New Class IV Pet Laser Therapy zaps away pain and promotes healing at VCA TRAH
Class IV Laser Therapy helps humans heal from surgery, injuries, sprains and strains; plus gain relief and live better with chronic conditions like arthritis and psoriasis. Now the same benefits are available for dogs and cats at VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital.
Laser therapy helps with physical therapy an rehabilitation. What does it do?
Class IV Pet Laser Therapy is a noninvasive procedure that uses an intense beam of light directed into tissues to reduce pain, increase blood flow, decrease inflammation and promote healing. It also stimulates endorphins, or natural painkillers. Class IV lasers are 50 times stronger than Class III predecessors, delivering better tissue penetration more quickly.
Pets tolerate laser therapy well, and are more comfortable and mobile immediately or within 24 hours. No hair clipping or sedation is required. Most conditions require a series of laser therapy sessions.
Length and frequency of treatments varies with the pet’s diagnosis and size. “We see older pets with age-related issues like arthritis doing better with laser therapy. If your pet is 10 years old, in human years that’s the equivalent of 70 years for a dog or 60 years for a cat,” says past veterinarian at VCA TRAH, Dr. Bob Marquis. “Chronic infections can be treated too, like ear infections in cats.”
Would laser therapy help your pet?
“It has been used in humans for a long time and dogs now can reap the benefits too,” said Dr. Christine Zink, director of the Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. VCA TRAH hosted Evaluating Canine Physical Structure, Movement, Soundness and Lameness: A Day with Dr. Chris Zink, an intensive workshop for veterinarians, support staff and athletic dog owners.
To learn more about Laser Therapy and Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation for pets, call VCA Tiara Rado Animal Hospital at 970-243-4007. We will give your beloved pet an exam, along with X-rays if needed, to determine the diagnosis and treatment plan.