Laser therapy for dogs is an increasingly popular complementary or alternative treatment option for managing chronic pain, inflammation and wound healing. If your aging dog’s arthritis is getting worse, you might wonder if it’s worth booking a batch of laser therapy appointments with a veterinary practice offering this service.
Learn more about how and when laser treatment for dogs could help and why professional administration is so important.
Dr. Nina R. Kieves, DVM is an associate professor of small animal orthopedic surgery at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She explains that laser therapy for dogs, also known as photobiomodulation, involves using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and promote cellular regeneration and healing. “The laser light stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), enhancing cell repair and growth, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood circulation,” she says.
Alexander Raths via Getty Images
These specific wavelengths are used to reduce pain and swelling, speed up wound healing and aid bone growth. Dr. Kara Amstutz, DVM, the CEO of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), explains that the power at which these specific wavelengths are emitted into the tissue also plays a part in their effectiveness.
“The higher-powered lasers are called class IV lasers. Most but not all class IV lasers generate heat,” Dr. Amstutz says. “The benefit with class IV is that the wavelength gets deep into the tissue faster.” However, they require very careful administration to prevent the risk of burning tissue. Class IIIB, often referred to as cold lasers, still have precautions, but they aren’t quite as powerful, and it takes longer for the energy to penetrate down into the tissue. “You can still get the same beneficial effect with class IIIB lasers. However, instead of a five-minute treatment time, it may be 12 minutes,” Dr. Amstutz says.
Practitioners also have to consider the laser treatment dose. “Basically, this is how much energy we are delivering,” Dr. Amstutz says. The dose is measured in joules per centimeter squared and calculated based on various factors, including the laser class, the dog’s size, the surface area being treated, and the condition and its severity.
Because this is a relatively new area of treatment, the literature on laser therapy is currently limited in the veterinary world. “Most studies have small sample sizes, lack control groups, and vary in protocols used, which can lead to inconsistent results,” Dr. Kieves says.
However, the combined evidence from human and animal studies and use in clinical settings suggests that laser therapy for dogs is a promising treatment option for several conditions. Given that it’s pain-free and has little chance of side effects, it’s often worth trying alongside other conventional treatments.
It’s especially worth considering when patients, such as those with kidney failure, aren’t candidates for conventional pain management treatments, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
There are also times when it’s not appropriate to use laser therapy on dogs. According to Dr. Amstutz, this includes:
©mutluproject - stock.adobe.com
Dr. Amstutz also cautions against owners purchasing one of the growing numbers of available at-home laser treatment tools. “They’re not nearly strong enough, and they don’t have the right wavelength to get deep into the tissue,” she says. Even if they were strong enough, you need to have a solid knowledge of dog anatomy and training to know where and how to target those wavelengths safely.
Dog laser therapy may help treat a wide range of conditions on its own or as part of a multimodal treatment plan. Below are some reasons you might book your dog some sessions.
Because osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs, Dr. Amstutz says it’s the one laser therapy is used to treat most often, and study results are promising. “Laser therapy is purported to be beneficial in managing chronic pain and inflammation, such as is seen in conditions like arthritis,” Dr. Kieves says. “The light energy can help reduce pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity and lowering inflammation through the reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators.”
Laser therapy could be particularly helpful for dogs with weight-bearing and gait issues while recovering from TPLO surgery after a cruciate injury (a key ligament in a dog’s knee). It’s also used for managing pain and inflammation and promoting accelerated healing at surgery incision sites.
“The efficacy of laser therapy in wound healing and treating skin conditions is variable,” Dr. Kieves says. “Some studies show positive results in enhancing skin repair and treating conditions like dermatitis or hotspots, and others don’t find significant improvements compared to traditional treatments.” However, when dogs have chronic wounds (like lick granulomas or elbow hygromas), it’s certainly worth considering as part of the toolbox of treatment options.
©V&P Photo Studio - stock.adobe.com
Most dogs tolerate this pain-free, non-invasive, low-stress therapy well. “Treatments are done with dogs awake, in a position preferred by the patient (standing or lying down),” Dr. Kieves says. Protective eye goggles specific to the laser are required for the dog and anyone else present during treatment.
Dr. Amstutz and her team use distraction techniques, like peanut butter-smeared lick mats, to help dogs relax and remain still. If your dog is receiving regular treatment for a chronic condition, training them to settle in place can be beneficial.
Each session typically lasts between five and 30 minutes. The length of the sessions, frequency of visits, and number of treatments your dog needs vary depending on the laser class, the condition being treated, its severity, and the dog’s size.
Often, general veterinary practices offer laser therapy services. However, if there’s a specialist canine rehabilitation veterinarian in your area, it could be beneficial to consult with them. They have in-depth knowledge and access to a wide variety of pain management options to fine-tune the treatment program.
nimon_t/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
If laser therapy treatment is administered correctly, side effects are rare. However, improper use can cause injuries, and a solid knowledge of canine anatomy is required to target the right areas of the body. A suitably qualified practitioner should always administer treatment under the direction and ongoing evaluation of a veterinarian.
