How Can Cold Laser Therapy Benefit my Pet?

Laser technology isn’t only used in human medicine. Veterinary experts have also discovered that the technique is just as effective at treating our animal friends. As a result, an increasing number of veterinarians are now offering laser treatment at their animal hospitals, including us at Vista Hills Animal Hospital. 

Although there are varying types of laser technology, the laser that is most commonly used in veterinary medicine is a ‘cold’ laser. It takes its name from the fact that, unlike other lasers, it doesn’t generate any heat. Here’s what you need to know about cold laser therapy works and how it can benefit your pet. 

What is Cold Laser Therapy?

Cold laser therapy utilizes laser technology to stimulate a naturally occurring product called ATP in the cells of your pet’s body. ATP is a type of energy that the cells can use to regenerate more quickly than normal. The laser also activates your pet’s lymphatic drainage system, stimulates nerve cells to block pain signals, and stimulates the production of endorphins. 

Each cold laser therapy session is non-invasive, painless, and drug-free, which many owners prefer. There is also no downtime following a session, meaning that your pet can go home and continue with its usual daily activities. 

What Conditions Can Cold Laser Therapy Treat?

Studies have found that cold laser therapy can be used to improve a wide range of symptoms linked to different health issues in animals, including:
 

• Anal gland infections
   

• Burns
   

• Chronic pain conditions
   

• Degenerative joint disease
   

• Dental treatments
   

• Ear infections
   

• Fractured bones 
   

• Gastrointestinal disorders
   

• Hip dysplasia
   

• Injuries affecting the ligaments, muscles, and tendons
   

• Osteoarthritis
   

• Post-surgical healing
   

• Urinary tract infections 

What are The Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy?

• Cold laser therapy can be used to reduce and manage pain in your pet, without the need for medications. 
   

• Activation of the lymphatic drainage system reduces inflammation in your pet’s body, reducing pain, improving mobility, and enabling improved circulation which can stimulate healing. 
   

• ATP production helps to boost your pet’s healing processes, helping them to recover from injury more quickly. 
   

• The laser stimulates the production of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals that can reduce your pet’s reliance on pain medications. 
   

• Cold laser treatment has been shown to help reduce the formation of scar tissue, and this can prevent further problems relating to stiffness and discomfort from developing.  
   

• It can be used in conjunction with other therapeutic and conventional medical treatments, including massage, acupuncture, hydrotherapy, medications, and supplements.
   

• Treatment is non-invasive and painless for your pet, meaning there is no need for any anesthesia and minimizing the stress of the appointment. 
   

• Short treatment sessions are easy to fit into busy schedules. 
   

• In most cases, cold laser therapy is considered extremely safe, although your pet will need to be evaluated for its suitability before its first session. 
   

• Cold laser treatment is considered to be more affordable than other therapies, particularly when sessions are bundled into packages. Most animals will need a series of sessions to achieve the greatest benefit. 

If you would like to find out if your pet is a good candidate for cold laser therapy, contact Vista Hills Animal Hospital in El Paso, Texas at (915) 592-5867 to schedule an appointment today.