Heal Faster, Reduce Pain, Treat Inflammation

Continuing to be a leader in the use of new technology, Boca Raton Animal Hospital, acquired a FDA approved Class IV Therapy Laser unit, manufactured specifically for use in companion animals. Laser therapy has become a part of our post-surgical pain protocols, arthritic, wound care and treatment of many chronic inflammatory conditions.

What is laser therapy?

Class IV laser therapy uses an intense beam of laser light photons to penetrate into tissues to reduce pain, increase blood flow, promote healing and decrease inflammation. This process is called photobiostimulation, whereby photons of laser light at specific wavelengths penetrate the individual cells and stimulate both the cell membrane and structures within the cells. The photons stimulate the mitochondria of the cells to increase production of energy for the cell in addition to the normalization of the cell function, pain relief and healing.

No matter what size dog or cat you have, laser therapy can be part of the solution to help ease your pet’s pain. Safe and effective, this powerful modality provides increased mobility, increased wound healing, bactericidal activity and post-surgery rehabilitation.

What conditions can be treated?

Ulcerations and open wounds
Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
Bone fractures (speeds fracture repair)
Sprains and strains
Pododermatitis
Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma
Back pain
Neuromuscular disease
Acute and Chronic Ear Infections
Gingivitis
Hot Spots
Arthritis
Lick Granulomas
Degenerative Disc Disease
Degenerative Joint Disease
Hip Dysplasia
Anal Gland Infections

What to expect

No sedation is required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to the animal. Pets do not need to have their hair clipped either.

Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3 to 9) for greatest benefit. For most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 2 to 8 minutes. A majority of patients (we estimate 85-90% show improvement) exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after a laser treatment, particularly after several sessions have been done in chronic conditions.

Class IV laser therapy treatments are cumulative in nature. Therefore each additional treatment continues to improve your pet’s condition. The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet’s condition.

A sample treatment schedule is as follows:

Every day for 3 consecutive days
Then every other day the second week (3 total), then
Twice the 3rd week (2 total), then
Once the 4th week, then
Follow up (maintenance) treatments monthly or as needed

We will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition after a consultation and physical examination. The cost of most treatments is $25-$50, with discounted multi treatment packages available. Typically, this includes up to 3 joints being treated on each visit. (Example: both hips and spine).

Where is it beneficial?

Clinical studies and trials of laser therapy technology indicate the following beneficial effects of laser light therapy on tissues and cells:

Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth. Photons of light from lasers penetrate deeply into tissue and accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. The laser light increases the energy available to the cell so that the cell can take on nutrients faster and get rid of waste products. As a result of exposure to laser light, the cells of tendons, ligaments and muscles are repaired faster.

Faster Wound Healing. Laser light stimulates fibroblast development (fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is predominant in wound healing) in damaged tissue. Collagen is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. As a result, laser therapy is effective on open wounds and burns.

Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation. Laser therapy reduces the formation of scar tissue following tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns or surgery.

Anti-Inflammation. Laser light therapy has an anti-endemic effect as it causes vasodilation, but also because it activates the lymphatic drainage system [drains swollen areas]. As a result, there is a reduction in swelling caused by bruising or inflammation.

Anti-Pain [Analgesic]. Laser therapy has a high beneficial effect on nerve cells which block pain transmitted by these cells to the brain and which decreases nerve sensitivity. Also, due to less inflammation, there is less edema and less pain. Another pain blocking mechanism involves the production of high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins from the brain.

Improved Vascular Activity. Laser light will significantly increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue that speeds up the healing process, closes wounds quickly and reduces scar tissue. Additional benefits include acceleration of angiogenesis, which causes temporary vasodilatation, an increase in the diameter of blood vessels.

Increased Metabolic Activity. Laser therapy creates higher outputs of specific enzymes, greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells.

Improved Nerve Function. Slow recovery of nerve functions in damaged tissue can result in numbness and impaired limbs. Laser light will speed up the process of nerve cell reconnection and increase the amplitude of action potentials to optimize muscle action.

Immunoregulation. Laser light has a direct effect on immune status by stimulation of immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. Laser therapy is absorbed by chromosomes that react to laser light. The enzyme flavomononucleotide is activated and starts the production of ATP [adenosine-tri-phosphate], which is the major carrier of cell energy and the energy source for all chemical reactions in the cells.

Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points. Laser therapy stimulates muscle trigger points and acupuncture points on a non-invasive basis providing musculoskeletal pain relief.

Many of our veterinary therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:

Abnormal sitting or lying posture
Circling multiple times before lying down
Restlessness
Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
Limping, unable to get up or lie down
Difficulty getting into car or down stairs
Lack of grooming
Won’t wag tail
Licking or biting area
Lack of appetite
Trembling

Are there any side effects?

There are no known side effects with this treatment.

What will my pet feel?

As the laser is administered, often pets will relax and enjoy, much like you would experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate. Occasionally, angry cats will start to purring and dogs will fall asleep during their therapy session.

Want to know if laser therapy could benefit your pet? Call us at 561-395-4030.