K-laser therapy in pets

Over the last few decades there have been many advances in veterinary medicine and it is thanks to technology that some of these have taken place. One such technological development is the use of laser therapy in animals. Although this technology is also used in the human medical field, it has huge benefits for animals such as dogs. Using this non-invasive therapy in veterinary practice has opened up the options that the surgeon has, in the treatment of numerous conditions. The treatment is proving more and more popular as the patient usually shows improvement after a few sessions - according to the complaint.

What is K-laser Therapy?

The benefits of laser therapy over conventional medicine is that the treatment does not involve drugs or surgery and is a complementary therapy, meanings it’s pain free for your pets. The original laser therapy was developed as far back as the 1970’s, but due to advances in technology and pioneering work, the therapy is now used for a range of conditions, on a range of patients - including pets.

Laser energy works in the area being treated by increasing circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients. This allows optimal healing for the damaged area and by using specific wavelengths of light create therapeutic effects, the treatment may be used:

• To relieve pain
• Increase your pets range of motion
• Increase circulation
• Speed up wound healing
• Reduce swelling
• Reduce muscle spasms

What conditions can K-laser therapy help with?

Laser therapy may aid your pet for many conditions, numerous studies have been conducted and scientific evidence shows this therapy may benefit in almost all areas of the body including conditions like:

• Osteoarthritis
• Hip dysplasia
• Joint pain
• Ligament sprains and muscle strains
• Post-surgical pain
• Post orthopaedic surgical recovery
• Puncture and chronic wounds
• post traumatic injury
• Tendon problems
• Swelling and congestion in the body
• Neck and back pain
• Burns
• Rehabilitation

K-laser therapy is often used with or alongside other forms of non-drug based therapies including physical, chiropractic adjustments, massage, soft tissue mobilisation, electro therapy and following surgery.

How is K-laser therapy performed?

Your veterinary surgeons will discuss with you if laser therapy may benefit your pet. During the consultation they will also explain the treatment plan that would be most suitable for your pet’s condition. The conditions will vary and so too will the treatment plan.

You should discuss if you may be present beforehand with your veterinary surgeon, but in most cases, you will be welcome to be in the room with your pet, whilst the K-laser therapy is performed. In fact many vets will think this is a good idea as it will settle you pet even more. You will need to wear specialised protective goggles during the procedure.

Your pets will be able to stand or lie down depending on the area being treated. As laser therapy is drug-free your pet will need no sedation, in fact the experience is usually pleasant and comforting to them. Because of the way it works, in most cases fur should not need to be trimmed from the area that is being treated.

The probe of the K-laser machine will give a small red light and the veterinary surgeon will constantly move the probe over the damaged area.

What does the treatment feel like?

There is little or no sensation during treatment for your pet. Occasionally they may feel a mild, soothing warmth or tickling. Obviously areas that are sensitive may feel give a little discomfort at the start of treatment, but this should pass quickly.

Very few side effects have ever been reported after more than 20 years of use by health care providers and professionals all over the world. Periodically some old injuries may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active during the treatment.

How long does the treatment take and how often will my pet need to be treated?

A typical treatment for your pet is from 2 to 8 minutes, of course this will be dependent on the condition and also the size of the area being treated.

Some conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they are accompanied by significant pain. Longer term problems respond better when treatments received 2 to 3 types of week, reducing to once every week or two as improvement is seen in your pet. Although improvement from K-laser therapy is often seen after the first visit, most pets require a number of treatments for the greatest benefit, this can vary from 3 to 8 visits. For most conditions your veterinary surgeon will recommend a multi-treatment plan and this is something to discuss with them before any treatment is carried out.

A general plan could be a treatment every other day for one week, then twice in the second week, once in the third week and then top up sessions is needed.

How long before results are apparent in my pet?

There is usually pain reduction in your pet after the first visit and treatment, you might also see some other improvement in their demeanour. Sometimes they were not feel improvement for a number of weeks, however this should not dishearten the owner as K-laser treatment builds up over time and results are often felt by your pet and seen by you after three or four sessions.

Conclusion

K-laser therapy now has a large place in the treatment of all types of conditions in your pet. Many veterinary surgeries are seeing the benefits of using this as part of their treatment regime, with many more surgeries purchasing the units to help their patients. Because of the non-invasive nature of the procedure, it is well liked with pet owners, many of whom would rather try treatments that are not drug based to help their pet’s recovery. The added benefit is that this therapy gives real results that can be seen by the owner and will be apparent in your pet.