Laser therapy has been growing in popularity in recent years. An innovative way to treat pain in our pets, laser therapy can also be used to help speed up the healing process of wounds and incisions post-surgery. Below, our Douglasville vets explain how they use laser therapy to help pets heal.
What is laser therapy?
Laser therapy employs low-intensity laser or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to alleviate pain, stimulate and improve cell function, and accelerate healing. Because of the way the laser promotes cell regeneration and circulation, it is an effective method to help speed the healing of wounds and incisions. Studies have suggested that laser therapy accelerates the healing process by as much as 30-40% in some cases.
The Benefits of Laser Therapy for Wound or Incision Healing
Laser therapy is increasingly common in veterinary medicine and has numerous benefits for surgical wound healing in dogs. These include:
Pain Reduction
One of the immediate benefits of post-op laser therapy for dogs and cats is its ability to reduce pain. Laser therapy works by emitting specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and tissues. This light interacts with cells, enhancing their metabolic activity (improving cell function and overall tissue health) and promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. As a result, pets experience a significant reduction in pain and discomfort, which is particularly beneficial after surgeries such as spaying or other invasive procedures.
Accelerated Tissue Repair
Laser therapy for dogs after surgery can speed up the tissue repair process. The laser light stimulates cellular activity and promotes the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of cells. This increase in cellular energy can enhance the regeneration of damaged tissues, leading to faster healing of surgical incisions. For pet owners, this means less time worrying about their furry friend’s recovery and more time enjoying their companionship.
Enhanced Wound Healing
Using laser treatment after spaying or neutering or other surgical procedures can greatly improve wound healing. Laser therapy enhances blood circulation and oxygen supply to the affected area, which are crucial factors in the healing process. The improved circulation not only delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the wound, but also helps in removing waste products such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid. By removing these waste products, the body can reduce inflammation, leading to faster and more efficient healing.
Improved Nerve Function
Laser therapy promotes and improves nerve function. Surgical procedures can occasionally lead to temporary nerve damage or inflammation, which can cause pain and discomfort. Laser therapy helps reduce inflammation and stimulate nerve regeneration, restoring normal function and reducing the likelihood of chronic pain issues.
Boosted Vascular Activity
Laser therapy for wound healing also positively impacts vascular activity. The treatment induces vasodilation, which widens blood vessels. This process enhances blood flow to the healing tissues, providing them with essential nutrients and oxygen. Improved vascular activity ensures the surgical site receives ample blood supply, which is crucial for optimal healing and recovery.
Does laser therapy hurt?
When a veterinarian administers the laser treatment, your dog shouldn't feel any pain. The movement of the laser wand back and forth over injured tissue often creates a pleasant sensation that dogs typically find soothing, similar to the calming effect of being gently petted by their owners.
The only risk associated with this treatment is the laser beam directly hitting the eye, which can cause permanent damage to both canine and human retinas. To prevent this, your dog and the staff in the room will wear protective eye gear.
The veterinary industry has deemed pet laser therapy safe and effective, with no side effects and no sedation required. We also do not need to clip or shave the area being treated.
How long does each laser treatment take?
The length of sessions varies depending on the area being treated and how much energy is being delivered through the laser. A typical laser therapy session lasts between five and 20 minutes.
Before treatment, we will perform a full physical exam, in addition to x-rays if required, to determine whether cold laser therapy is the right treatment option for your pet.
Continued Care Throughout Recovery
Check your dog's wound at least twice a day to ensure that infection does not set in and that healing is proceeding normally. Clean the wound twice a day with water or a pet-safe antiseptic solution, and contact your veterinarian immediately if the wound becomes inflamed or shows signs of infection.
If you notice increasing redness, swelling, discharge, increasing pain in the area of the wound, or a bad odor coming from the wound, contact your vet right away.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.