By Deirdre Frey, VMD (all pictures are patients!)
As pet owners, we always strive to find the best treatments to keep our pets happy and healthy. At Vet At Your Door, we're excited to shed light on a cutting-edge treatment that we offer known as cold laser therapy. But what exactly is it, and how can it help your furry companions?
What is Cold Laser Therapy?
Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment that uses light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. This treatment helps to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate healing. Unlike surgical lasers, cold lasers do not cut or burn tissue; instead, they use a specific wavelength of light to penetrate deep into tissues, triggering a biological response that enhances the healing process.
How Can It Be Used?
Cold laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in pets, including:
Arthritis: By reducing inflammation and promoting healing, cold laser therapy can significantly improve mobility and comfort in pets with arthritis.
Post-Surgical Care: Assists in faster recovery and reduces discomfort after surgeries such as Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO).
Ear Infections: It helps in reducing inflammation and pain, making your pet feel more comfortable.
Wound Management: Speeds up the healing process and reduces scarring.
Frequency of Use
The frequency of cold laser therapy sessions depends on the condition being treated and the individual needs of your pet. Chronic conditions such as arthritis, as well as post-surgical cases, typically start with weekly to twice weekly therapy with an aim to decrease frequency to a level that still maintains comfort (ultimately ending for surgical cases once they are fully healed). Acute cases such as wound management and ear infections typically have more frequent treatments but last a shorter timeframe overall (the healing is accelerated after all!).
Vet At Your Door offers 3- and 6-treatment packages for a discounted price.
Complementary Therapies
One of the great advantages of cold laser therapy is that it can be used in conjunction with other treatments such as acupuncture (yes, we do that too!) and pharmaceuticals. This combination can provide a holistic approach to your pet's health, ensuring they get the best possible care.
And now, let’s address the elephant in the room: doggles. Yes, your pet might look like a cool aviator from the 80s during the procedure, but these protective goggles are essential to safeguard their eyes from the laser. And it’s not just dogs; even cats can rock the doggles look!
Why Home Treatment?
Performing cold laser therapy at home can be significantly less stressful for your pet, especially if they are already in pain. At Vet At Your Door, we bring the therapy to your doorstep, ensuring your pet can relax in the comfort of their own environment without the added anxiety of a vet visit.
A Few Cases
Here are a few ways that we have used cold laser therapy on our patients!
Buddy's Arthritic Joints: Buddy, an elderly Golden Retriever, was struggling with arthritis, making it hard for him to move around. After a few sessions of cold laser therapy, his owners noticed a significant improvement in his mobility and a reduction in his discomfort. Now, Buddy enjoys his daily walks again and he is down to performing cold laser appointments every three weeks.
Bella's Post-Surgical Care: Bella, a sprightly Labrador, underwent TPLO surgery for her knee. Cold laser therapy helped her recover faster, reducing post-surgical pain and swelling, and she was back to her playful self much sooner than expected. Her treatment plan was laser therapy twice weekly for four weeks, once weekly for four weeks, then once every two weeks for the next eight weeks.
Mittens' Ear Infection: Mittens, a playful cat, suffered from recurring ear infections. Traditional medications provided temporary relief, but cold laser therapy, done twice weekly for three weeks, then once weekly for three weeks, helped reduce the inflammation and pain, making Mittens much more comfortable and happier.
Max's Wound Management: Max, an adventurous Beagle, got a nasty wound while out exploring his back woods. Alongside antibiotic treatment, cold laser therapy was performed twice weekly for two weeks, then once a week for two weeks. Laser therapy greatly sped up the healing process and minimized scarring, allowing Max to get back to his adventures in no time.
At Vet At Your Door, we're committed to providing the best care for your pets. Cold laser therapy is just one of the many ways we strive to enhance their quality of life. If you think your pet could benefit from this therapy, or if you have any questions, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Your pet's well-being is our top priority!
Comments