aside from a snack and a few forehead scritches. (Your furry friend probably won’t object to a new toy or some extra cuddles, either.) 

Laser Therapy Is Very Versatile

Laser therapy can be safely used in conjunction with many other forms of treatment. For instance, if your pet has an accident and hurts their leg, they may need surgery. In a case like that, laser therapy can help with the healing process after the fact. The treatments can also be done as often as needed. There’s no need to wait between sessions, either. 

Laser Therapy Helps Pets With Many Different Medical Issues 

Last but certainly not least, laser therapy is effective! We can’t overstate how special it is to see a stiff old dog becoming active and playful again. 

Ask your Severn, MD vet for more information on laser therapy. 

What Should I Expect At My Pet’s Appointment? 

When you get to your appointment, your furry pal will be given special glasses to wear. (These may look adorable, but they are actually to protect the eyes.) 

The tech will hold the laser over the part of your pet’s body that is being treated. They will keep the laser in position for a specific amount of time. This is usually between three and ten minutes. This does not hurt the pet at all. In fact, some doze off! 

How Many Sessions Will My Pet Need? 

Pet treatment plans are always done on a case-by-case basis, after the patient has been thoroughly evaluated. Our furry patients are all unique, and their treatment plans should be as well! 

Your vet will determine how many sessions are needed, and will reassess and reevaluate regularly. The schedule may be adjusted over time, and will taper off once the full benefits have been reached. Ask your vet for more information. 

Is Laser Therapy Right For My Pet? 

While we are very proud to be able to offer this therapy, it is by no means a one-size-fits-all treatment option for every possible medical issue. Every pet should have their own custom care regimen. If you think your pet may benefit, it won’t hurt to ask your vet about it. 

Conclusion: Cold laser therapy is a painless, non-invasive treatment which is based on the use of light therapy. The lights used in cold lasers trigger certain reactions in the body, which brings several healing benefits. These include reduced pain, lower inflammation, increased healing time, and improved cell function. The treatments can be used to treat a wide variety of medical issues in pets, but are most often utilized to help dogs with arthritis. 

Make An Appointment With Our Severn, MD Veterinary Clinic

Do you want to learn more about cold laser therapy? Do you think your pet could benefit? Please feel free to contact us anytime. As your Severn, MD pet hospital, we are always here to help!