Laser Therapy

Laser therapy for pets

We are proud to offer laser therapy for pets with the Companion CTX Laser. Laser therapy is a dose of light energy directed to the target area that penetrates deeply into the tissue. It works to reduce inflammation, decrease pain, and accelerate healing. The treatments are painless and often very relaxing for pets.

Laser therapy can be used on:

  • Dental Procedure Recovery
  • Infections
  • Sprains, Strains, and Fractures
  • Post-Surgical Recovery & Pain Relief
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Inflammation
  • Degenerative Joint Disease
  • Wounds

What is Cold Laser Therapy?​

Cold Laser Therapy (also known as Low-Level Laser Therapy or LLLT) uses light energy to stimulate tissue repair and relieve discomfort without the need for surgery or medication. The therapeutic light penetrates deep into the tissues to promote cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation, and increase circulation, helping your pet recover faster and feel more comfortable.​

Benefits of Cold Laser Therapy:​

  • Pain Relief: Cold laser therapy can help reduce both chronic and acute pain in pets with conditions like arthritis, hip dysplasia, or post-surgical discomfort.​
  • Reduced Inflammation: It helps manage inflammation caused by injury, infection, or conditions like tendonitis.​
  • Faster Healing: The therapy speeds up tissue repair, making it a valuable tool for pets recovering from injuries or surgery.​
  • No Side Effects: As a drug-free option, Cold Laser Therapy is a safe and effective treatment for pets of all ages and sizes.​

How It Works:​

The laser device emits light that is absorbed by cells in the affected areas, stimulating healing processes and improving cellular function. The treatment is gentle, non-invasive, and typically takes only a few minutes, depending on the condition being treated. Most pets feel relaxed during the procedure, and there is no downtime afterward.

Is Cold Laser Therapy Right for Your Pet?​

If your pet is suffering from pain, inflammation, or is recovering from surgery or injury, Cold Laser Therapy might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Our team at Roanoke Animal Hospital is here to assess your pet’s individual needs and develop a personalized treatment plan.

​At-Home Laser Therapy Rental:​

We understand that convenience matters, and that’s why we offer the option to rent a Cold Laser Therapy unit for home use. This allows you to continue your pet’s healing process in the comfort of your home, helping to ensure consistent treatment and improved outcomes. To learn more contact us at 540-384-4624. ​

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Watch the video on this page or contact us today to learn more about how laser therapy can help your pet!

Pet Laser Therapy FAQs

Also known as photobiomodulation therapy, a Class IV Therapeutic treatment heals tissues by the application of red and infared light (980 nm wavelength) over an anatomical area, additionally providing relief for both acute and chronic pain.

The list of uses for the Class IV Therapeutic Laser is endless. Some common, documented clinical uses include:

  • wounds (surgical incisions, abrasions, contaminated wounds, burns, snakebites)
  • dermatological conditions (acral lick dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, eosinophilic granulomas, frostbite, military dermatitis in the feline, panniculitis,
  • pododermatitis, pyoderma, perianal fistulas, hot spots, seborrhea)
  • musculoskeletal disorders (cruciate ligament injury and surgery, tendon injury, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, disk disease, degenerative myelopathy, osteoarthritis, fractures, peripheral nerve injuries, paralysis)
  • oral pathology (stomatitis, oral surgery, periodontal disease); ear disorders (aural hematomas, otitis)
  • urinary tract disorders (feline lower urinary tract disease, cystotomy)
  • respiratory (sinusitis/rhinitis)

Photons stimulate each individual, unhealthy cell in the treated area to revitalize and reactivate its own healing processes through a biochemical cascade of events. Cellular metabolic rates increase as mitchondria are stimulated to increase ATP production. Vasodilation causes an increase in microcirculation. Lymphatic flow increases and swelling is reduced. Nerve cells will have improved regeneration and experience normalization of impulse transmission. There is enhanced leukocyte infiltration and activity. This allows contaminated wounds to heal faster. Scar tissue is stimulated to remodel into normal elastic tissue due to increased production of fibroblasts.

Currently, there are over 3,000 published articles describing various aspects of laser therapy. Current literature is available through WALT, the World Association for Laser Therapy, and NAALT, the North American Association for Laser Therapy. They publish a bimonthly journal of peer-reviewed papers.

Treatment courses vary for acute versus chronic conditions. A very, minor post-surgical or acute injury may improve after a single treatment. However, for more severe, acute and chronic conditions, laser therapy may initially be performed every other day for three to six treatments (until a positive response is seen). Evaluation after the treatment will determine further treatments. For example, therapy may be decreased to twice per week for one week then as needed. The goal is a complete resolution of symptoms and a return to a pain-free quality of life. Your veterinarian will discuss an individualized plan for your pet. Multiple areas can be treated in one session.

Your pet may feel a slight “tingling” sensation or a “warming” sensation in sensitive areas. Pulse and respiratory rates decrease. Most pets enjoy therapy and may relax or fall asleep during treatment.

Very rarely are adverse events noted. Some patients with chronic disease may feel slightly worse 12-24 hours after the first treatment. This is because we are stimulating inactive areas of the body that haven’t been normally functioning for months to years.

Contraindications:

  • Laser therapy should never be used in actively hemorrhaging tissue because it does increase circulation and could further hemorrhagic activity.
  • Lasers cannot be used on the abdominal cavity of pregnant animals. Likewise, lasers should not be used on the testicles of breeding males.
  • Lasers should not be used on unexcised cancerous lesions (especially melanomas and carcinomas) as they could speed the metabolic rates of neoplastic cells.
  • Lasers should not be used on animals that are currently taking photosensitive medications, including but not limited to: tetracycline, acetylzolamide, griseofulvin, and thiabendazole.
  • Lasers cannot be used in any anatomical area that has recently been treated with topical or locally injected corticosteroids.

The primary concern with the Class IV Therapeutic Laser is eye safety. As with any infared light, if the beam is directed through the cornea retinal damage can occur. However, safety precautions are taken for the pet, the pet owner, and the veterinary staff to avoid problems. Each individual present during the treatment period must wear special, safety glasses. If an area near the eye is treated, the eyes of the patient must be covered either with safety glasses or a thick, black felt, protective hood. Interestingly enough, the laser can be used to treat ocular pathology as long as the beam is directed perpendicular and not parallel to the retina. Metallic, reflective jewelry and harness/collar hardware should be removed prior to treatment.

Book an Appointment

If your pet is sick and needs to be seen within the next 48 hours, please call or text our hospital at 540-343-8021 to speak directly to a team member.