Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy in Greensboro
Cold laser therapy is a drug-free, non-invasive treatment that we use at our Greensboro animal hospital for painful and inflammatory conditions in cats and dogs.
Non-Invasive Pain Treatment with our Greensboro Veterinary Cold Laser Therapy
At Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital, we use veterinary cold laser therapy as a non-surgical and drug-free treatment for inflammatory conditions in cats and dogs. It is typically undertaken in conjunction with traditional medical treatments.
If your pet has sustained an injury, undergone orthopedic surgery, or suffers from arthritis or other painful conditions, they may be a candidate for our veterinary laser therapy.
How does cold laser therapy work?
Cold laser therapy uses focused light to stimulate the tissue at and below the surface of the skin. The resulting biochemical effect promotes cellular energy and regeneration, resulting in pain relief, tissue repair, and better circulation.
- The Procedure
Before treatment, we will perform a full physical exam, along with x-rays if necessary, in order to ascertain whether cold laser therapy is the right treatment choice for your pet. During the treatment session itself, the laser wand is applied to the area being treated for 5 to 20 minutes.
The effects of cold laser therapy are cumulative. Treatments should be done at the frequency recommended by your veterinarian for the best results.
- Benefits of Laser Therapy for Dogs and Cats
Laser therapy has a variety of benefits for pets. This treatment can:
- Reduce pain and swelling
- Speed the healing process
- Enhance circulation
- Decrease nerve sensitivity
- No negative side effects
- No sedation is required
- No need to shave or clip the treatment area
Veterinary Laser Therapy FAQs
- Is Laser Therapy painful or uncomfortable for my pet?
If performed correctly by a qualified vet using proper treatment durations and settings, laser therapy is safe and pain-free for your pet.
In fact, when the veterinarian waves a handheld laser wand back and forth slowly over injured tissue to allow the light energy to penetrate the tissue. We think this produces a pleasant, warm sensation that most pets seem to find soothing (similar to laser therapy treatment for humans).
During a treatment session, all patients and veterinary staff must wear protective goggles as laser beams directed at an eye can cause permanent damage to retinas. It’s critical that the veterinarian be qualified in administering treatment, as higher powered units may cause thermal burns to tissues if incorrectly used.
- Is veterinary laser therapy considered safe for regular use?
Pet Laser therapy is considered safe and effective in the veterinary industry, and can effectively treat a number of conditions, diseases, and injuries such from wounds to arthritis.
It is often recommended as a supplement to other treatment options to provide an improved outcome.
- What types of conditions can dog laser therapy be used to treat?
Along with massage therapy, acupuncture and other alternative therapies, laser therapy can be used to heal wounds and manage pain or inflammation in pets.
Laser therapy can be used to effectively and efficiently treat a wide range of conditions, including:
- Fractures, sprains and strains
- Hip Dysplasia
- Inflamed ears
- Arthritis
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Tendonitis
- Post-surgical swelling
Laser therapy is especially useful for pets with liver disease who are not able to take medications, senior pets whose organs have limited function, pets whose owners often have difficulty administering medication, and cats, who are limited in pain control medications they can take.
- Are there any side effects of laser therapy for dogs?
Laser therapy is a non-invasive and drug-free options for treating a number of painful or inflammatory conditions that could affect your dog.
As for immediate effects, dogs tend to sleep during their sessions (they don’t even appear to mind wearing safety goggles). Any anxiety they may feel tends to dissipate. Sensations for dogs tend to range from none at all to a soothing warmth or tingling.
Laser therapy treatment has no known side effects, and is considered both safe and effective.