Summary: At The Pet Physio, we have a Companion Animal Health – Class 4 laser therapy device. It has two wavelengths 980nm and 810nm which help allow for deep penetration and immediate pain relief. The below information is general for laser therapy also known as Photobiomodulation.

Laser therapy has become an increasingly popular, non-invasive treatment option in veterinary medicine, providing effective pain relief, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing in various conditions. Many pet owners turn to laser therapy as a way to help their pets manage chronic conditions, recover from injuries, or ease discomfort associated with aging. But what exactly is laser therapy, and how does it work?

What is Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissue, stimulating cellular processes that promote healing. This process, known as photobiomodulation, involves light energy that enters cells and triggers a response, often helping with pain relief, reducing inflammation, and improving tissue repair. It’s completely non-invasive, meaning there’s no need for incisions or any surgical procedures.

Different Classes of Laser: Class 3 vs. Class 4

There are several classes of laser used in veterinary care, with the most common being Class 3 and Class 4.

• Class 3 Laser: Often referred to as “cold lasers,” Class 3 lasers deliver a lower power output, typically up to 500 milliwatts (mW). These lasers are ideal for treating superficial injuries, as they don’t penetrate deeply into the tissue. While effective for mild conditions, they may require longer treatment times and more sessions to achieve desired results.
• Class 4 Laser: Class 4 lasers have a much higher power output, often exceeding 500 mW. This increased power allows for deeper tissue penetration, making them more suitable for treating chronic pain, arthritis, and other conditions affecting deeper tissues and joints. Class 4 lasers are powerful enough to provide therapeutic results quickly and tend to offer more effective pain relief and healing.

Wavelengths and Their Role

The wavelength of a laser, measured in nanometers (nm), affects how deeply the light can penetrate tissues.

• Common wavelengths: Many veterinary lasers operate between 800 and 980 nm. Longer wavelengths penetrate deeper, reaching muscles, ligaments, and joints, while shorter wavelengths are effective for surface-level conditions. This flexibility makes laser therapy adaptable for a range of health issues, from skin wounds to deep joint pain.

Benefits of Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a highly versatile treatment that offers a wide range of benefits for animals, including:

• Pain relief: Reduces pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity and blocking pain signals.
• Reduced inflammation: Helps to lower swelling and stiffness in joints and muscles.
• Accelerated healing: Boosts cellular activity and tissue repair, shortening recovery times.
• Improved circulation: Increases blood flow, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the treated area.
• Enhanced mobility: Relieves stiffness and discomfort, promoting better movement and flexibility.

Regular laser therapy can be especially beneficial for pets with chronic pain or mobility issues, improving their comfort and quality of life over time.

Conditions Laser Therapy Can Help With

Laser therapy is suitable for a variety of conditions, including:

• Osteoarthritis: Helps relieve pain and inflammation in joints.
• Soft tissue injuries: Useful for strains, sprains, and ligament issues.
• Post-surgical recovery: Assists with pain control and accelerates healing in surgical sites.
• Wounds and skin conditions: Promotes faster healing in burns, hot spots, and other skin injuries.
• Inflammatory conditions: Effective in treating chronic inflammation such as that in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Contraindications for Laser Therapy

While laser therapy is generally safe, there are some situations where it may not be recommended:

• Cancer: Lasers should not be used directly on tumors, as stimulating cell growth may accelerate cancer cell proliferation.
• Growth plates in young animals: Caution is needed, as lasers could potentially impact growth plates in young animals.
• Pregnancy: Avoid laser therapy around the abdomen or lower back in pregnant animals.

It’s essential for a qualified veterinary professional to assess each animal individually to determine if laser therapy is appropriate and safe.

Conclusion

Laser therapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option for managing pain, reducing inflammation, and promoting healing in animals. With various classes of lasers and the flexibility of different wavelengths, it can be tailored to treat a wide range of conditions, from superficial wounds to chronic joint pain. When administered by a trained professional, laser therapy offers a safe way to improve your pet’s well-being and comfort, making it a valuable addition to any comprehensive care plan.

The recovery period immediately following surgery is critical for your dog’s healing process. This blog post is relevant following orthopaedic surgery, spinal surgery and any other surgery.

