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Laser technology has changed the face of medicine in both human and veterinary practices. In veterinary medicine, laser therapy provides your pet with a non-invasive, painless, non-surgical, and drug-free treatment that can target a variety of different health conditions. It is also safe to be performed in conjunction with other existing treatments. Although there are various types of laser technology, the most common laser used in veterinary medicine is the k-laser, also known as a ‘cold’ laser since it doesn’t generate any heat when used.

Here’s what you need to know about how cold laser therapy works and what benefits it can have for your dog.
 

How does a cold laser work?

The purpose of laser therapy is to create a naturally therapeutic effect. The cold laser is used to stimulate the natural healing process so that your pet recovers more quickly. This can be a recovery from an injury, planned surgery, or a general health problem. The way in which the laser works is by stimulating your pet’s body to produce a naturally-occurring substance called ATP. ATP is a form of energy that enables cells to regenerate more quickly, thus improving the rate at which your pet will heal.

In addition to this, laser therapy can also be used to reduce and manage pain by activating the lymphatic drainage system, reducing inflammation which in turn reduces pain. The laser also stimulates nerve cells to block pain signals from reaching the brain to reduce the amount of pain your dog experiences. Finally, the laser can also stimulate the production of endorphins, which also helps to counteract pain.
 

What medical conditions can cold laser therapy treat?

Cold laser therapy has been shown to be a successful treatment in a range of veterinary health issues, including but not limited to:

• Anal gland infections
• Burns
• Chronic pain conditions
• Degenerative joint disease
• Dental treatments
• Ear infections
• Fractured bones
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Hip dysplasia
• Infections
• Injuries affecting the ligaments, muscles, and tendons
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-surgical healing
• Respiratory issues
• Skin lesions and wounds
• Urinary tract issues
   

How many sessions of cold laser therapy will my dog need?

Every dog is different and therefore each treatment is tailored to the specific needs of each animal. This means that precisely how many sessions of this non-invasive and painless procedure your canine pal will need will depend on their individual circumstances including the severity of their health problem. Our expert veterinary team will be able to give you an estimation as to how many sessions your pet will need when you bring them to their consultation, but it is important to bear in mind that this number could change.

Each session is entirely painless, straightforward, and requires zero downtime, meaning that you can take your dog home and carry on with life as normal following their treatment.

For more information on how cold laser therapy could work for your dog, or to schedule a consultation, please contact our veterinary center.