LASER THERAPY

How are laser treatments administered? 

Laser therapy is administered through a handheld laser wand that is waved slowly over the top of the affected or damaged area. The tissue is warmed up by the laser slightly, producing warmth that many animals find pleasant and relaxing. Usually, the sessions don’t take any longer than half an hour and, as it doesn’t require sedation, your pet can go home straight away. 

Multiple sessions may be required to experience the full benefit of the treatment, and depends on the severity of the initial injury. Some conditions may require 4-6 weeks of treatment in order to experience the full therapeutic benefit. Our vet will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan during your visit 

How does laser therapy work? 

On a cellular level, laser therapy works by stimulating the production and release of adenosine triphosphate, or ATP. This is a similar process to how plants produce energy using photosynthesis, by absorbing and converting light into chemical energy. ATP is able to act as a special type of signalling molecule within your pet’s body, stimulating healing, reducing inflammation and providing relief from pain. 

Laser therapy can trigger several healthy responses, such as: 

Increased healing speed 

Release of tension in the muscles 

Increased blood flow (vasodilation) 

Reduction in inflammation 

Is laser therapy safe for pets? 

Laser therapy is very safe when used with the proper settings and treatment durations in mind. There are no risks involved if laser therapy is completed by a trained veterinarian. 

Given that laser therapy is non–invasive and triggers the body’s natural healing process, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. 

Will my pet benefit from laser therapy? 

Laser therapy could be the solution for your pet if they’re suffering from many common medical conditions, such as: 

Orthopaedic conditions Post-surgery pain 

Neurological conditions 

Tendon and ligament pain Arthritis 

Laser therapy can be a particularly helpful option for animals who only have limited options for treatment. This can range from pets with kidney or liver complications who cannot process medication, to older pets who aren’t able to undergo surgery. It can also be a more financially viable option for some families who can’t afford expensive surgeries or medications. 

Should I speak to my vet about laser therapy? 

You don’t have to wait for your veterinarian to suggest laser therapy to have a conversation about the options available for your pet. Whether your pet has chronic pain or you want to help relieve muscle soreness, work with your veterinarian to discuss what laser therapy plan is best for your pet, because every animal is different. 

A few examples of why you may want laser therapy for your animal include:

Your pet just had an orthopedic surgery and you want to help alleviate pain and inflammation in the acute phase.

Your pet isn’t improving or has had slow recovery from any orthopedic surgeries whether it be poor wound healing, pain, muscle soreness or other soft tissue compensatory issues.

You have an older pet with arthritis.

Lameness from overuse injury, repetitive or chronic injuries of the body that may have developed over time or your pet has sustained a traumatic event such as a fight, fall, or jump.

The best thing to do is to talk to your vet about what is going on with your pet and work with them to come up with the best plan going forward. 

Does my pet need an exam before they are approved for laser? 

At Clyde Veterinary Hospital, we prefer to have an examination done before going ahead with pet laser therapy to ensure that your pet is getting the best treatment possible. Provided your pet has had an exam completed within the last year, we are able to organize a laser therapy plan to help with whatever concerns you have for your beloved animal. 

If you think your pet would benefit from laser therapy, the team at Clyde Veterinary Hospital is here to help. Give us a call on (03) 9052 3200 for more information, or book an appointment with one of our veterinarians to discuss a laser therapy plan for your pet.