When your pet is sick, your number one priority will be helping them get healthy as quickly as possible and using a treatment plan which offers the most painless, non-invasive option available. We offer different diagnostic imaging options and ultrasounds for your dog or cat in Oceanside NY.
Cold laser therapy is a reasonably new treatment that has been tried and tested to produce results. We can use the procedure for conditions ranging from strains and sprains to regenerating nerve tissue and has the added advantage of being noninvasive, making it a popular choice for many pets.
Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, our team has extensive experience in offering the treatment, helping to make the whole process fast and as stress-free as possible for you and your pet.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy?
As the name suggests, cold laser therapy involves using low-level lasers and lights to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. Unlike hot laser treatments, which target deeper tissues and comes with a few more risks, this laser treats the surface of the skin.
Does My Pet Need Cold Laser Therapy?
There are a few telltale signs from your pet that something may be wrong, and these include:
- A strange sitting or lying posture and position.
- Restlessness and difficulty relaxing.
- Circling the bed several times before laying down.
- Licking or biting an affected area – this can show pain.
- The vocalization of discomfort, such as whining, groaning or meowing.
- Lack of attention to personal grooming and maintenance.
- Having trouble climbing stairs, or getting in and out of cars.
- Showing difficulties climbing on and off of chairs or surfaces.
- Visible limping.
- Having trouble laying down.
- Lack of appetite.
- Visible trembling.
These can be symptoms of illness or discomfort, and our veterinary team may recommend cold laser therapy as a course of treatment to help ease symptoms and find a resolution.
What Can Cold Laser Therapy Treat?
We often recommend the noninvasive nature of cold laser therapy means to treat a wide range of ailments.
- Post-surgery – Cold laser therapy is often used after surgery and can be a crucial element of postoperative recovery. Vets can use this to help strengthen muscles and tissue helping to speed up the healing process. Your dog or cat can enjoy a better quality of life almost straight away.
- Muscle, tendon or ligament injuries – Because cold laser therapy helps to increase circulation, it can be beneficial for treating injuries to the
- muscles.
- ligaments.
- tendons.
- including strains and sprains.
- for arthritis or hip dysplasia and can offer significant pain relief in these areas.
- Back pain – Issues with the back, such as strains and pains, can also be addressed.
- Ear infections – Help to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as stimulate new tissue growth, and this can be very helpful in treating ear infections, allowing the ear canal to open up and heal.
- Gingivitis – The anti-inflammatory properties mean that it can be very useful for alleviating pain which can come alongside gingivitis.
- Hot spots and open wounds – The light can help regenerate tissue and aid stimulation, and so is a very useful tool when dealing with open wounds or ‘hot spots.’ The application of the laser helps to speed up the healing process, encourage and stimulate circulation, and reduce the pain for your pet.
- Degenerative disc disease – Older pets can sometimes suffer from degenerative disc disease, and the stimulation of circulation can really help to aid mobility and reduce pain.
How Can We Help?
Here at Woods Avenue Animal Clinic, we have extensive experience in delivering cold laser therapy treatments to dogs and cats.
We pride ourselves on offering a first-class service for pets and owners, with a comprehensive consultation process which can be done remotely thanks to advancements in technology. Try our app today for your next vet checkup or consultation.
A member of the vet team can also come to your house for added convenience, or we can carry out the initial check-up in the surgery. We always use the pet’s own medical history and individual requirements to make a diagnosis, putting you and your pet at the heart of every decision we make in the clinic.
Common Concerns
Cold laser therapy can be super beneficial for your pets, but it is only natural that you will have questions and concerns prior to the process. Some of the most common questions we receive include:
Does laser therapy work?
With a proven track record of success for both dogs and cats. The technique itself has been around for over 40 years but has only recently been made available for pets. Since then, however, vets have reported great success in treating:
- inflammation.
- musculoskeletal pain.
- healing tissue.
- reducing pain in pets.
Does laser therapy hurt?
The laser is far less powerful than those used in surgery, and the noninvasive nature of the procedure means that it is painless for your dog or cat, with no long-term effects or damage.
What is cold laser therapy good for?
We can use a wide range of conditions, including:
- arthritis.
- ligaments.
- joint and muscle pain.
- boosting circulation.
- healing wounds.
- repairing tissue.
What is a side effect of laser treatment?
Owners whose pets have undergone laser treatment have reported an increase in local blood supply at the affected area, and an increase in the speed of tissue repair and healing, and a reduction in inflammation.
How often should my pet undergo treatment?
We base the number of treatments required on the individual response of each pet – the time to work and show results depends largely on the individual. As a rule, we will start with around two to three treatments a week, and see how your cat or dog responds.
Get In Touch
At Woods Avenue, we put your pet first. We are able to offer an experienced team of veterinary experts, with many years of working with cold laser therapy, to develop noticeable results.
We always properties the individual needs and preferences of pet and owner, and offer a calming, compassionate environment to help get your pet back up to full strength. Contact us today for a consultation that is convenient for you – be that in the clinic, remotely, or in your own home – and take the first steps to a tailored treatment plan.
