When we purchased our first laser in 2008, no other veterinarians in the area were using them for treatment of pets or horses. In 2011 we were one of the first three clinics to purchase the Class IV K-laser in the state – there were still no equine veterinarians using laser therapy in the area. Even now, for some reason, some veterinarians resist trying this therapy.
Last week Dr. Kathy and I attended the North American Veterinary Conference in Orlando. Now, eleven years after our first laser purchase, lasers are mentioned being used for treatment in at least 20% of the lectures. I attended lectures on acupuncture, wound therapy, lameness, … not to mention lectures just devoted to laser therapy. ALL included laser therapy as part of the recommended treatment plan.
Lasers work through a process referred to as photobiomodulation – light therapy stimulating cells to heal and decrease pain. We use our laser to:
- Relieve pain
- Improve vascular activity (better blood flow).
- Increase metabolic activity
- Improve nerve function.
- For Immunoregulation
- Stimulate acupuncture points and trigger points
- Accelerate tissue repair and cell growth
- Speed wound healing
- Reduce fibrous tissue formation (decreased scarring)
- Decrease inflammation
- Decrease swelling and edemaIf you are interested in trying laser therapy for your pet or horse, call to set up an appointment. Therapy involves multiple treatments and we usually use it in combination with other therapies such as veterinary chiropractic and/or acupuncture.