As doctors, we work to find the best methods of treatment and pain management for our patients. Laser therapy has given veterinarians a unique and effective way to heal bodies and reduce pain.
Laser therapy was first documented as healing in animal medicine in 1967. In 2002, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved its use in the United States. Since then, there have been several advancements in technologies and methods, and growing acceptance of laser therapy among clients.
This has allowed us to use laser therapy as a powerful tool in healing and pain management. It has become a commonplace tool in veterinary practice over the years.
What it is and how it works
Laser therapy is called photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT). Photobiomodulation alters the physiology of cells and tissues to heal, grow, and restore.
A veterinarian or veterinary technician uses a handheld wand to administer the laser, passing it over the patient’s wound, place of injury, or source of pain.
When the laser beam is applied to tissue, the skin, subcutaneous tissue (beneath the skin), muscle, and bone absorb the light. The light stimulates electrons and activates cells.
This stimulation and activation of cells promotes their growth, migration, repair, and proliferation (division and multiplication)—all of which work towards healing.
Here is some of what goes on in the body during a PBMT session:
- Release of endorphins
- Muscle relaxation
- Increased protein synthesis and cell growth
- Cellular debris removal
- Increased production of anti-inflammatory mediators
- Increased blood flow through vasodilation (widening of vessels), bringing in oxygen and cells, which aids healing
PBMT sessions last between 15 and 30 minutes.
Uses and benefits
Photobiomodulation therapy has three major uses: pain reduction, inflammation reduction, and wound healing. This therapy has proven to be an effective treatment and pain management tool used for many chronic and acute conditions, including the following.
- Surgical incisions
- Wounds and abrasions
- Hotspots
- Joint, ligament, tendon injuries
- Chronic and acute pain
- Inflammation of ears and skin (otitis, dermatitis)
- Feline asthma
- Osteoarthritis
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Intervertebral disk disease
How many sessions patients require, the frequency of sessions, and how quickly patients heal depend on the condition being treated.
Some acute conditions like ear inflammation may only require one or two sessions. Chronic conditions often begin with frequent sessions, two or three per week, and taper off over time.
For conditions that have no cure (arthritis pain, for example), PBMT is an ongoing therapeutic process used to reduce pain, increase mobility, and improve quality of life throughout pets’ lives.
There are several scenarios in which PBMT’s drug-free quality is significant in how we’re able to treat patients:
- It can be added to a pain management plan, reducing the amount of medication necessary
- Pets with liver disease have limited medication options
- There are a few approved pain medications for cats
- Medication can be risky for senior pets with poor organ function
Safety and comfort
Because lasers can harm eyes, protective eyewear is required for pets and humans during the session.
Most pets seem to find PBMT sessions calming and relaxing. The laser creates a mild warming sensation, causes a release of endorphins, and for some conditions may provide immediate relief to patients.
Laser therapy for pets has become an important tool in veterinary practices, including ours. We’ve had many patients over the years who’ve benefited from photobiomodulation. If you have questions about it, give us a call, send us an email, or fill out the contact form on our website.
References
Farivar S, Malekshahabi T, Shiari R. Biological effects of low-level laser therapy. J Lasers Med Sci. 2014;5(2):58-62.
Riegel RJ, Godbold JC. Jr, eds. Laser therapy in veterinary Medicine: photobiomodulation. Wiley-Blackwell; 2017:1-6. doi:10.1002/9781119220190.ch1