Laser Therapy for Dogs and Cats in San Antonio, TX
Endorsed by the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation for its ability to boost blood circulation and stimulate cell regeneration, cold laser therapy has recently gained popularity as veterinary treatment. The American Animal Hospital Association echoes the AKC Canine Health Foundation, declaring cold laser therapy safe for pets if conducted by a skilled clinician trained in the proper techniques, settings, and treatment durations.
If you are looking for laser therapy from a veterinarian in San Antonio, you’ll be in good hands at the Potranco Veterinary Clinic. We can treat various ailments and disorders with cold laser therapy for dogs and cats.
What Is Laser Therapy Treatment?
A noninvasive procedure requiring no incisions or injections, cold laser therapy involves using exact and entirely safe laser equipment that aims to concentrate light energy on the targeted area under treatment. This energy penetrates the skin and other layers of body tissue to stimulate the production of an organic compound called adenosine triphosphate (ATP).
This increase in ATP increases blood flow to the affected area and increases the metabolism of specific tissues to help cells regenerate more quickly. These processes speed healing rates and reduce pain levels to help pets recover from tissue damage and lead happier, healthier, more productive lives.
The Benefits of Laser Therapy Treatment
Veterinary laser therapy has proven particularly helpful for animals with severe medical treatment limitations, such as pets with limited approved medication options and pets that make traditional medication difficult or impossible to administer. Clinical studies on cold laser therapy for dogs and cats have found it effective in speeding the wound healing process, managing pain, and reducing swelling and inflammation.
In addition to promoting healing in wounds caused by trauma and surgery, laser therapy reduces scar tissue formation. It improves nerve regeneration and function in the affected area. Beyond traumatic injuries and surgical damage, vets use laser therapy to treat physical damage and kill infections caused by conditions such as…
- Arthritis
- Tendonitis
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative disc disease
- Gingivitis and periodontal disease
- Hot spots and burs
- Skin disorders
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Respiratory disorders
- Urinary tract disorders
- Ear infections
- Anal gland infections
Cold vs. Hot Lasers
While people often think of lasers as incredibly hot and capable of burning straight through pet fur, skin, and tissue, this heat intensity applies only to a small percentage of laser equipment, medical or otherwise. There are four classes of laser, beginning with Class I lasers, which are common in supermarket barcode scanners, among other forms of everyday consumer technology.
Only certain forms of “hot” Class IV lasers can cause thermal injuries such as burning and cutting. The most widely used therapeutic lasers in the healthcare setting are in the Class III category.
The Laser Treatment Process
Entirely painless and noninvasive, laser therapy is a highly low-stress form of treatment for squeamish pets of all kinds. The AKC Canine Health Foundation has noted that some dogs enjoy it.
During a laser therapy session, a clinician waves a handheld laser wand slowly back and forth over the area under treatment. Far from burning, this wand produces a warming sensation that most pets find pleasant and relaxing.
Although the length of laser therapy sessions depends on the specific condition addressed, they typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. The frequency and number of sessions also depend on the situation at hand. Wound treatment through laser therapy generally requires daily sessions or sessions several times per week over a relatively brief period. By contrast, chronic conditions such as arthritis and tendonitis may require weekly treatment for a month or more, followed by subsequent rounds of treatment over time.
In terms of side effects, there are none at all. Beyond the ordinary stress involved with a routine vet office visit, dogs and cats remain perfectly safe before, during, and after the laser therapy treatment. You will have the peace of mind knowing that your pet is the best care and has had the best treatment available.