Companion Animal Laser Therapy Program
What Is Laser Therapy for Pets and How Does It Work?
At Central Texas Animal Hospital, we pride ourselves on always searching for new ways to care for your fur babies, especially where pain is concerned. Veterinary laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, and drug-free treatment that is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatments.
Laser treatment for dogs employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as Photobiomodulation. This process helps relieve pain through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace.
Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, your pet’s condition will influence how often and how long laser therapy will be necessary.
Treatment protocols vary by disease or condition, but most sites require 3 to 8 minutes. Laser treatments are cumulative, so each additional treatment facilitates a greater improvement in your pet’s condition. Because each treatment protocol varies by condition, please schedule a visit to allow your Veterinarian to help devise a sufficient laser treatment schedule for your four-legged companion.
Companion Animal Cold Laser Therapy
Laser therapy may also be referred to as Cold Laser, Low-Level Laser, or Class IV Laser Therapy. Each of these terms refers to the same therapy, using the same equipment to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation.
Are you interested in trying Laser Therapy for your pet? Would you love to see the benefits of Laser Therapy in your pet’s life but feel like the frequent trips for treatment are too much of a time commitment? Ask us about our new Home Laser Rental program today!
What Types of Conditions Can Laser Therapy Treat?
Atopic Dermatitis
Burns/Eczema
Hot Spots
Aural Hematoma
Insect Bites
Lacerations
Periodontal Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Tendon / Ligament Injury
Degenerative Myelopathy
Stiffness
Post Surgical Pain Relief and Inflammation
Sprain/Strain
Osteoarthritis
Bone Fractures
Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Abscesses
- Acral Lick Dermatitis
- Acute Nephritis
- Anal Sacculitis
- Back Pain
- Chronic or Resistant Infections
- (CCL) Cruciate Ligament Injury – Non-Surgical/Partial or Post-Op
- Cystitis/FUS
- Cystotomy – Post Surgery
- (DJD) Degenerative Joint Disease
- Demodicosis
- Edema
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Elbow Hygroma
- Feline Acne
- Feline Asthma
- (FLUTD) Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease
- Infectious Tracheobronchitis
- Intestinal Blockage
- Mastitis
- Neck Pain
- Oral Cavity Disorders
- Otitis – Acute or Chronic
- Palliative Pain Relief
- Pancreatitis
- Paralysis
- Peripheral Nerve Injuries
- Post Dental Extraction
- Pyoderma
- Pneumonia
- Rhinitis/Sinusitis
- Snake Bites
- Stomatitis
- Trauma
- And so much MORE!
Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:
- Abnormal sitting or lying posture
- Circling multiple times before lying down
- Restlessness
- Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
- Limping, unable to get up or lie down
- Difficulty jumping up or down stairs
- Lack of grooming
- Won’t wag tail
- Licking or biting painful area
- Lack of appetite
- Trembling
Laser Therapy for Pain Relief
Laser treatments are an excellent way to provide pain relief to your furry companion. Laser Therapy reduces pain by reducing inflammation through “vasodilation” (the opening of blood vessels) and also by activating the lymphatic drainage system, thus draining swollen areas. The result is a reduction in swelling which reduces pain.
The lasers also stimulate nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, thereby decreasing nerve sensitivity. Because there is less inflammation, less swelling, and an interruption of pain signals to the brain, the dog or cat will experience less pain. Laser treatments for pets also stimulate the production of high levels of naturally-produced endorphins which further counteract your pet’s pain.
Laser Therapy to Recover From Injury or Surgery
Laser therapy is a very helpful tool during postoperative recovery. In minor cases, laser therapy alone may be enough to alleviate pain and stimulate the healing process. Because it works directly on injured or affected areas, laser treatments can help speed up healing, strengthen muscle and tissue, improve mobility, and quickly enhance your pet’s overall quality of life.
What Can I Expect at My Pet's Laser Therapy Appointment?
A trained Laser Therapy Technician will hold the laser wand directly over the affected area for somewhere between 3 and 10 minutes. There is no pain associated with the treatment but there is a mild warming sensation. Actually, most pets will relax during this time. The almost immediate pain relief will facilitate your pet’s comfort and any anxiety he or she initially experiences will quickly dissipate. Occasionally, some pets fall asleep during their therapy sessions.
Is Laser Therapy Treatment Painful or Uncomfortable?
Laser treatment for dogs is totally pain-free and very comforting. As the laser is administered, your dog may feel a gentle and soothing warmth, tingling, or no sensation at all. For many pets, laser therapy is very relaxing. As areas of pain or inflammation become more comfortable, any anxiety and tension your dog or cat may be experiencing tend to quickly dissipate.
Are There Any Side Effects of Laser Therapy?
Laser Treatment for pets has no known side effects and is considered both safe and effective across the veterinary industry. However, there are certain conditions which may not make your pet an ideal candidate for the Laser Therapy Program. Please schedule a consultation with one of our Doctors to determine if Laser Therapy is right for your pet.
Laser Therapy Appointment Hours:
By Appointment Only.
Schedule your pet’s assessment today to see how laser therapy may benefit them! Use the form below, or call us at 512-251-BARK.
