Therapeutic Laser is a non-invasive treatment that can make your pet more comfortable and give them a better quality of life. Mountain View Animal Hospital is excited to provide this advanced technology to our patients.
L.A.S.E.R. (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation) is therapy using a high energy beam of light. Therapeutic laser is a therapy that has been used for many years in Europe to treat a variety of conditions. Use of this therapy began in the United States in 2003. It has been shown that use of the laser decreases the time it takes to heal, reduces inflammation, and reduces pain. Laser therapy also has the benefit of being a drug-free, non-invasive, and safe means of providing lasting pain relief. There are no adverse effects from using the therapeutic laser, and it has been FDA approved since 2005.
Mechanism
Light within certain wavelengths and frequencies has the ability to cause photochemical reactions within tissue, known as photobiostimulation.
Benefits
Accelerated Healing – photobiostimulation causes nitric oxide to be displaced from cells, allowing for more oxygen absorption. This action along with an increase in the production of ATP (the source of cellular energy) causes cells to be more effective. The body is then able to heal at an increased rate and reduce the formation of scar tissue.
Reduced Inflammation – Another action of the laser is vasodilation (opening of the vessels), which allows for more oxygen and nutrients to be transported to damaged cells. Lymphatic circulation is also increased. These actions cause a reduction in inflammation.
Pain Relief – The analgesic effect of laser is quite different, and a higher power density is used to inhibit cellular function of nerves rather than stimulate. Basically the light suppresses receptors that send pain signals to the brain. So while the source of the pain is still there, the transportation of that signal to the brain is interrupted. Also, the production of endorphins and enkephalins are increased, which are the body’s natural pain-killers.
Some of the conditions that the therapeutic laser is used for are:
- Wound healing
- Arthritis/musculoskeletal pain
- Sprains/strains
- Nerve regeneration
- Chronic lick granulomas
- Chronic ear infections
- IVDD
- Any condition where healing or pain are a factor.
Treatment Regime
The average treatment schedule involves six, fifteen minute appointments over the course of three weeks. These numbers can vary depending on the severity of the condition being treated. No sedation is required for this procedure; and in fact most patients have demonstrated that it has a calming effect. We encourage owners to be present with their pets during the treatment.
