Laser therapy, is a safe, non-surgical option available to dogs for reducing inflammation and pain in joints and for promoting healing in external lesions. In addition to joint issues, laser therapy can be used to treat ear or nasal problems and even periodontitis and hot spots. In 1967, Andre Mester, M.D. discovered that wounds healed faster when treated with a low intensity laser. Veterinarians have used this therapy for over 25 years.
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Consult Your Veterinarian
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Most pet owners are not very familiar with laser therapy, so it's important to talk with your veterinarian first to learn about the process. This procedure is not the same a laser surgery, where a laser instead of a scalpel used to cut tissue. There are two types of laser therapy: continuous and pulsed. Your dog̵7;s individual situation will determine the which therapy would work best.
Pulsed laser therapy has an immediate effect on pain. The laser̵7;s light emission works to produce an analgesic effect, which interferes with the way pain impulses are transmitted to the brain. The most common uses for pulsed laser therapy in dogs are for arthritis and back pain. Just like people, as dogs get older they will develop the aches and pains of aging. Things other than aging can affect joints to cause pain, such as over exertion during agility competitions and general exercise. In the case of back pain, any dog can have this, but breeds with elongated spines, such as dachshunds or basset hounds are more prone to back pain due to the stresses of gravity on the muscles supporting the spinal column.
Continuous laser therapy is best for conditions where inflammation exists. This therapy treats swelling by stimulating blood vessels to bring increased circulation and warmth to the affected area. The laser also facilitates the diffusion of fluid buildup. For this reason, cuts and other lesions mend quicker with this procedure. The decrease in swelling will have a minor secondary benefit of pain reduction. The most common uses for continuous laser therapy in dogs are to remedy continuous licking or hot spots on the skin, organ (such as bladder) or gland inflammations, ear problems, exterior wounds or injuries and post surgery incision repair.
Considerations
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Eye damage: The invisible wavelengths (infra-red) of a laser may stray into the veterinarian̵7;s, pet owner̵7;s or dog̵7;s eye by accident (from reflection off a surface in the examining room) or if the dog moves its head suddenly allowing a beam to flow openly. Where protective glasses if you are in the procedure room and keep your dog still during the procedure.
The right doctor: Applying a laser at the wrong frequency could cause damage. It imperative that your veterinarian is qualified in laser therapy. The vet technician on hand must also be qualified or be under direct supervision of a qualified veterinarian during the procedure. Ask your vet about her qualifications.
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