Therapeutic laser therapy, also known as cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive procedure used to manage common medical problems and pet rehabilitation.
It is safe, pain-free, and different from the surgical laser. It involves using photons of light to influence cellular functions by stimulating cellular photoreceptors. Stimulated photoreceptors produce more energy, causing increased production of protein, collagen, and DNA. All of these allow faster regeneration of cells and promote healing.
Safari Veterinary Care Center uses a class IV therapeutic laser that has longer wavelengths and higher output. It penetrates deep inside the body, stimulates healing, and reduces pain & inflammation.
Laser skin treatment typically lasts for just a few minutes, usually between five to twenty minutes. Pets might require multiple therapy sessions to achieve the therapy goals, with long-term conditions requiring more sessions. Sometimes, improvements start from the onset of therapy.
Therapeutic lasers help with pet rehabilitation by:
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Increasing the cell energy.
Light photons from the laser charge up the cell mitochondria, which are like batteries that regulate the cell energy. Charged mitochondria result in increased Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). These cause an increase in cell function, cell healing, and cell regeneration, promoting healing.
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Improving blood flow
Laser therapy results in blood vessel dilation, causing increased blood flow and the supply of more nutrients and oxygen to the affected area. It also causes the removal of toxic agents and carbon dioxide. The laser causes better lymphatic drainage; in combination with the increased blood flow, there is reduced swelling, less inflammatory effects, and improved healing.
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Reducing pain
Laser therapy slows the rate at which nerve impulses are transmitted to the spinal cord and the brain. It resets the threshold for pain in damaged nerves, which would typically be more sensitive and set off easily by pain impulses. Laser therapy causes a more regular response when applied to damaged nerves and blocks the pain receptors in the nerves. It reduces the pain your pet feels as a result of inflammation and promotes faster recovery.
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How Can Laser Therapy Help Your Dog?
Laser therapy for dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) induces healing and reduces degenerative changes in the damaged spinal cord. Laser therapy increases myelin production, providing increased insulation for the spinal nerves. It also stimulates nerve-associated healing cells such as astrocytes and Schwann cells, which are important for the healing process.
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Cold laser therapy is also beneficial in managing:
- Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint diseases
- Pain and cell repair during and after surgery
- Gum disease
- Wounds and soft tissue injuries
- Orthopedic injuries
- Infections
- Bladder inflammation
- Pain in aged pets
Laser therapy can manage many other conditions; because it complements other therapies well. If you are in Texas, contact the Safari veterinary care center for more information on therapeutic laser treatments. And its incorporation into your pet’s treatments and rehabilitation for the best outcomes.
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