What is Warm Laser Therapy?
Warm laser therapy involves a low-intensity laser or LED (otherwise known as a light-emitting diode) to help to relax your pet's muscles, stimulate their cell function and encourage their natural healing processes.
Several different conditions have been shown to improve with the use of veterinary laser therapy in dogs and cats including arthritis symptoms, muscle spasms and joint or muscle pain.
Throughout this treatment process, the energy transferred to your pet's body from the warmth of the laser increases their circulation. This naturally draws oxygen, nutrients and hydration to the affected area and encourages your pet's health and healing. The process is often quite relaxing for animals too.
The Warm Laser Therapy Treatment Process
Laser therapy treatment involves the movement of a handheld laser wand back and forth over the part of your pet's body which has sustained an injury or is causing health issues.
When undergoing warm laser therapeutic treatment, your pet will feel a warm and pleasant feeling in the area that is being treated and will likely find the process relaxing and enjoyable. Warm lasers, like the Class IV laser at our hospital, are excellent options for our vets to provide topical heating and pain relief to injuries. Laser therapy sessions at San Diego Bay Animal Hospital are often quite quick, lasting about 20 minutes. The number and frequency of these treatments will depend on your pet's specific healthcare needs.
Uses for Veterinary Laser Therapy
Pet laser therapy has a wide range of uses and is highly effective when used in conjunction with traditional medications and other veterinary treatments.
Laser therapy for dogs and cats promotes circulation and encourages cell regeneration, benefiting the following procedures and conditions:
- Dental Procedures
- Wounds
- Post-Surgical Recovery
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Strains & Sprains
- Inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Bone Fractures
- Lick Granuloma
Benefits of Warm Laser Therapy
Therapeutic pet laser treatments offer a wide range of benefits to your animal. When a pet receives low-intensity laser treatment, the specific wavelengths of the light prompt an alteration of the physiology of their tissues and cells.
- Encourages bone healing
- Increases wound healing
- Reduces inflammation and associated pain
- Accelerates mitochondrial cell metabolism
- Increases blood perfusion
- Enhances neovascularization
- Reduces edema (swelling)