Just like their human companions, pets can suffer from chronic pain, and they can benefit from physical therapy after surgery or an injury. However, the exercises and manipulations used by human physical therapists don’t work as well for pets. Fortunately, they can benefit from a gentle, non-invasive therapy like Pet Laser Therapy. If this is something your veterinarian has recommended, the following information may help you make a decision regarding whether or not to pursue it.
What is laser therapy for pets?
The veterinarian uses a “cold laser,” which is a beam of light set to a low frequency that can penetrate the animal’s skin and promote healing of deep tissues. The light promotes cell regeneration and increased blood flow around the site. The light is not hot enough to injure the skin, and in fact, it can treat skin conditions as well. There is some evidence that cold lasers decrease inflammation and ease the pain associated with the inflamed tissue.
Will the procedure cause any discomfort?
Most pets are very calm throughout a laser treatment because of the endorphins produced during the therapy. There are no injections required, and the animal doesn’t need to have the site shaved or clipped. Pet owners can hold their animals, and most pets are content to lie down during the procedure.
Does laser therapy work?
Although there is not a body of scientific literature to support the therapy at this point, many veterinarians and their patients have collected enough anecdotal evidence to believe in the value of the treatment. Most perceive that the treatment does no harm to the animal, and most animals clearly feel better and demonstrate increased activity levels after the treatment.
For what conditions is laser therapy most often prescribed?
Pet laser therapy is best known as a treatment for pain, and it’s prescribed after an injury, after surgery, and for pets with chronic pain caused by arthritis or other conditions. It may also be prescribed to promote weight loss and to treat neurological conditions.
How much does it cost?
A single treatment may cost anywhere from $25 to $60, but as pets typically require multiple treatments over a period of time, many veterinarians offer package deals or discounts for multiple visits. Contact Animal Medical Center to find out about their laser therapy pricing plan. You can also visit them on Twitter for more information.
