Laser Therapy for Animals

By Michael Tarrant, DVM, CVA

Veterinary laser therapy can be used to stimulate and improve the healing for many conditions in dogs and cats.

What is Laser Therapy for Animals?
Low level laser therapy (cold laser therapy) can be used by veterinarians to help animals heal more quickly from surgery, after a traumatic injury or speed healing of chronic conditions. While this procedure was developed decades ago, it has gained popularity and acceptance in the field of veterinary medicine during in the last several years.

Low level laser therapy is very different than lasers used in surgery. Laser therapy involves using light to stimulate the body’s own metabolism to speed up healing. The light interacts with mitochondria (the cell’s engine) to increase production of Adenosine triphosphate or ATP; this is the substance that the body uses for energy. Laser therapy speeds up the metabolism, and increases the blood flow and drainage of lymphatic fluid in the area that is swollen or needs to heal.

Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that can be used by itself or added to other treatment options. There are generally no side effects and it is a good way to stimulate the body to heal rather than administering additional medications. This will allow the pet’s body to heal easier and enable your pet a quicker return to a normal lifestyle.

What Type of Animals Can be Treated?
Laser therapy for animals is not very different than laser therapy used for humans. The machines and technology are basically the same. Human chiropractors have had similar experiences using laser therapy for humans, as veterinarians have had when using laser therapy for animals. These treatments are mainly being used on dogs, cats and horses.

Almost any kind soft tissue inflammation or swelling can be treated. We have successfully treated many different conditions. Some of them include hot spots, ear infections, intervertebral disk disease, arthritis, pain due to ruptured cruciate ligaments and chronic sinusitis in cats.

Treatment Number & Side Effects
The number of treatments depends on the condition and severity of the condition. Some conditions will respond in one or two treatments and others may require a treatment regimen of six, or more, treatments over several weeks.  In general, the more severe or long-standing type conditions will require more treatments.

For most pets there are no side effects from laser treatments. However, treatments cannot be performed near the thyroid gland or around the eye because the light waves are very powerful and they might stimulate the thyroid gland or cause damage to the eyes. Patients may feel a warm or tingling sensation in the area where the treatments are performed.
How Will My Pet Accept the Treatment?
In most cases, animals generally accept veterinary laser treatment. The normal response is relaxation, because the pet is relieved of the pain they have been experiencing and swelling is reduced. Our experience is that most patients willingly submit themselves to future treatments, demonstrating their comfort with the process. We believe the entire process is pain-free.

What Are The Costs?
Because each treatment plan is different, it is difficult to give a specific cost. However, treatment plans are very cost-effective, especially when considering the outcome. In some cases, the number and amount of medication given to the animal can be decreased or eliminated. This means the overall cost of treatment is lower.

If you are considering treatments, request an outline of the treatment timeframe, number of treatments and associated costs. Note: animals are not normally sedated for these treatments, keeping the costs low.

If you have pet insurance, the cost of laser therapy may be covered by your policy. We suggest you contact your pet insurance company regarding coverage.

Why Consider This Option?
Laser therapy is a non-invasive method that can be added to other treatment options. There are no side effects and it is a good way to stimulate the body to heal itself rather than administering additional medications.  Have you ever heard, “there is nothing else we can do.”  Well now there is something else to do.  Ask a veterinarian familiar with therapy laser treatments if this is an option that may benefit your pet.  This is by no means “a magic bullet” but we have been pleased with our results so far.

Dr. Tarrant attended the University of Kansas and Oklahoma State University, where he graduated in 2003 as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM). He has been certified in acupuncture by IVAS for the past 8 years and is currently pursuing certification in Chinese Herbal Medicine. You can reach Dr. Michael Tarrant at Arbor Creek Animal Hospital, by calling 913-764-9000 or by visiting www.acanimalhospital.com.

Call Us With Questions
Do you have questions regarding laser therapy for your pet? If yes, please call the Arbor Creek Animal Hospital, 913-764-9000 and talk with Dr. Michael Tarrant. We are always happy to help.