Eye damage is the biggest concern. Dr. Amstutz says that direct exposure to the lasers can damage the retina and, in severe cases, cause vision loss in dogs. Protective goggles are a must, even though practitioners are careful not to aim the lasers at the eye.
“Rarely, burns or tissue damage can occur,” Dr. Kieves says. “This is usually secondary to improper use of the laser device, such as using too high a setting or not moving the laser properly.”
“Laser therapy has a cumulative effect, so owners shouldn’t get frustrated if one treatment doesn’t take care of everything,” Dr. Amstutz says. “Usually, they need to have at least six treatments to achieve the desired results.” However, if your dog has a chronic condition, like arthritis, and you see good results from the treatment, they may benefit from ongoing maintenance sessions.
©SLADIC/GETTY IMAGES
Dr. Kieves suggests average costs range from $30 to $70 per session. However, it varies depending on the location, the class of laser and the session length. Some rehabilitation practitioners, like Dr. Amstutz, include laser therapy as part of a bundled package to reduce the price for the owner. Pet insurance sometimes covers laser therapy treatment for dogs, but it depends on what it’s treating and the policy conditions.
While laser therapy won’t work for every patient, Dr. Amstutz says it can be a useful part of a multimodal treatment toolbox. Using a range of tools is particularly helpful for improving the long-term prognosis for dogs with chronic pain issues.
“If we have a patient with arthritis, we’re also talking to the owner about weight management, joint supplements, and appropriate exercise,” Dr. Amstutz says. Veterinarians might recommend laser therapy for dogs alongside pain medication and other complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy or canine massage.
The post Laser Therapy in Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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Learn more about how and when laser treatment for dogs could help and why professional administration is so important.
What is Laser Therapy For Dogs?
Dr. Nina R. Kieves, DVM is an associate professor of small animal orthopedic surgery at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She explains that laser therapy for dogs, also known as photobiomodulation, involves using specific wavelengths of light to penetrate tissues and promote cellular regeneration and healing. “The laser light stimulates the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), enhancing cell repair and growth, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood circulation,” she says.
Alexander Raths via Getty Images
These specific wavelengths are used to reduce pain and swelling, speed up wound healing and aid bone growth. Dr. Kara Amstutz, DVM, the CEO of the Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CRI), explains that the power at which these specific wavelengths are emitted into the tissue also plays a part in their effectiveness.
“The higher-powered lasers are called class IV lasers. Most but not all class IV lasers generate heat,” Dr. Amstutz says. “The benefit with class IV is that the wavelength gets deep into the tissue faster.” However, they require very careful administration to prevent the risk of burning tissue. Class IIIB, often referred to as cold lasers, still have precautions, but they aren’t quite as powerful, and it takes longer for the energy to penetrate down into the tissue. “You can still get the same beneficial effect with class IIIB lasers. However, instead of a five-minute treatment time, it may be 12 minutes,” Dr. Amstutz says.
Practitioners also have to consider the laser treatment dose. “Basically, this is how much energy we are delivering,” Dr. Amstutz says. The dose is measured in joules per centimeter squared and calculated based on various factors, including the laser class, the dog’s size, the surface area being treated, and the condition and its severity.
Effectiveness and Limitations of Laser Therapy For Dogs
Because this is a relatively new area of treatment, the literature on laser therapy is currently limited in the veterinary world. “Most studies have small sample sizes, lack control groups, and vary in protocols used, which can lead to inconsistent results,” Dr. Kieves says.
However, the combined evidence from human and animal studies and use in clinical settings suggests that laser therapy for dogs is a promising treatment option for several conditions. Given that it’s pain-free and has little chance of side effects, it’s often worth trying alongside other conventional treatments.
It’s especially worth considering when patients, such as those with kidney failure, aren’t candidates for conventional pain management treatments, such as NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
There are also times when it’s not appropriate to use laser therapy on dogs. According to Dr. Amstutz, this includes:
On tumors: Applying laser treatment could speed up cellular metabolism and the rate at which canine cancer develops.
Over the thyroid gland: This could cause an over-production of hormones.
Over a pregnant belly: There isn’t data to tell us what lasers do to a puppy or kitten in utero.
On young dogs with open growth plates: Again, there’s no data to indicate whether the laser treatment will interfere with bone growth.
©mutluproject - stock.adobe.com
Dr. Amstutz also cautions against owners purchasing one of the growing numbers of available at-home laser treatment tools. “They’re not nearly strong enough, and they don’t have the right wavelength to get deep into the tissue,” she says. Even if they were strong enough, you need to have a solid knowledge of dog anatomy and training to know where and how to target those wavelengths safely.
