Laser Therapy

Please do NOT give any human medications (over the counter or prescription) to your pets unless directed by a veterinarian. These medications are metabolized differently between humans, dogs, cats, etc. While one medication is safe for us, it may cause damage to (or even kill) your pet. Even when the same medication is appropriate, the dose can vary greatly between species.

Laser therapy is a surgery free, drug free, non-invasive treatment used to reduce pain and inflammation as well as increase the speed of healing. We use a class IV laser that is delivered through a non-invasive hand piece to the affected area without harming any deep tissues.

Many of our patients receive therapy for arthritis, but we also use the laser for other things such as faster healing of wounds and post-surgical sites. Your pet will feel a gentle, soothing warmth and be treated in a matter of minutes (time varies depending on how many areas need therapy). The treatment may be done alone or along with other treatments, such as medication, to meet your pet's needs. Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition so time and cost will vary.

Benefits of Laser Therapy

Accelerated Tissue Repair and Cell Growth
The laser penetrates deeply into the tissue to accelerate cellular reproduction and growth. This works because the laser increases energy available to cells so they can obtain nutrients and eliminate waste faster.

Faster Wound Healing
The light from the laser stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissues. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen, which is an essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. This is why the laser therapy is effective on open wounds.

Reduced Fibrous Tissue Formation
The laser functions to reduce the formation of scar tissue caused by cuts, scratches, burns, and surgery.

Anti-Inflammation
The therapy laser has a highly beneficial effect on nerve cells that block pain transmitted to the brain, which decreases nerve sensitivity. There is also less pain because there will be less inflammation and, thereby, less edema (swelling). The laser also produces high levels of pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins from the brain and adrenal glands.

Improved Vascular Activity
The laser light will greatly increase the formation of new capillaries in damaged tissue that speeds up the healing process, closes wounds quickly, and reduces scar tissue. Additionally, this will increase the formation of new blood vessels, which causes temporary vasodilation.

Increased Metabolic Activity
Laser therapy creates higher outputs of specific enzymes as well as greater oxygen and food particle loads for blood cells to thrive on.

Improved Nerve Function
Slow recovery of nerve functions in damaged tissue can result in numbness and impaired limbs. The laser light will speed up the process of nerve cell reconnection to counteract this.

Immunoregulation
The laser has a direct effect on immunity by stimulating immunoglobulins and lymphocytes. The laser is absorbed by enzymes that react to light, which activates the production of ATP (adenosine-tri-phosphate), the major carrier of cell energy and the energy source for all chemical reactions in the cell.

Trigger Points and Acupuncture Points
Laser therapy stimulates muscle trigger points as well as acupuncture points non-invasively, which provides musculoskeletal pain relief.

Knapp Veterinary Hospital, Inc.

Laser Therapy

Benefits of Laser Therapy