June Newsletter
Laser therapy for dogs is a non-invasive veterinary procedure in which a light is used to treat a variety of conditions. There are two types of laser treatments: cold laser therapy that is used to treat the surface of the skin and hot laser treatments that are used on tissues that lie deeper. Due to the increase in the laser beam’s intensity, hot laser treatments have an increased risk of burning and cutting.
Cold Laser Therapy Basics
Though use of cold laser therapy continues to increase, this type of treatment is a fairly new concept that is still in its infancy. Other names that laser therapy might be called include Class IV laser therapy or low-level laser therapy. Basically, laser therapy involves a beam of light that generates heat and can penetrate tissue because of the frequency that it travels. The latest in laser therapy treatments are programmable for a range of frequencies that enable veterinarians to treat numerous problems that afflict dogs.
How Laser Therapy Helps Dogs
Vets who offer laser therapy for dogs know how effective it can be for a wide range of conditions. For example, laser therapy can treat acute conditions and those that are chronic, including strains, sprains, muscular-skeletal abnormalities, swelling that is the result of spinal disc issues, arthritis and more. Injuries that are chronic and those that are acute can be treated effectively with laser therapy. Another valuable advantage that helps dogs recover faster is the ability of laser therapy to regenerate nerve tissue following a surgery.
Vets and Laser Therapy
In most cases, if a vet has made an investment in laser therapy, it is a medical device that only a doctor is able to possess and use. Vets who are dedicated to providing the best in services to their patients are the ones who have made the investment in equipment and training. Like other offerings that vets make available to pets and their owners, laser therapy is a tool that is designed to ease pain and improve healing.
What to Expect When a Dog Has Laser Therapy
Most dogs find laser therapy relaxing and look forward to receiving it. Many dogs lie down during treatment, but some feel more comfortable standing. During sessions that usually last about 10 to 20 minutes, a laser wand is used to apply the treatment to the affected area. Most dogs feel better right away after finishing laser therapy, which creates a positive association with their visit to the vet. Because laser therapy is noninvasive, there is no preparation, such as shaving. However, the vet will perform an exam prior to recommending the procedure and provide a diagnose for the dog’s condition.