How does laser therapy for dogs work?

Laser therapy for dogs is a non-invasive, surgery-free treatment used to stimulate the body’s
natural healing process and alleviate pain. Laser treatment produces ATP that enables the injured
cell to regenerate fastly. Laser therapy decreases the swelling in the affected area, which reduces
pain. Laser treatment can build muscle, enhance mobility, and improve quality of life
immediately due to the application of laser therapy directly to the damaged area.
How does laser therapy for dogs work?

Laser therapy involves a photo biostimulation process. Light penetrates deep into the tissues of
the damaged area, emits a photon, encourages a chain of chemical reactions, and evolves
changes in cellular metabolism. The discharge of endorphins assists the injured cells in healing at
a quick pace.

1. What kind of conditions can laser therapy for dogs be used to treat?

  • Muscles and ligament injuries: laser therapy can treat soft tissue injuries. The light
    penetrates affected tissues and is converted into energy. Laser treatment helps to enhance
    collagen formation, which is effective for tendons and ligament healing.
  • Intervertebral disc disease: this disease is mainly predisposed to various small breeds.
    IVDD occurs due to the rupture of cushion tissues between vertebrae. IVDD primarily
    occurs in the neck and lower back. Laser treatment helps to decrease pain and improve
    mobility in dogs.
  • Postsurgical wounds: laser therapy helps during postsurgical recovery by improving the
    functions of tendons and ligaments after a few minutes of treatment. The surgical wounds
    can heal immediately than medications or other standard treatments.
  • Laser therapy in acute conditions can treat acute infections such as ear infections
    (swollen ear canal), urinary tract infections, and wound injuries.
  • Laser therapy for dogs also treats neuropathies (nerve damage) and osteoarthritis.
  • Gingivitis: it is an inflammation of the gums and the early-stage disease known as
    periodontal disease. Various species of bacteria cause gingivitis. Laser therapy treatment
    can kill these black pigmented bacteria and reduces stress with a short period of treatment
    of 1-3 minutes.
  • Arthritis/hip dysplasia is a joint deformity due to an abnormality in the connection
    between the femur and socket joint. These two joints must grow at equal rates, but hip
    dysplasia occurs without continuous growth. Laser treatment can decrease pain due to
    quieting nerve cells.
  • Laser therapy can cure anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears effectively.

2. How long and how many sessions will my dog need?

Duration and number of sessions depend upon the condition and type of pet. The complete
therapy treatment usually involves 7-20 sessions but may vary in different cases.

  • Duration of therapy
    It depends on the pet’s size, the laser’s power, and the problem’s severity. Usually, a laser
    therapy session lasts for 5- 20 minutes. For example, in the case of arthritis, therapy takes
    more time, about 5 minutes per joint, but on the other hand, wound management is
    quicker. Larger breeds take additional time than shorter breeds.
  • Number of sessions
    The number of sessions depends on the condition of the injury. Chronic issues may be
    treated weekly. But, surgical wounds need daily treatment.

 

3. What kind of laser therapy is being used?

 

On the bases of wavelength and energy potential, there are four classes of therapeutic laser:

  • Class 1 laser (barcode scanner)
  • Class 2 laser (therapeutic laser) produces a beam of 400-700nm in the visible spectrum.
  • Class 3 laser is the most commonly utilized laser for therapy
  • Class 4 laser is a surgical laser used to cut tissues during a surgical procedure.

The 3b laser type is commonly used in veterinary clinics. The class 4 laser therapy is also
effective but needs more defense than the 3b type.
Cellular components absorb light and restorative electrons, which activate cells to repair. The
superficial tissues, like skin tissues, absorb lower wavelength laser light. But in the case of
internal tissues, a higher wavelength is used that penetrates deep into bones and muscles.

4. Is laser therapy safe for dogs?

In the veterinary industry, laser therapy for dogs is considered a safe and effective treatment. It is
a very comfortable and pain-free procedure. If your dog is experiencing tension or any anxiety, it
tends to be immediately dissipated. Your pet may perceive soothing warmth, gentle and no
sensation. Laser therapy helps to reduce pain by blocking the nerve receptors. It can also provide
musculoskeletal relief.
Laser treatment cannot be used to treat tumors or cancer patients. This treatment may speed up
these types of diseases. Keep away the use of laser light in the pregnant uterus, thyroid glands,
and on the tumor.

  • There are little few side effects. Laser treatment may cause superficial burns in case of
    units of high power and improper handling.
  • Eye protection is most necessary because it can damage the retina. Make sure the use
    safety goggles for both patient and administrator.