Laser Therapy in Pets

Laser therapy (LT), also known as cold laser therapy or low-level laser therapy, is an increasingly popular modality and a useful complement to physical therapy protocols.

The energy of the laser light interacts with cells and tissues and this leads to biochemical changes, known as photobiomodulation.  While the exact interaction mechanisms are still being studied, it is known that they can relieve pain, reduce inflammation and even promote healing by increasing the proliferation of fibroblasts, macrophages and circulatory system cells.

It is important to manage client expectations early on as some acute cases may show a good response to the first treatment but more sessions are usually a required for the full benefits to be realised.  In chronic conditions, observable effects in pain and inflammation will only be seen after several sessions.

The authors encourage clinicians to share their data and experiences with LT as the technology is still novel and these will help to develop further uses.

In Pryor, B. (2015). Therapeutic Laser in Veterinary Medicine. Veterinary Clinics of North America: Small Animal Practice. http://doi.org/10.1016/J.CVSM.2014.09.003