Therapy laser a pain-free treatment option for your pet

The use of therapy lasers is becoming increasing popular in veterinary medicine for good reason. They provide pain-free treatment for a wide variety of conditions. They can be used along with medications, and sometimes therapy lasers reduce or completely eliminate the need for medications.

Therapy laser treatment, also known as photobiomodulation therapy, uses light energy to open blood vessels to reduce inflammation and to stimulate nerve cells to decrease pain and to promote faster healing.

Therapy lasers used on surgical incision sites heal more quickly. Pet owners should ask their veterinarian if a therapy laser will be used after surgery to help heal the incision site.

Many health issues of pets respond to therapy lasers including skin wounds, hot spots and lick granulomas; arthritis and injuries of ligaments, muscles and tendons; chronic ear infections and anal gland infections; and pain caused by a variety of sources.

Laser therapy treatment is completely pain-free. The most difficult part may be the goggles that pets must wear to protect their eyes.

Pets may feel a gentle warmth, a bit of a tingle, or nothing at all as a technician (also wearing goggles to protect her eyes) moves the laser over the targeted area. If they are being treated for pain or inflammation, they may feel some immediate relief and take advantage of their session to get in a quick nap.

Although improvement is often seen after one visit, most health concerns require a series of treatments. Treatments are cumulative, so the more sessions, the greater improvement. Pet owners should work with their veterinarian to develop the best therapy laser treatment schedule for their pets. Many plans include initial visits spaced closely together followed by maintenance appointments until the patient's goals are met.

The cost of therapy laser treatments varies, but many veterinarians offer packages to make the treatments affordable for pet owners. Spending money on treatments can significantly reduce the amount spent on pain medications for chronic health issues.

There are no known negative side effects of using therapy lasers when used correctly, but therapy laser treatments are not for every pet or every health problem. They should not be performed on pregnant pets. Pets with cancer that has metastasized should not have therapy laser treatments because cancer cells may also be stimulated to grow and spread. Treatments done on a tumor can speed up its growth.

If your pet suffers from an acute or chronic health problem, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about using a therapy laser to give him the best possible quality of life.

Diana Stoll is the Practice Manager at Red Barn Animal Hospital with locations in Hampshire and Gilberts. Visit www.redbarnpetvet.com or call (847) 683-4788 or (847) 426-1000.