Laser Therapy for Pets
We have therapeutic laser therapy for pets!
What Is Therapeutic Laser Therapy?
Therapeutic laser (photobiomodulation or PBM) is a low dose light treatment that works with the body’s natural healing abilities and can promote reduced pain, decreased inflammation, and expedited healing. The PBM laser emits photons at specific therapeutic wavelengths, which pass through skin and tissue to interact with cells in specific ways, similar to how the sun reacts with a plant’s cells to provide energy and promote growth. The result is cellular excitation, allowing for benefits that include reduced inflammation, increased healing, and decreased pain.
What to Expect During a Session
PBM is easily administered by a veterinary professional (usually a veterinary technician). A laser session often takes only 5-20 minutes, depending on the area(s) involved. In most animals, no sedation is required, and while your pet may feel a mild warming sensation, PBM is safe and painless.
What Can Laser Therapy Help With?
PBM is used for a variety of conditions, including—but not limited to—the following:
- Acute strains, tendon injuries, back / neck injuries
- Arthritis
- Focal skin lesions (hot spots, acral lick lesions, eosinophilic granuloma, pododermatitis)
- Inflammatory issues like ear infections, allergic dermatitis, perianal dermatitis
- Post-operative wound management and pain
- Laser acupuncture
How Often Will My Pet Need Treatment?
The benefits of PBM are cumulative. For acute conditions—sprains or superficial wounds, for example—PBM is administered every other day for a few treatments. For chronic conditions, like arthritis and chronic skin disease, PBM is administered twice weekly until effects are seen, then administration is tapered down to a maintenance schedule.
If you’re interested in PBM for your pet, please contact the hospital. Your veterinarian will review your pet’s case and determine whether PBM is appropriate and decide if an office visit is indicated before administration.