Although it was once used widely only in Europe back in the ‘70s, laser therapy is now an FDA-approved treatment option that’s used for humans and animals in the U.S. Scott Lake Veterinary Center is pleased to be one of the hundreds of veterinary practices in the country to offer Artemis Laser devices. This advanced multi-modal device is designed to create several therapeutic results for pets using specific wavelengths of infrared light (photobiomodulation). With our laser therapy service, we can treat a number of conditions while reducing pain and inflammation, improving healing time, and increasing circulation.
What Conditions Can Laser Therapy Treat?
There over a dozen conditions that laser therapy can treat, but below is a list of some of the most common ones treated here at Scott Lake Veterinary Center:
- Joint pain/arthritis
- Inflammation
- Skin conditions
- Ear infections
- Oral infections
- Lick granulomas
- Hip dysplasia
What Happens During My Pet’s Laser Therapy Session?
Laser therapy is safe and effective for dogs, cats, and various other species. Because laser therapy is non-invasive, there is no need for your pet to be shaved or sedated prior to treatment. The only requirement is for everyone in close proximity to the laser to wear protective eye wear. For most of our patients, there is little or no sensation during the actual treatment. Your pet might experience a warm, soothing sensation and may even fall asleep as a result. Depending on your pet’s condition and the area being treated, the treatment session can last between 8 and 30 minutes.
How Many Laser Treatments Does My Pet Need?
The answer to this question is dependent on the type of condition being treated. Acute conditions can usually be treated after one or two daily sessions while chronic conditions are generally treated two to three times per week until conditions improve. When conditions improve, treatments can be reduced to only once a week. For chronic conditions, five to eight treatments are usually required to see full results. However, in some cases, more treatments or ongoing intermittent care for pain management may be necessary.
How Can I Learn More About Laser Therapy?
If you would like more information about laser therapy at Scott Lake Veterinary Center, feel free to contact us at 952-447-4171 to set up a consultation.