Class 4 Laser Therapy in Tequesta, FL

Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy

Tequesta Veterinarian Clinic is excited to offer our clients Cutting Edge Class 4 Laser Therapy. Laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment used to treat various conditions and can be performed with existing treatment protocols. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion can benefit from this innovative approach to treating pain.

What Is Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy?

Class 4 laser therapy is a form of photobiomodulation used to treat various conditions in pets. It involves the use of a high-intensity laser to deliver a controlled amount of therapeutic infrared light into an animal’s injured tissues. The energy from the laser stimulates cellular metabolism, promoting tissue repair and providing pain relief.

How does Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy Work?

Laser therapy stimulates the body to heal from within. Therapy lasers concentrate light energy to decrease inflammation and pain and to promote healing. Our Cutting Edge MLS therapy laser is the same as many chiropractors use on human patients except this laser has veterinary software to make it user-friendly for veterinary patients.

Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body for about 3 to 8 minutes and absorbed by the injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in relief from pain, creased circulation, reduced inflammation, and an acceleration of the healing process.

Conditions Treated with Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy

Veterinary Class 4 laser therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions in pets, including:

• Arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or hip dysplasia
• Acute and chronic pain
• Back injuries
• Sprains and strains
• Inflammation and edema
• Wound healing, post-surgery recovery (spays and neuters, declaws, etc.)
• Skin problems (hot spots, lick granulomas, infections)
• Certain dermatological conditions
• Dental procedures
• Ear Infections
• Fractures and wounds (bites, abrasions, burns, and lesions)

How Is Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy Performed?

The procedure for Class 4 laser therapy is non-invasive and typically painless for the animal. Here’s a step-by-step look at how it’s performed:

1. Preparing for the session – Before the therapy session begins, our veterinary team will determine the correct dosage of laser energy required based on your pet’s condition and the area being treated. Your pet’s fur may need to be clipped to allow better penetration of the laser light, although this is not always necessary.
2. Safety measures – Both your pet and the operator must wear protective eyewear to prevent eye damage from the high-intensity laser. Your pet may also be gently restrained or held to ensure that the treatment is delivered to the precise area of the body that requires attention.
3. The treatment process – Our veterinary team will use a hand-held laser wand to administer the therapy. The wand is either held in place or moved slowly over the affected area, depending on the treatment protocol. Each session typically lasts from a few minutes to half an hour, again depending on the size of the area being treated and the dosage required.
4. Frequency of treatments – The number of laser therapy sessions needed varies widely. Acute conditions may only require one or two treatments, while more chronic conditions may need multiple sessions over weeks or months.

What to Expect with Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy

1. The environment – When you bring your pet in for in-house Class 4 laser therapy, expect a calm and professional setting. The therapy is performed in one of our quiet rooms where your pet can remain relaxed.
2. During the session – Your pet should experience no discomfort during the treatment. In fact, the warmth from the laser can be quite soothing, and some animals may even appear to enjoy the sensation.
3. Post-treatment – After the therapy session, there is no downtime required. Your pet can return to normal activities immediately, although our veterinary team may give specific instructions based on your pet’s condition.
4. Possible side effects – Class 4 laser therapy is considered very safe. The most significant risk is potential eye damage if proper safety measures are not followed, hence the strict protocols for protective eyewear. There may be a rare chance of a mild burn if the laser is improperly used, but this is extremely uncommon when the procedure is performed by a trained professional.
5. Results you can expect – Many pet owners report seeing a noticeable improvement in their pet’s mobility and pain levels after just a few sessions. The results, of course, will vary depending on the severity and nature of the condition being treated.

The Pros of Veterinary Class 4 Laser Therapy

1. Non-invasive and pain-free – One of the most significant advantages of laser therapy is its non-invasive nature. Unlike surgical procedures that require incisions and can lead to a long recovery period, laser therapy is externally administered.
2. No need for medication – Laser therapy offers a drug-free alternative for pain management. This is especially beneficial for pets that may not tolerate certain medications due to side effects or pre-existing conditions. It also eliminates concerns about long-term drug dependency.
3. Reduces inflammation and pain – Laser therapy is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. The treatment helps in reducing swelling and inflammation, which are often the root causes of pain. By minimizing these symptoms, pets can enjoy an improved quality of life with less discomfort.
4. Accelerates healing – The stimulation of cellular activity during laser therapy speeds up the healing process. It enhances the body’s ability to repair tissues and regenerate cells, which means faster recovery from injuries, surgeries, and wounds.
5. Versatility in treatment – Veterinary laser therapy is not limited to a single condition. It can be used to manage a variety of health issues, from dental problems to dermatological conditions. The versatility of this therapy makes it a valuable tool in our vet’s arsenal for promoting pet wellness.
6. Improved joint function – For pets suffering from degenerative joint diseases, laser therapy can provide significant relief. It improves joint flexibility and mobility, which is crucial for maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, particularly for older pets.
7. Safe for most pets – Laser therapy is generally safe for a broad range of pets. While there are some contraindications, such as for pets with cancer, it’s widely applicable for most other conditions.

What are the Signs that My Pet Can Benefit from Veterinary Laser Therapy?

• 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 downstairs
• Lack of grooming
• Won’t wag tail
• Licking or biting area
• Lack of appetite
• Trembling

If your pet has surgery or a dental extraction, we will likely laser the surgical site to decrease pain. We have numerous patients (including Dr. Joi’s beloved senior arthritic kitty) who get laser sessions every week to improve their quality of life. Injuries, bulging disks, blocked kitties, wounds, muscle tears, anal sac infections, and the list goes on! We use our therapy laser daily. Our doctors can’t imagine practicing without it.