Companion Animal Laser Therapy Program
What Is Laser Therapy for Pets and How Does It Work?
Our laser therapy uses focused light to reduce pain, calm inflammation, and support healing. This non-invasive treatment requires no sedation, and most pets find it relaxing.
The light energy penetrates tissue and helps cells repair more efficiently. As a result, it can help with arthritis, post-surgical recovery, wounds, sprains, and other soft tissue injuries.
Sessions usually take just a few minutes. Depending on the condition, we may recommend a series of visits for the best results.
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
You may also hear it called cold laser, low-level laser, or Class IV laser treatment. These names describe similar light-based approaches that stimulate cell regeneration and boost circulation.
Interested in this option for your pet but worried that frequent trips will take up too much time? Ask us about our new Home Laser Rental program.
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
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?
This treatment has very few side effects and is widely considered safe and effective in veterinary medicine. However, certain health conditions may make some pets poor candidates. Schedule a consultation with one of our doctors to find out whether it’s a good fit for your companion.
Shine a Light on Healing With Our Laser Therapy
Our laser therapy offers gentle, drug-free relief for pets of all ages. Many companions show improvement after just a few sessions. Contact Central Texas Animal Hospital to see if it’s the right fit for your pet.
Schedule your pet’s assessment today to see how therapy may benefit them! Use the form below, or call us at 512-251-BARK.