Pet Laser Therapy: A Safe, Drug-Free Pain Treatment Option

How Laser Therapy Can Help Your Pet's Pain

In integrative veterinary treatments, Laser therapy, is used as a non-invasive treatment to stimulate cell regeneration and reduce inflammation and pain. Laser therapy works by emitting light at specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the cells. It helps improve multiple functions such as cellular, increased blood circulation, reduced swelling, and it stimulates the production of endorphins - the body's natural pain relievers.

Laser Therapy Used in Veterinary Medicine

Lasers used in veterinary medicine are classified as Class III or Class IV therapeutic lasers. They emit light in the near-infrared spectrum, allowing the light to penetrate deeper into tissue compared to visible light. Power output is typically between 100-500 milliwatts. The light is delivered as a focused, narrow beam or as a wider scatter beam depending on the treatment area and condition being addressed. We use Class IV at Arya Acupuncture.

During each session, Dr. Bhatt or a certified veterinary nurse, will slowly and methodically move the handheld laser probe over the affected area, delivering the therapeutic light to the cells underneath. The beam is invisible, and the procedure is completely painless and non-invasive. Pets will simply relax or rest during their treatments.

How Does Laser Therapy Reduce Pain in Pets?

There are several ways laser therapy provides pain relief and therapeutic benefits for pets:

1. Increases Blood Circulation

When the laser light is absorbed by cells, it activates photoreceptors and biochemical reactions within the cell. This causes vasodilation - the dilation of blood vessels - which improves circulation to the treated area.

Better blood flow delivers more oxygen and nutrients to damaged cells, removing waste products faster. Enhanced circulation facilitates the body's natural healing processes and provides pain relief.

2. Reduces Inflammation

The light emitted also helps decrease levels of inflammatory mediators like prostaglandins and interleukins. It helps suppress reactions that amplify or sustain inflammation.

Less inflammation means less swelling, stiffness, and pain for your pet. The light can reach inflamed tissues deeper under the skin's surface as well.

3. Releases Endorphins

Low-level laser stimulation triggers the release of endorphins - "feel good" neurotransmitters that help block pain signals to the brain.

Endorphins provide an analgesic effect without the risks of medications. Laser-induced endorphins offer pets natural, safe, and effective pain relief.

4. Accelerates Cellular Repair and Growth

By increasing ATP (Adenosine triphosphate) production and energy available to cells, laser light enhances protein synthesis activities and accelerates both healing and tissue regeneration.

With more ATP energy, cells can focus on repairing damaged tissue faster instead of maintaining a state of inflammation and pain. Your pet's recovery timeline is reduced.

5. Improves Nerve Function

The light stimulation increases axonal growth and myelin production in nerves. This helps regenerate damaged peripheral nerves and reduce neuropathic pain.

Improved nerve function provides additional pain relief for pets suffering from pinched nerves, sciatica, or other nerve-related conditions.

Common Uses of Laser Therapy for Pets

Laser therapy is used to treat a wide range of acute and chronic pain conditions in veterinary medicine. It offers a drug-free treatment option for pets dealing with:

Acute Injuries and Post-Operative Pain

• Sprains and strains

• Sports injuries

• Fractures

• Bites or wounds

• Post-surgical incisions

• Dental procedures

Laser therapy facilitates faster healing of injured tissues by stimulating collagen production and accelerating the inflammatory and repair phases. Pain is decreased in the days or weeks following an injury or surgery.

Chronic Osteoarticular Conditions

• Osteoarthritis

• Hip or elbow dysplasia

• Cruciate ligament injuries

• Intervertebral disc disease

• Chronic back or neck pain

For degenerative joint diseases, laser therapy provides anti-inflammatory effects to ease joint pain and stiffness. It supports cartilage health and slows the progression of degeneration over time.

Other Chronic Pain Problems

• Tendon/ligament injuries

• Bone fractures

• Nerve injuries - pinched nerves, sciatica

• Ear infections/inflammation

• Dental disease

• Skin wounds or burns

The non-invasive treatment can address various sources of chronic pain without medications or surgery. Laser therapy complements conventional treatments for optimal benefits.

For pets recovering from surgery or those needing palliative pain care, laser provides safe, gentle healing without drugs. Overall, it gives veterinarians a therapeutic tool to manage acute and chronic pain in pets.

Ashley, our Veterinary Nurse Supervisor, treats pet patient Edna Pink with laser therapy. Edna Pink says, “Hold all my calls!”

What to Expect During Laser Therapy Sessions

Laser therapy is a fully non-invasive procedure requiring no anesthesia, sedation, or restraints.

• Pets simply relax or sit/lay comfortably during the treatments. The handheld probe gently touches the skin or is held just above it.

• The laser is set to the appropriate power output and carefully moved around the target area. We will use different techniques and patterns to penetrate tissues.

• Most pets show no signs of discomfort during laser therapy. They may feel a gentle warmth as blood flow increases. But there is no burning, pin-prick, or electric shock sensation.

• Initially, treatments may be scheduled 2-3 times per week for a few weeks depending on your pet's pain level. Once improvement occurs, treatments reduce to once weekly or less.

• Effects accumulate and strengthen with each session. You may notice improved mobility and activity as your pet's pain decreases over time.

• Some pets experience immediate relief, while others improve more gradually depending on the severity of arthritis or injury. Dr. Bhatt or our Laser certified nurses can advise you on reasonable expectations.

Is Laser Therapy Safe for Pets?

Laser therapy is extremely safe for pets when performed properly by licensed veterinary professionals. It has been used in veterinary practices for over 30 years with an excellent safety record. Reasons it is safe include:

• The lasers only emit light energy. There is no sensation, heat, or tissue damage during treatment.

• No anesthesia or sedation is required, reducing risks.

• There are no chemicals or medications as it is a drug-free therapy.

• Treatments are tailored to each pet's health status and needs.

• Vets are trained on safe power densities and treatment times. Energy output is too low to accidentally injure tissue.

• Pets are awake and comfortable during procedures. Discomfort or struggling could displace the laser.

Of course, pet owners should still discuss any specific risks with Dr. Bhatt. But clinical studies and decades of use support that laser therapy is very safe for pets when used properly. It provides pain relief without negative side effects.

Is Laser Therapy the Right Choice for Your Pet?

If your pet suffers from acute or chronic pain, laser therapy may be an excellent option to try. Benefits include:

• Non-invasive and drug-free pain relief

• Few to no side effects

• Accelerates healing from injury/surgery

• Provides anti-inflammatory effects

• Improves joint mobility and function

• Easy quick application

• Supports conventional treatments

Laser therapy can complement medications, supplements, physiotherapy, and other therapies your pet receives. It helps restore your pet's quality of life by reducing their pain and discomfort safely.

The science behind laser therapy is complex, but the treatment itself is straightforward. It only requires a few minutes per session and the light is simply applied to the surface of the skin. The non-invasive therapy allows the body to heal itself with the energizing and stimulating effects of photons. For those seeking an alternative to drugs or surgery, laser therapy is an option worth exploring that provides tangible pain relief and improved function for many patients.

You should consult Dr. Bhatt to determine if laser therapy could help your pet's specific problem. Based on the diagnosis, they can advise you on the likely benefits and what improvements you may see in your pet after treatments.

While not a cure, laser therapy offers your pet safe, gentle, and effective pain relief with no negative side effects or downtime. If you want to reduce your pet's reliance on medications, laser therapy is a worthwhile approach to discuss with Dr. Bhatt.