Pets who visit McAfee Animal Hospital (MAH) have access to state-of-the-art technology that is more effectively helping them live a better quality of life and recover faster without medications or surgery. It’s laser therapy for animals, and it’s part of a growing sector of animal care that places emphasis on rehabilitation for healing and recover. It’s just one way the hospital is leveraging their combined 80 years of experience to set the standard for quality, high-tech vet care in Northwest Indiana.
“We use laser therapy a lot with dogs with hip or knee pain, or ACL repairs, and we have used it on birds, rabbits, and reptiles as well,” said Jennette Rudzinski, a manager at MAH. “Clients are telling us they’re noticing the difference in their pet’s mobility when they’re walking or playing after treatment.”
What is laser therapy?
As an alternative to surgery, laser therapy is a drug-free and noninvasive treatment that requires ZERO downtime for pets. That’s good news for active pups or other furry – or not so furry – friends who want to get back to their active lives.
“The laser energy induces a biological response in the cells that stimulates them to generate more energy through infrared light. This leads to reduced pain and inflammation, and speeds up the healing process,” Rudzinski said. “We have also seen great results with using it to treat wounds, incisions and even after surgeries. It’s speeding up the healing process with less pain.”
Also called photobiomodulation, this type of laser therapy has been used for many years on humans for sports injuries, arthritic joints, neuropathic pain syndromes, back and neck pain. So, it only makes sense that pets can benefit from it, too.
Low-level laser therapy is scientifically proven to be successful in treating post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions, and is covered by most pet insurance. Pets with the following conditions may benefit from laser therapy:
Acute Conditions
- Allergies
- Bites
- Cuts
- Infections
- Inflammation
- Post-surgical healing and pain relief
- Sprains, strains and fractures
- Tooth extraction pain relief
Chronic Conditions
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
- Feline Acne
- Geriatric Care
- Hip Dysplasia
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Lick Granulomas
- Otitis
- Periodontal Disease
- Tendonitis
How it works
The treatment is much like getting an ultra-sound. A veterinary tech gently puts goggles over the pet’s eyes. Using a warm probe, the vet tech glides over the affected area for about 10 minutes. In most cases, pets receive one to two treatments weekly for four to six weeks. Depending on what the doctor prescribes, treatment can be shorter or longer based on the patient’s condition and progress.
The laser light is delivered through a noninvasive handpiece. Light energy is absorbed by the injured cells, which are then stimulated and respond at a higher rate of metabolism. During the process, pets may feel a gentle and soothing warmth where the light is being emitted over their skin.
“Once the laser’s energy reaches the affected cells, pain and inflammation will decrease and the healing process becomes accelerated,” said Rudzinski. “Another great benefit to laser therapy is that it allows the owner to be with their pet at they receive the treatment.”
Be sure to talk to one of MAH’s veterinarians to see if laser therapy treatment is right for your pet. Contact McAfee Animal Hospital at (219)-462-5901 or visit them online.