This gentle but ground-breaking therapy is used in both healing tissue (wounds, tendons, joints and bones) and for pain relief. We have found this therapy especially helpful for animals with arthritis, nerve-related injuries, those with tight or sore musculature or tendon and ligament problems.

Typical conditions treated with laser therapy in dogs include spinal problems, hip and elbow dysplasia, cruciate ruptures as well as the resulting arthritis of hip, elbow and stifle (knee). It can also help alleviate lick granulomas and localised infections (poorly healing wounds, MRSA, abscesses, and post-surgical complications).

Arthritic cats respond very well, with areas commonly treated being elbows, hips, and spine but we have also successfully treated cats with chronic sinusitis.

Due to its good penetration depth, our laser is well suited for back problems in horses.

Wound healing can be very problematic in horses and the laser helps achieve good outcomes.

Tendon and ligament problems in horses heal much faster when a laser is used. Starting rehabilitation early, guided by checks on the healing process, is very important as the strengthening of the tissues needs to happen as well. We’re pleased to report that referring vets are often amazed by what they see on the ultrasound. It is important, however, that owners work together with us, following through with appropriate exercises to rebuild strength and, in that way, avoid disappointment.

We have had some very positive and swift responses to laser therapy in sometimes very acute cases, including post-surgical complications. We mostly get to see animals that haven’t responded well to other treatment forms, for example those with resistance to antibiotics. We make sure we work closely with the referring vet to ensure the synergy of laser therapy and previous efforts.

Ideally, we would like to help with wound healing at earlier stages to speed up the healing process and keep problems, like scar tissue and proud flesh, from happening. The evidence for the effectiveness of laser therapy in wound healing is compelling.

The treatment involves gliding a laser probe around the damaged/painful area. The laser light penetrates the tissues, increasing energy available to cells. This, in turn, improves circulation and the cells’ ability to take on nutrients and oxygen as well as getting rid of waste products. The result is faster healing. 

Laser therapy is a great starting point in the process of rehabilitation as it is well-tolerated by the vast majority of animals we treat. It is non-invasive and drug free. We use a pulsed Class 3b laser which achieves a good penetration depth without causing heating of the tissue. We have both a multi diode and a single probe, allowing us to treat large joints and big areas as well as tricky to reach corners and tiny patients. There is no discomfort for the animal and, in fact, many find it comforting and calming.

It is a very useful alternative if an animal is initially reluctant to receive acupuncture as it can stimulate acupuncture points for pain relief but at a non-invasive level.