Laser Therapy

FAQ

In Humans the beneficial effects of laser light on tissue were first recognized almost forty years ago.  Since then, there have been thousands of studies documenting the positive effects laser light has on different types of cells, tissue, and disorders. Most studies have focused on wound healing and inflammatory changes such as arthritis. These are the areas we think there will be the most benefits to our clients.

Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition. Therefore, treatments will vary in time, complexity and cost. For some chronic patients, multiple joints will be treated during one laser treatment session. When appropriate, laser therapy can be used as a complementary adjunct to other treatment plans. We are recommending an initial course of 6 sessions before deciding yes or no whether it helps. This maybe two or three times a week for two weeks then weekly and then fortnightly and so on. The actual session lasts about twenty minutes

If your pet is feeling pain, has inflammation, or a wound, the laser is a sterile, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment. The laser is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, numerous dermatological problems and pain. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, the laser has been shown to provide relief and speed healing. In the trail we conducted it was mainly animals with pain although it was use on wounds and a cat with dental
problems. All showed positive outcomes.

The laser light is delivered through a non-invasive hand piece to treat the affected area. Your pet will feel a gentle and soothing warmth. As the laser is administered, many pets will relax, 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 usually go. In fact one of our clients can be a naughty boy and needs muzzling but he was very relaxed for his laser therapy and even let us cuddle him!

The laser system sends photons, or packets of light energy, deep into tissue without damaging it. These photons are absorbed within the mitochondria of the cells and induce a chemical change called “photo-biomodulation”. This light energy then inspires production of ATP in the cell. ATP is the fuel, or energy, cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at an optimal rate.  Increased ATP production leads to healthier cells, healthier tissue, and healthier animals.

There are no known side effects with this treatment. Our staff at Mochdre Vets have all been trained to use this equipment.

You might see a change in activity when your pet comes home. For some it might be increased activity and others may be more relaxed. This is due to the pain relief and reduction in inflammation. For the majority of our clients that took part in the trail more play and social interaction was noticed with many pets doing things they hadn’t done for a while.

There are no specific things you need to do at home, other than follow normal restrictions, dietary needs, we have pain score charts and would maybe recommend keeping a diary. We believe you will see a massive difference in your pets but sometimes having something to compare will help.

Simply put, it provides relief. The fur does not need to be clipped. Eye protection will be worn by the laser operator and anyone in a close proximity to the laser probe. The eyes of the animal will be directed away from the treatment area or covered with a towel or eye wear. The clinician will move the probe over the area of treatment to assure the laser is being delivered to the area which needs improvement.

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 purr and dogs will fall asleep during their therapy session. This was especially true for the cats!

You may see relief in the first treatment or so as pain and inflammation are reduced. For example: better mobility for joint conditions, drying and healing of dermatological issues, faster healing for wounds and incisions, or your pet just seeming more relaxed and comfortable . For some conditions, a series of treatments may be necessary before you see results due to the severity or complexity of the condition. Each pet is different, and treatments are unique for your pet’s specific needs. In very rare cases your pet may initially appear slightly stiffer. This is why we recommend a course of 6 treatments. With pets that have been in term long term they may sometimes alter their walking gait or use other limbs to take the pressure of where they are sore. Once they feel freer after the laser this pain may shift. Equally we hope that your pet would be more active and again this could lead to short term stiffness. The plan with doing 6 sessions would be that we would see you every couple of days and can then talk you through what is happening.

As a practice we all very excited about offering laser and have seen the benefits even after a couple of sessions. Initially vet Sarah will be offering the treatment but also some of the nurses. The plan would be whoever does your treatment will be the primary person to continue your sessions so you are able to have continuity. Longer term with the nurses taking the sessions it will free up availability and therefore hopefully make it more convenient with more appointments being offered. All staff will be trained so if your pet is in for surgery such as a lump removal they will have the option of laser therapy to improve wound healing.

If you are interested then please contact the surgery on 01492 546112.

If you have further questions then we can discuss them or if you would like to go ahead and book a trial of 6 sessions we can do that for you. We strongly recommend a block of 6 sessions and although we would hope you would see an improvement after one or two sessions then 6 will really give you the full benefit.