What Is Laser Therapy For Cats?
At Rau Animal Hospital, we are always looking for new ways to care for your cat. Medicine and technology are constantly advancing, and we embrace staying at the forefront of the best medical and surgical care. We are proud to offer laser therapy for cats at our veterinary clinic.
Veterinary laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, and drug-free treatment for a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols. Laser treatment for cats employs deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiostimulation. This process helps relieve pain by releasing endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace. The faster your cat heals, the better he or she feels.
How Do Lasers Provide Pain Relief?
Laser treatments provide pain relief for cats in three ways. First, by reducing inflammation through vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) and by activating the lymphatic drainage system, thus draining swollen areas. As a result, swelling caused by bruising or inflammation is reduced, alleviating pain. Second, it stimulates nerve cells that block pain signals from transmitting to the brain. Third, it stimulates the production of high levels of endorphins, pain-killing compounds naturally produced by the cat.
What Are The Other Benefits Of Veterinary Laser Therapy?
Besides pain relief, some other important benefits of veterinary laser therapy include:
- Increased metabolic activity
- Improved nerve function
- Reduced fibrous tissue formation
- Faster wound healing
- Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth
What Health Conditions Can Be Treated With Laser Therapy?
Laser therapy for cats can be used to treat a multitude of ailments, including:
- Ulcerations and open wounds
- Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
- Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma
- Back pain
- Neuromuscular disease
- Acute and Chronic Ear Infections
- Gingivitis and post-op dental extractions
- Arthritis
- Degenerative Joint Disease
Many of our veterinary therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Your cat may benefit from laser therapy if they are experiencing pain or discomfort or is displaying any of the following signs:
- Decrease in normal activity
- Decreased desire to jump up on surfaces it normally jumps onto
- Slowness to get up
- May cry or move away from petting
- Does not want to be picked up and handled as usual
- Limping
- Decrease in grooming habits
How Long Does A Laser Therapy Treatment Take?
The time needed for the treatment depends upon the condition and severity of the problem. We utilize laser therapy on incisions post-operatively to aid in pain management and faster healing. These treatments are generally one-time treatments. Other one-time laser therapy situations may apply to wound care for ulcers or infections.
However, with more chronic or severe pain, we will recommend a series of treatments. The treatment length will vary, but most treatments last approximately 3-8 minutes. Our veterinarians will tailor the length of the series based on the condition and the response. For example, we may recommend 6 weekly treatments for chronic low back pain. Some chronic conditions, such as arthritis, may require ongoing treatments. If your cat has responded well to the laser, we may be able to keep the pain under control with monthly treatments.
Laser treatment for cats is cumulative, so each additional treatment facilitates a greater improvement in your cat's condition. One of our veterinarians would be happy to help devise a sufficient laser treatment schedule based on your cat's needs.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Laser Treatment For Cats?
Laser therapy has no known side effects on cats and is considered safe and effective across the veterinary industry.
How Do I Schedule A Laser Therapy Appointment For My Cat?
Scheduling an appointment for cat laser therapy is as easy as picking up the telephone, sending us an inquiry, or visiting our veterinary clinic in person. Our knowledgeable, compassionate veterinary team can help answer any questions you have. Make an appointment today for your cat to begin enjoying the benefits of laser therapy!