We all love our pets and the companionship they bring us, but sometimes it’s hard for us see them have difficulties as they grow into old age. There now is a new treatment called laser therapy that can help them keep up with you.
The cold laser therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses light to stimulate cells and increase blood circulation. At the correct laser wavelength, pain signals are reduced and nerve sensitivity decreases. The procedure also releases endorphins, or natural painkillers, but it is not recommended for animals that have cancer because the device can stimulate blood flow to cancer cells.
The procedure is based on the idea that light is absorbed into the cells. The process, known as photo-biotherapy, stimulates protein synthesis and cell metabolism, which improves cell health and functionality.
The therapy can take as little as eight to 10 minutes on a small dog or cat, or about a half hour for bigger dogs with more arthritic areas.
The most common Laser Therapy indications are:
- Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
- Back Pain (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
- Trauma (Skin, Muscle, Bone)
- Wounds (Trauma)
- Surgery (Incisions, Growth Removals, Bone Surgery)
- Inflammatory Conditions:
- Acute or chronic otitis (Ear problems)
- Anal Gland inflammation
- Periodontitis (Gingivitis)
- Hot Spots
- Lick Granulomas
- Idiopathic Cystitis – (Bladder Inflammation)
- Sinusitis, Rhinitis (Nasal problems)
We do recommend speaking with your Veterinarian about this procedure and other alternative medicines to help determine which is best for your pet.
If you have any questions about this please call Animal Central or visit these websites:
www.abcnews.go.com/Health/laser-therapy-staves-off-pets-arthritis
Dr. Kristen Swanson DVM and Staff at Animal Central
