Cold laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug free, surgery free, and pain free treatment for a variety of health conditions. Also called low-level laser therapy, cold laser therapy uses beams of light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. Following treatment, pets experience a reduction in pain and inflammation associated with the affected area. For orthopedic and musculoskeletal conditions, this also allows for an increase in range of motion, improvement in mobility, and faster speed of soft tissue healing. Initial treatments are ideally scheduled every 2-3 days for a total of 6 treatments. Subsequent cold laser therapy sessions increase these benefits for your pet if a maintenance protocol is established with your VCA veterinarian.
Cold laser therapy can be used for many ailments in both dogs and cats. Treatment is ideal for pets that have:
What Can I Expect with Cold Laser Therapy?
Once your VCA veterinarian has recommended cold laser therapy for your pet, treatment may be performed by your veterinarian or a veterinary technician. The laser is applied directly to the surface of the skin or held slightly above the skin, depending on the condition being treated. Treatments should be a few times a week at first, and then gradually tapering off once relief is seen. Each session ranges from 5-20 minutes. Owners are allowed to stay with their pet to decrease anxiety and maximize comfort during treatment. There are currently no known side effects of cold laser therapy.
Ask your VCA veterinarian if cold laser therapy is right for your pet.
