Laser Therapy in Laguna Niguel, CA

You’ve probably heard on the news about some of the amazing breakthroughs in modern medicine using lasers to perform a wide range of innovative surgical techniques and medical treatments. Laser technology has advanced rapidly in recent years and has been transforming many industries, none more so than health care. And now your pets can enjoy the incredible benefits of laser therapy for dogs and cats.

The K-Laser

The use of lasers in veterinary medicine is a fairly recent development, yet laser therapy has already proven to be one of the most valuable tools in the veterinarian’s arsenal. As it is in humans, laser therapy is most commonly used for pain management, although it has many other beneficial uses. It has been used to great effect for pain alleviation and healing promotion in pets who are recovering from surgical procedures or serious injuries. It has also been shown to be very effective for those pets who suffer from acute arthritis, cellulitis, or other painful conditions. For some types of pets, including cats, exotic pets, and those with certain physical conditions, it’s the only type of pain management treatment that can be safely used. Pet laser therapy is a totally safe, non-invasive, and painless procedure that only takes a few minutes per treatment session. Afterward, they can go home with you, often with immediate and noticeable improvement of their symptoms. At Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center we use a state-of-the-art K-Laser, manufactured by an Italian company that has established a reputation in the industry for building the best medical use lasers in the world. Our doctors are fully trained and qualified in veterinary laser therapy and are ready to help your pet back to health and wellbeing.

Laser Therapy in Laguna Niguel, CA

How Laser Therapy For Dogs And Cats Works

Lasers are designed to emit a very concentrated beam of photons, or light energy. They are classified according to the specific wavelength of light that they are designed to emit. Most therapeutic lasers used by the medical industry are Class 3 lasers that operate at a wavelength just above those used in common laser pointers. When laser light energy is applied to human or animal tissue, it causes a reaction in the membranes of the cells that make up the tissue, an alteration of the cellular components, known as photobiomodulation. Although scientists aren’t exactly sure how this light energy stimulation works to change cells, it has been likened to the process of photosynthesis in plants. This reaction causes several beneficial things to occur in the damaged tissues:

  • Cell growth and regeneration
  • Release of pain-relieving endorphins
  • Increased blood circulation
  • Oxygenation of cells
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Muscle relaxation

All of these effects contribute to faster healing and tissue repair and lessened pain and inflammation. Laser therapy reduces stiffness, swelling, and spasms in the limbs. The procedure can also increase nerve function and reduce scar tissue formation.

Conditions Commonly Treated With Pet Laser Therapy

K-Laser therapy can help with:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Joint Pain
  • Tendinopathies
  • Edema and Congestion
  • Ligament Sprains
  • Muscle Strains
  • Puncture Wounds
  • Post-Traumatic Injury
  • Post-Surgical Pain
  • Neck and Back Pain
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Burns
  • Chronic Wounds
  • Rehabilitation
  • Post-Orthopedic Surgical
  • Recovery

Laguna Niguel, CA Laser Therapy

What Happens During The Laser Therapy Session

When you bring your pet into our clinic for a K-Laser procedure, your pet will be made comfortable on a padded table and you’re welcome to stay and comfort them. Everyone in the room will have to wear special goggles to protect their eyes, including your pet. Your vet or a veterinary technician will use a handheld laser wand to apply the light energy to the areas of your pet’s body requiring treatment. Humans who have had the treatment describe it as a warm, gentle, pleasant sensation, and pets seem to think so too. Most sessions only take a few minutes and some conditions require just a single session, although more serious wounds and medical conditions may require multiple visits, which will be determined by your vet. Afterward, your pet can go home with you and enjoy improvement in their symptoms, including lessened pain and stiffness and increased mobility and comfort. The majority of pets treated with laser therapy show signs of improvement within 12 to 24 hours. There are no side effects known to occur from laser therapy.

If you would like to speak to a vet in Laguna Niguel about laser therapy for dogs and cats, contact the Alicia Pacific Veterinary Center to schedule an appointment.