What Can Laser Therapy for Dogs Treat?
Dog laser therapy may help treat a wide range of conditions on its own or as part of a multimodal treatment plan. Below are some reasons you might book your dog some sessions.
Osteoarthritis
Because osteoarthritis is one of the most common conditions seen in dogs, Dr. Amstutz says it’s the one laser therapy is used to treat most often, and study results are promising. “Laser therapy is purported to be beneficial in managing chronic pain and inflammation, such as is seen in conditions like arthritis,” Dr. Kieves says. “The light energy can help reduce pain by decreasing nerve sensitivity and lowering inflammation through the reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators.”
Post-Surgical Recovery
Laser therapy could be particularly helpful for dogs with weight-bearing and gait issues while recovering from TPLO surgery after a cruciate injury (a key ligament in a dog’s knee). It’s also used for managing pain and inflammation and promoting accelerated healing at surgery incision sites.
Wound Healing
“The efficacy of laser therapy in wound healing and treating skin conditions is variable,” Dr. Kieves says. “Some studies show positive results in enhancing skin repair and treating conditions like dermatitis or hotspots, and others don’t find significant improvements compared to traditional treatments.” However, when dogs have chronic wounds (like lick granulomas or elbow hygromas), it’s certainly worth considering as part of the toolbox of treatment options.
©V&P Photo Studio - stock.adobe.com
Other Potential Applications
General pain: Including alleviating muscle soreness and soft tissue sprain or strain injuries.
Dental healing: “A lot of veterinarians use lasers after they’ve done a tooth extraction,” Dr. Amstutz says. She explains that solid research on the human side shows this can help speed up the healing process.
Reducing inflammation: For example, when it’s associated with chronic ear infections or cystitis.
How Is Laser Therapy for Dogs Administered?
Most dogs tolerate this pain-free, non-invasive, low-stress therapy well. “Treatments are done with dogs awake, in a position preferred by the patient (standing or lying down),” Dr. Kieves says. Protective eye goggles specific to the laser are required for the dog and anyone else present during treatment.
Dr. Amstutz and her team use distraction techniques, like peanut butter-smeared lick mats, to help dogs relax and remain still. If your dog is receiving regular treatment for a chronic condition, training them to settle in place can be beneficial.
Each session typically lasts between five and 30 minutes. The length of the sessions, frequency of visits, and number of treatments your dog needs vary depending on the laser class, the condition being treated, its severity, and the dog’s size.
Often, general veterinary practices offer laser therapy services. However, if there’s a specialist canine rehabilitation veterinarian in your area, it could be beneficial to consult with them. They have in-depth knowledge and access to a wide variety of pain management options to fine-tune the treatment program.
nimon_t/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images
What Are the Side Effects of Laser Therapy for Dogs?
If laser therapy treatment is administered correctly, side effects are rare. However, improper use can cause injuries, and a solid knowledge of canine anatomy is required to target the right areas of the body. A suitably qualified practitioner should always administer treatment under the direction and ongoing evaluation of a veterinarian.
Eye damage is the biggest concern. Dr. Amstutz says that direct exposure to the lasers can damage the retina and, in severe cases, cause vision loss in dogs. Protective goggles are a must, even though practitioners are careful not to aim the lasers at the eye.
“Rarely, burns or tissue damage can occur,” Dr. Kieves says. “This is usually secondary to improper use of the laser device, such as using too high a setting or not moving the laser properly.”
How Quickly Will You See Results?
“Laser therapy has a cumulative effect, so owners shouldn’t get frustrated if one treatment doesn’t take care of everything,” Dr. Amstutz says. “Usually, they need to have at least six treatments to achieve the desired results.” However, if your dog has a chronic condition, like arthritis, and you see good results from the treatment, they may benefit from ongoing maintenance sessions.
How Much Does Laser Therapy for Dogs Cost?
©SLADIC/GETTY IMAGES
Dr. Kieves suggests average costs range from $30 to $70 per session. However, it varies depending on the location, the class of laser and the session length. Some rehabilitation practitioners, like Dr. Amstutz, include laser therapy as part of a bundled package to reduce the price for the owner. Pet insurance sometimes covers laser therapy treatment for dogs, but it depends on what it’s treating and the policy conditions.
Alternative Treatment Options
While laser therapy won’t work for every patient, Dr. Amstutz says it can be a useful part of a multimodal treatment toolbox. Using a range of tools is particularly helpful for improving the long-term prognosis for dogs with chronic pain issues.
“If we have a patient with arthritis, we’re also talking to the owner about weight management, joint supplements, and appropriate exercise,” Dr. Amstutz says. Veterinarians might recommend laser therapy for dogs alongside pain medication and other complementary therapies, such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy or canine massage.
The post Laser Therapy in Dogs: Uses, Side Effects, and Alternatives appeared first on American Kennel Club.
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