Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy at Bridgnorth Veterinary Centre
As with human medicine, veterinary medicine is advancing every day, with this comes the introduction of new and alternative therapies for treating many conditions. In recent years alternative treatments such as hydro therapy and acupuncture have become very popular with pet owners due to the success in treating animals with pain free and safe alternatives to the use of pain killing drugs alone. It is now recognised as a veterinary treatment option by insurance companies and is able to be claimed on pets insurance policy in most cases.
Studies on the beneficial effects of laser light on cells were recognised first about 40 years ago. Since then, like with other complimentary therapies, such as hydro and acupuncture, many studies have been undertaken to show the positive effects of laser treatment for different commonly treated conditions including arthritis, skin disease, ear pain, wound healing, reducing inflammation and pain relief.
New Class IV High Power lasers are 50 times stronger than their predecessors, the Class III or “cold” laser. This means the laser can provide much better results due to their ability to penetrate tissues and increase production of cell “fuel” (ATP or Adenosine –triphosphate)
Laser light emitted from a Class IV laser triggers a photochemical reaction in the animals body that increases blood flow to the tissue. This promotes growth, replication and repair of cells and therefore aids healing. Most importantly there are no known side affects of laser therapy and it may decrease the need for surgery and medications, which is also beneficial for pets who cannot have pain relief medication ie due to existing kidney/liver disease.
Patients do not need to be sedated for their treatment , fur does not need to be clipped, and we have found the vast majority of our patients really enjoy their sessions. Pets can either stand, sit or lie down in most cases, and find the treatment relaxing. The laser hand piece is held over the area to be treated and a light emits from the wand, penetrating the skin. Most pets feel a slightly warm sensation. Sessions last around 5-10 minutes and are tailored to suit each pet individually, so for example laser therapy to treat a skin wound post operatively may only need one or two sessions, whereas a treatment for an arthritic pet may require a longer or more complex course as multiple joints will be treated during one session.
In many cases the reported beneficial effects of laser are so good that some pets require less pain medication or in some cases we may be able to stop it altogether. Some owners report immediate improvement in their pet’s symptoms whereas for some more complex or severe conditions a series of treatments may be necessary before benefits are seen.
As with human medicine, veterinary medicine is advancing every day, with this comes the introduction of new and alternative therapies for treating many conditions. In recent years alternative treatments such as hydro therapy and acupuncture have become very popular with pet owners due to the success in treating animals with pain free and safe alternatives to the use of pain killing drugs alone. It is now recognised as a veterinary treatment option by insurance companies and is able to be claimed on pets insurance policy in most cases.
Studies on the beneficial effects of laser light on cells were recognised first about 40 years ago. Since then, like with other complimentary therapies, such as hydro and acupuncture, many studies have been undertaken to show the positive effects of laser treatment for different commonly treated conditions including arthritis, skin disease, ear pain, wound healing, reducing inflammation and pain relief.
New Class IV High Power lasers are 50 times stronger than their predecessors, the Class III or “cold” laser. This means the laser can provide much better results due to their ability to penetrate tissues and increase production of cell “fuel” (ATP or Adenosine –triphosphate)
Laser light emitted from a Class IV laser triggers a photochemical reaction in the animals body that increases blood flow to the tissue. This promotes growth, replication and repair of cells and therefore aids healing. Most importantly there are no known side affects of laser therapy and it may decrease the need for surgery and medications, which is also beneficial for pets who cannot have pain relief medication ie due to kidney/liver disease.
Patients do not need to be sedated for their treatment , fur does not need to be clipped, and we have found the vast majority of our patients really enjoy their sessions. Pets can either stand, sit or lie down in most cases, and find the treatment relaxing. The laser hand piece is held over the area to be treated and a light emits from the wand, penetrating the skin. Most pets feel a slightly warm sensation. Sessions last around 5-10 minutes and are tailored to suit each pet individually, so for example laser therapy to treat a skin wound post operatively may only need one or two sessions, whereas a treatment for an arthritic pet may require a longer or more complex course as multiple joints will be treated during one session.
In many cases the reported beneficial effects of laser are so good that some pets require less pain medication or in some cases we may be able to stop it altogether. Some owners report immediate improvement in their pet’s symptoms whereas for some more complex or severe conditions a series of treatments may be necessary before benefits are seen.
