Call 907-376-7930
Veterinarian - Wasilla
4360 Snider Drive
Wasilla, AK 99654
Laser Therapy and Your Pet
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We are excited to now offer the newest technology in deep-tissue laser therapy for your pet. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, surgery free, drug-free treatment method for a variety of disease processes and conditions. The primary use of laser therapy is to speed healing and reduce inflammation.
How does laser therapy work for my pet?
Laser therapy stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body for about 3-8 minutes per site and absorbed by the injured cells. The beam of laser energy causes a chemical change in the body called a photochemical effect. The laser light then stimulates the mitochondria within the cells to help tissues heal. Scientists call this "photobiomodulation". The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. A cascade of beneficial effects then takes place at the cellular level which accelerates blood flow, heals tissue, and reduced pain. The laser we use is not harmful to the tissue due to its limited wavelengths and is not a surgical laser that can cut tissue. To watch an animated video of this process, please click on the logo below:
What kind of laser will be used on your pet?
We are using a Class IV Laser Machine provided by Companion Therapy Laser with LiteCure. This machine contains a state of the art laser and is the most powerful laser available for deep tissue therapy. The benefit of the more powerful lasers, such as the Companion Therapy Laser, is that adequate dosages of laser energy, or photons, can be painlessly and efficiently delivered to deeper tissues for a variety of conditions. An image of our machine is below:
What conditions/diseases can laser therapy be used for?
- Joint Arthritis
- Back Pain and Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Hip dysplasia
- Stifle pain/torn cruciate ligaments
- Ear infections/Aural Hematomas
- Dermatologic Disorders (Hot Spots, Lick Granulomas, Interdigital Dermatitis)
- Periodontal disease (stomatitis/gingivitis)
- Post-operative healing (wounds, burns, surgical incisions, dental extractions)
- Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease/Cystitis
- Anal Sac Issues/Perianal Fistulas
- Rhinitis/Sinusitis
- Fractures
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Muscle Sprains, and many other conditions
How does laser therapy benefit my pet? 
Laser therapy can help to improve the quality of your pet's life, and also provide another treatment option as an adjunct to other therapies. Laser therapy is not a curative treatment for most diseases, but can help accelerate the healing process. For many pets who have adverse reactions to drugs, or they are unable to take certain drugs due to other diseases (like kidney or liver disease), laser therapy may be able to help alleviate signs from other problems without damaging their organs.
Laser therapy improves your pets care by:
- Providing an effective drug-free treatment for pain and inflammation
- Extremely well tolerated by pets
- Having no known side effects
- Possibly decreasing the need for surgery and medication
- Reducing healing time
- Requiring no sedation or clipping
- Relatively stress-free and quick to administer (takes ~ 5-10 minutes on your pet)
What can I look for at home to see if my pet may benefit from laser therapy?
Many of our laser therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion may be experiencing pain or discomfort include:
- Abnormal sitting or lying posture
- Circling multiple times before lying down
- Restlessness
- Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
- Limping, unable to get up or lie down
- Difficulty getting into car or down stairs
- Lack of grooming
- Won't wag tail
- Licking or biting an area on body
- Lack of appetite
- Trembling
If you see these symptoms in your pet, please call us to schedule a medical exam to evaluate the reasons why your pet is experiencing these symptoms, and if your pet is a candidate for laser therapy.
How do I set-up laser therapy for my pet?
If you are interested in laser therapy for your pet, first we need to see your pet to determine the condition that needs to be treated. Depending on the condition, the next step may be xrays to pinpoint the exact location where the laser therapy needs to be applied. At that point, we will develop a protocol for your pet's condition for the duration and frequency of the laser sessions. You will then make appointments with us for the sessions (plan on 15-20 minutes). Once your pet arrives, our staff will take your pet back to our laser machine and then they will be returned to you once the laser therapy is completed.
Why do my pets have to wear goggles?
The laser is very safe, but the laser is still a powerful light source and we want to take every precaution to protect our irreplaceable eyes. Animals handle these goggles very well as it seems to provide a calming effect, and it provides a great photo-op for your pet! Even cats look great in the goggles!
For more information on laser therapy and how it will help your pet, please click on the icon below and you will be directed to the Companion Therapy Laser section for pet owners.
If you are interested in laser therapy for your pet, please call us to schedule a consultation to identify your pet's need for laser therapy and the appropriate protocol for your pet.