Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy for Pets in Hingham, MA

What if there was a treatment for inflammation and pain in pets that didn’t come with the risk of side effects? At Old Derby Animal Hospital, we offer just such a treatment with pet laser therapy. Our Class IV therapeutic laser helps dogs and cats heal naturally without the need for invasive surgery or medications. Laser therapy is extremely safe for virtually every pet, and it can help treat a wide range of conditions.

Overview

Laser therapy uses a beam of light to deeply penetrate tissue, absorbing into the cell without damaging it and inducing a response called “photo-bio-modulation,” which helps reduce pain. While treating the affected area, the laser light generates a feeling of gentle and soothing warmth.

Why would my pet need laser therapy?

Therapy lasers are primarily used to reduce swelling, pain, and speed the healing process. These mechanisms allow us to successfully treat a wide range of conditions non-invasively and without drugs.

Studies indicate that laser-treated wounds heal 30-50% faster than the typical required healing time. Just a single laser treatment can reduce swelling and speed up the healing process post-surgery. Skin wounds, abrasions, bite injuries, dermatitis, and burns all respond well to laser therapy as well.

Our laser therapy uses a more modern and high-powered therapeutic laser that can deliver adequate dosages of laser energy (photons) painlessly and efficiently to deeper tissues. This laser is extremely beneficial in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, back disease or injury, and degenerative joint diseases. This is a great therapy option for geriatric patients who suffer from one or more of these chronic painful conditions, as well as the aches and pains that come naturally with aging. There are many reports of pets returning to normal, or almost normal function after laser therapy. More chronic and severe cases may require multiple treatment sessions to fully benefit.

When should I consider laser therapy for my pet?

Laser therapy can be useful for your pet in a number of ways. The following are common clinical conditions where veterinary laser therapy may be used as treatment.

• Musculoskeletal pain

• Immunoregulation

• Traumatic wound healing

• Surgical wound healing

• Increasing the metabolism of specific tissues

What Takes Place During Laser Therapy Treatment?

It almost seems too simple—how can infrared light particles help an animal heal? The key to success can be found in your pet’s cells, which absorb and metabolize light energy (photons). This energy increases cell regeneration and accelerates the repair of damaged soft tissue cells. Concentrating low-level light energy on bruised or damaged areas kickstarts the body’s natural healing abilities in a process called photobiomodulation.

How does laser therapy work?

Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition, varying in time, complexity, and cost. Laser therapy can also be used to enhance other treatment plans we recommend.

Fortunately, laser therapy can be administered without touching the painful area, providing immediate pain relief and edema control to sensitive tissues. We also use therapeutic lasers to stimulate muscle and acupuncture points painlessly and without needles so your pet is as comfortable as possible. With advanced equipment and progressive methodology, we are committed to providing the best possible laser therapy pet care for your furry friend. Every test, decision, and treatment is customized to the specific needs of your pet so that they can manage their condition or recovery and live out their happy, healthy life.

What are the Health Benefits of Pet Laser Therapy?

Our Class IV therapeutic laser has many uses, including:

• Relieving pain caused by acute or chronic health problems

• Speeding up wound healing and the healing of fractures, muscle tears, and ligament injuries

• Improving joint mobility

• Reducing inflammation and swelling

• Healing infected tissue

• Increasing blood circulation

• Reducing scar tissue

Conditions That Can Benefit from Laser Therapy

There aren’t many health conditions that cannot benefit in some way from laser treatment. However, the most common indications include:

• Osteoarthritis

• Back pain

• Muscle/tendon sprains and strains

• Lick granulomas

• Wounds

• Surgical incisions

• Abscesses/infected tissue

• Acute muscle injuries

• Fractures

• Acute and chronic otitis (ear infections)

• Perianal fistulas

• Hot spots

• Aural hematomas

Disclaimer: Laser therapy is not an appropriate treatment for pets that have or may have cancer.

Want to Learn More?

It’s not easy to see your pet struggle with pain, but there are ways we can help. If you’re interested in laser therapy, we’d love to meet with you to answer your questions and discuss how treatment can benefit your pet. Give us a call at (781) 749-2800.