What is laser therapy?
Laser therapy is an innovative non-invasive and painless therapeutic technique applied to the veterinary field and based on the use of laser light. It is a tool of veterinary physiotherapy.
Using the laser has the effect of stimulating the dog's cells by transferring energy to them and creating:
- a photothermal reaction, i.e. tissue heating via light energy which promotes local micro-circulation and thus the elimination of metabolic waste and in particular pro-inflammatory molecules,
- a photomechanical reaction, i.e. a mechanical breakdown of the tissue structure intended to relieve pain or stimulate the healing process,
- a photochemical or photodynamic effect, i.e. the activation of a chemical agent by the light energy of the laser, which induces reactions that lead to the destruction of the treated lesion.
Through these different reactions, laser radiation has anti-inflammatory, analgesic (painkiller) effects and stimulates the repair process of injured tissue. It is used in particular in the fields of traumatology and functional rehabilitation of the dog.
The advantage of this technique is that it is completely free of side effects.
When is laser therapy used in dogs?
Laser therapy is indicated for all conditions that cause pain, inflammation or cause sores on the skin.
In addition to conventional treatments, it is used in particular to relieve pain and inflammation in the treatment:
- skin wounds such as burns, dermabrasions, pressure sores or inflammatory scars,
- fractures,
- deep tissues during tendonitis, hematomas, contractures or muscle tears, edema etc.
Its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect is also indicated in case of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis causing severe joint pain or during gingivitis in dogs.
The laser is also sometimes used to stimulate acupuncture points.
How does a dog laser therapy session work?
Laser therapy is completely painless for the dog so the animal does not need to be anesthetized or even sedated (unless he is uncooperative) before a laser therapy session.
The veterinarian keeps the dog motionless on the ground or on an examination table, with the help of the animal's owner or a veterinary assistant if necessary, and passes the therapeutic laser on the areas to be treated . The laser takes the form of a probe whose tip looks like a small flashlight: it emits no heat, sound or vibration.
Several sessions will generally be necessary to observe an improvement in the animal, although it may feel relieved a few hours after the first treatment. The number of sessions and their frequency will depend on the dog's condition and the nature of his condition.