Laser Therapy in Companion Animals
About Laser Therapy
Laser therapy (or photobiomodulation) has been found to relieve pain, reduce swelling, and increase range of motion. This is done through increased circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area, promoting an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain.
At a cellular level, the infrared laser interacts with tissues, metabolic activity increases, and as a result, the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane is improved. this increases production of cellular energy (ATP), leading to a number of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.
Benefits of Laser Therapy
Positive effects can be seen as early as after one session, most patients require multiple treatments for the greatest results. For chronic cases, cells have been injured for longer and blood supply to the affected area has deteriorated. In these cases more dose is necessary to "jump start" the system; that is to stimulate angiogenesis that brings fresh, oxygen-rich blood to the area and forces those injured (and often dormant) cells to metabolize once again.
We often suggest a 3-2-1 prescription: three treatments the first week, two the second, and one the third week. If the condition has not resolved, we suggest to continue treatments twice a week or at least weekly until resolved or improvement plateaus. For conditions that we cannot ‘cure’ (DJD, chronic IVDD, allergies,...) maintenance treatments should be scheduled as needed but no less in frequency than once a month - depending on the nutrition, activity, and status of the injury.
Ideally, the initial 3-2-1 plan is recommended, followed with weekly to monthly sessions based on how the patient responds to treatments. Treatments vary in duration, with most falling between the 2-8 minute range.
Zeus’ Journey
Zeus has been receiving weekly treatments for his undiagnosed colitis/ IBD/ chronic gastrointestinal issues while we continue to investigate what is causing his tummy upsets. He has gotten to be so unbothered by our sessions that he will just lay there as I laser his abdomen. We have been going at it with a multimodal approach (hypoallergenic diet and supplements, medication, and laser) and I have seen such an improvement after a long bout of trials with nothing seeming to help. For the time being, he will continue to accompany me to work weekly for his laser treatments in hopes we can eventually narrow down what his triggers may be.