Here are key steps to help you manage your dog effectively during the first two weeks post-surgery:

1. Rest and Restricted Activity

Usually the first two weeks, you should limit your dog’s activity to promote healing. Create a calm environment and restrict movement, avoiding stairs, jumping on and off furniture and rough play. Use a crate or a small, secure area to prevent them from moving around too much.

2. Follow Veterinary Instructions

Adhere closely to your veterinarian’s post-operative care instructions. This includes administering medications as prescribed and it is important to give your pet pain relief to help manage the pain and keep them comfortable. Make sure you monitor for signs of infection or complications, such as swelling, redness, or unusual behaviour.

3. Controlled Potty Breaks

Take your dog outside on a leash for potty breaks, ensuring they don’t engage in excessive movement. Limit the time spent outdoors and avoid busy or distracting areas. If your dog is struggling to walk then they can be carried or supported with a sling.

4. Supportive Care

Provide comfort by keeping your dog in a familiar space with their favorite bed or blanket. Use ice packs if recommended by your vet to reduce swelling and pain.

5. Nutrition and Hydration

Ensure your dog stays hydrated and receives a balanced diet to support recovery. Consult your vet about any dietary restrictions or specific recommendations post-surgery. Some animals may need to be hand fed or assistance with eating and drinking especially in the first few days.

6. Gradual Reintroduction to Activity

As per your veterinarians instructions, usually after 1 – 2 weeks they are happy to introduce slow controlled lead walks. This usually starts with only 5 minutes of walking with allowing time to sniff. If your dog is limping, then encourage a slow pace to allow for weight bearing. If your dog has had neurological surgery and is able to walk without support, slings can be really helpful to avoid straining your back. For cats, this may be allowing further mobility around the house but continue to limit areas where they may be tempted to jump on and off furniture, window sills etc.

7. When to commence physiotherapy?

We recommend commencing physiotherapy within the first 1 – 2 weeks following surgery. We usually commence with an assessment, hands on treatment and provide the owner with a home exercise program. Some owners commence physiotherapy prior to the surgery to ensure they have a good set up and understand how to manage in those first 1 – 2 weeks. Hydrotherapy in the underwater treadmill is very beneficial following surgery and this can be started at 2 weeks post surgery once any wounds are healed.

Conclusion

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure a smooth recovery for your dog in the crucial first two weeks after surgery. Always consult your veterinarian with any concerns or questions about your dog’s recovery process. Feel free to contact us if you have any concerns about your pet and whether you would like to book in a consult.

Orthopedic Conditions

1. Cruciate Ligament Rupture (CCL) – Similar to ACL injuries in humans, this is common in dogs and often requires rehabilitation post-surgery. Surgeries include TPLO, extracapsular repairs, MMP, TTA etc.
2. Hip Dysplasia – A genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to arthritis and pain.
3. Elbow Dysplasia – Malformation of the elbow joint, often resulting in pain and arthritis.
4. Patellar Luxation – A condition where the kneecap dislocates, causing lameness and pain.
5. Arthritis – Common in older animals, physiotherapy can help alleviate the pain and improve mobility.
6. Fractures – Post-surgical recovery to improve mobility and strength after a bone fracture.

Neurological Conditions

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – Common in certain dog breeds, this condition affects the spinal discs and can cause paralysis or difficulty moving.
2. Degenerative Myelopathy – A progressive disease affecting the spinal cord, leading to loss of coordination and eventual paralysis.
3. Peripheral Nerve Injuries – Trauma or injury to peripheral nerves, resulting in limb weakness or paralysis.

Sports Injuries

• Sporting and working dogs are prone to soft tissue injuries like tendonitis, ligament strains, and muscle tears. Physiotherapy helps in recovery and preventing future injuries.

Obesity and Weight Management

• Physiotherapy, including hydrotherapy, can be part of a weight management program for overweight pets to improve mobility and reduce the risk of joint diseases.

Geriatric Conditions

• Senior pets with mobility issues due to age-related degeneration often benefit from physiotherapy to maintain strength, flexibility, and quality of life.