Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a surgery-free, drug-free, noninvasive treatment to reduce pain, inflammation, and speed the healing process. Veterinary laser therapy has been scientifically proven to help treat post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions.
Helping Your Pet Heal, Recover, and Feel Better
When your pet is experiencing pain, inflammation, or an injury, you want to help them feel better as quickly and comfortably as possible. Veterinary laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that can help support the body’s natural healing process while reducing pain and inflammation.
At Holladay Veterinary Hospital, we use the Companion Animal Health laser to provide gentle, targeted therapy for dogs and cats. Laser therapy can be used on its own or combined with other treatments, such as shockwave therapy, to provide additional support for healing and recovery.
What Is Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to deliver photons into the body's tissues. These photons interact with cells and help stimulate biological processes involved in healing.
The treatment is gentle and non-invasive. Your pet does not need to be sedated or shaved for laser therapy, and most pets find the experience comfortable and relaxing.
Depending on your pet's condition, laser therapy may help:
Reduce pain and discomfort
Decrease inflammation
Reduce swelling and edema
Increase blood flow and circulation
Support tissue repair and healing
Increase cellular metabolism
Decrease pain signals along nerves
Relax muscles
Support recovery following surgery or injury
Because laser therapy works at the cellular level, it can be a valuable addition to a comprehensive pain management, rehabilitation, or recovery plan.
How Does Veterinary Laser Therapy Work?
During a laser therapy session, the laser is applied to the affected area of your pet's body. The light energy penetrates the tissues and stimulates cellular activity.
This process, called photobiomodulation, can encourage the body's natural healing response and promote improved circulation and tissue function. The laser can also gently warm the tissues, which may help relax muscles and provide additional comfort.
Treatment time varies depending on the area being treated and your pet's individual needs. Your veterinary team will develop a treatment plan based on your pet's condition, health, and recovery goals.
What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Help Treat?
Laser therapy can be used for a variety of conditions in both dogs and cats. It may be recommended as part of a treatment plan for:
Post-Operative Recovery
Laser therapy may help support healing and comfort after procedures such as:
Spay and neuter surgery
Laceration repair
Dental extractions
Other surgical procedures
Injuries, Trauma & Wounds
Laser therapy can support the healing of wounds and injured tissues while helping reduce associated pain, inflammation, and swelling.
Skin, Ear & Anal Gland Conditions
Laser therapy may be incorporated into treatment plans for certain skin, ear, and anal gland infections to help manage inflammation and discomfort.
Back Pain & Acute IVDD
For pets experiencing back pain or acute intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), laser therapy may help manage pain and inflammation as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
Arthritis
Pets with arthritis may benefit from laser therapy as part of a long-term pain management and mobility plan. By helping reduce inflammation and discomfort, laser therapy may help improve your pet's comfort and quality of life.
Nerve Pain
Laser therapy may help decrease pain signals along nerves and provide relief for certain types of nerve-related pain.
Lick Granulomas
Laser therapy may be used as part of a treatment plan for lick granulomas by supporting tissue healing and helping manage inflammation.
Stomatitis & Dental Conditions
Laser therapy can be incorporated into treatment plans for conditions such as stomatitis and certain dental infections to help manage inflammation and discomfort.
Laser Therapy & Shockwave Therapy
In some cases, laser therapy and shockwave therapy can be used together. Combining these therapies may provide additional support for tissue healing, circulation, pain management, and recovery.
Your veterinarian can determine whether laser therapy, shockwave therapy, or a combination of both is appropriate for your pet's specific condition.
Is Laser Therapy Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Veterinary laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that does not require sedation or shaving. Your veterinary team will determine whether laser therapy is appropriate for your pet based on their condition and overall health.
Because every pet and condition is different, the number and frequency of treatments will vary. Some pets may benefit from several treatments during the initial healing period, while others may benefit from ongoing therapy for chronic conditions such as arthritis.
Helping Your Pet Feel Their Best
Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, healing from an injury, or experiencing pain and inflammation, laser therapy can be a valuable tool to support their comfort and recovery.
If you think your dog or cat could benefit from veterinary laser therapy, talk with our team about whether laser therapy is right for them.
Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.
