naturalpet
LASER POWER
21ST CENTURY PET THERAPY OPTIONS
by Dr. Matthew Heller
et owners around the country are discovering a new wrinkle in an existing technology to deliver both pain relief and healing for their furry, feathery or scaly companions. Laser technology has been used in the veterinary field for many years for surgery. Now, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved Class IV laser therapy to deliver non-invasive re- lief for pain and inflammation, as well. Treatments benefit pets suffering from arthritis, back injuries, acute sprains or spasms and dermatological hot spots and wounds, plus enhance post-opera- tive rehabilitation.
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stimulates cells to heal more rapidly, reducing pain.
Unlike pharmaceutical, non-steroi- How It Works
The science is fairly straightforward. In a Class IV laser therapy session, a concentrated beam of light emanates from a wand that is slowly moved over the animal’s body, and several processes occur that accelerate heal- ing and pain relief. Effects include an increase in circulation and metabolism, stimulation of nerve cells and a boost in collagen production, all of which facilitate wound healing. The associated production of oxygen encourages cells to regrow, while a release of endorphins
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dal, anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) that provide relief from pain and inflam- mation, laser therapy does not pose seri- ous side effects for the liver or kidneys, nor is it painful or typically require seda- tion. Because it promotes cellular activity and increases blood flow, laser therapy should not be used on tumors or pre-sur- gical sites where it could be detrimental.
Frequency, Duration and Intensity
The duration and frequency of a thera- peutic laser session depends on the type of injury or illness being treated. A certified operator will select a pre- programmed protocol, established to regulate the power of the laser (typi- cally from six to 12 watts). The desired
wattage is often determined by the size of the area to be treated, along with the nature of the injury and the pet’s coat type and body weight.
As with most medical therapies, one size does not fit all. Initially, a laser therapy session will begin with a thorough physical examination and radiographs, if indicated, to ascertain the extent of the injury or condition, and develop an individualized plan to return a pet to a heightened state of wellness.
For instance, a pet suffering from degenerative arthritis that is experienc- ing great discomfort in walking may initially be treated for five to 10 min- utes every two or three days for a few weeks. As the pet’s situation improves, the frequency of the sessions may de- crease to once weekly, and then every two weeks, until the pet receives a laser treatment on a monthly basis. For chronic conditions, laser therapy may not cure the pet, but it will help allevi- ate its discomfort.
For more acute situations, such as a hot spot or a sprain, the animal may be treated for three to five minutes every three days over a 10-day period. A pet that has recently undergone inva- sive surgery, such as an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament, or connective knee tissue) repair or tumor removal, may be treated just minutes after the sutures are closed, to promote circulation, stimulate nerve cells and boost colla- gen production, reducing healing time. Over the next seven to 10 days, the pet may receive a laser treatment every few days until the skin around the inci-
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