Laser therapy has shown great promise in veterinary medicine by reducing pain, speeding up tissue repair, promoting wound healing, and improving nerve function and vascular activity. Today, our veterinarians in Marina del Rey discuss the benefits of laser therapy for pets when it comes to incision healing post-surgery.
What is laser therapy for pets?
Laser therapy is a non-invasive medical treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity and promote healing. This therapeutic technique has become popular in veterinary medicine due to its effectiveness in treating various conditions in pets, especially when it comes to post-surgical recovery, wound healing, and pain management.
The Benefits of Laser Therapy for Wound Healing
Laser therapy is increasingly common in veterinary medicine and has numerous benefits for surgical wound healing in dogs. These include:
Pain Reduction
One of the immediate benefits of post-op laser therapy for dogs and cats is its ability to reduce pain. Laser therapy works by emitting specific wavelengths of light that penetrate the skin and tissues. This light interacts with cells, enhancing their metabolic activity (improving cell function and overall tissue health) and promoting the release of endorphins, which are natural painkillers. As a result, pets experience a significant reduction in pain and discomfort, which is particularly beneficial after surgeries such as spaying or neutering other invasive procedures.Accelerated Tissue Repair
Laser therapy for pets after surgery can speed up the tissue repair process. The laser light stimulates cellular activity and promotes the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is the energy currency of cells. This increase in cellular energy can enhance the regeneration of damaged tissues, leading to faster healing of surgical incisions. For pet owners, this means less time worrying about their furry friend’s recovery and more time enjoying their companionship.
Enhanced Wound Healing
Using laser treatment after spaying or neutering or other surgical procedures can greatly improve wound healing. Laser therapy enhances blood circulation and oxygen supply to the affected area, which are crucial factors in the healing process. The improved circulation not only delivers more nutrients and oxygen to the wound, but also helps in removing waste products such as carbon dioxide, urea, and lactic acid. By removing these waste products, the body can reduce inflammation, leading to faster and more efficient healing.
Improved Nerve Function
Laser therapy promotes and improves nerve function. Surgical procedures can occasionally lead to temporary nerve damage or inflammation, which can cause pain and discomfort. Laser therapy helps reduce inflammation and stimulate nerve regeneration, restoring normal function and reducing the likelihood of chronic pain issues.
Boosted Vascular Activity
Laser therapy for wound healing also positively impacts vascular activity. The treatment induces vasodilation, which widens blood vessels. This process enhances blood flow to the healing tissues, providing them with essential nutrients and oxygen. Improved vascular activity ensures the surgical site receives ample blood supply, which is crucial for optimal healing and recovery.
Does laser therapy hurt?
When a veterinarian administers the laser treatment, your dog or cat shouldn't feel any pain. The movement of the laser wand back and forth over injured tissue often creates a pleasant sensation that dogs typically find soothing, similar to the calming effect of being gently petted by their owners.
The only risk associated with this treatment is the laser beam directly hitting the eye, which can cause permanent damage to both canine and human retinas. To prevent this, your dog and the staff in the room will wear protective eye gear.
How does laser therapy help my pet post-operation?
Not only is laser therapy used to help with pain management and to speed up the healing of an injury such as a broken bone, but it can also be used on the incision left behind by any surgery. Through the methods listed above, cold laser therapy will help an incision heal faster, and the faster an incision heals, the less likely your dog or cat is to rip it back open, irritate it, or develop an infection.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.