Laser Therapy Making a Difference

Since implementing the use of laser therapy, TVV Decatur has continued to see many  positive results from this non-invasive, painless, and side-effect free treatment for cats and dogs.  It has proven to be most effective in healing post-surgical incisions, open wounds, as well as reducing pain and inflammation caused by arthritis and other pain-inducing conditions.  In short – and most importantly – it is successfully improving the quality of life for many cats and dogs.

A friend and TVV client, Ken Meltzer, was eager to share the story of his much-loved pup, Calvin, and the tranformation that has taken place in his life since laser therapy…

Our Calvin got off to a very tough start in life.  As a stray, he was hit by a car, and lost his left front leg.  Complications from the surgery also led to severe atrophy in his right rear leg.  Still, Calvin has a big heart, and has been a beloved family member for almost ten years.

In recent years, Calvin was having increasing mobility problems.  We decided to try laser therapy at The Village Vets, conducted by Rosemary Seymour, RVT.  Even if Calvin didn’t get any better from the therapy, the regular therapy visits would be worth it because Calvin is absolutely in love with Rosemary!  But thankfully we have seen a huge improvement since Calvin began his laser therapy.  He has gained muscle mass in his atrophied leg and has much more stamina for walking and for play.  That’s a good thing, because Calvin now has a rapidly-growing 6-month-old hound mix for a sister and she expects him to be ready for action.

Calvin, my wife Carolyn, and I are grateful to The Village Vets and Rosemary for greatly improving our little buddy’s quality of life.  Thank you Rosemary and The Village Vets!  – Ken Meltzer

Dogs aren’t the only ones benefitting from laser therapy treatments at TVV – a cat was presented with stomatitis – an inflammatory process affecting the mucous membranes of the mouth – causing obsessive face rubbing. After just a few treatments of laser therapy the obsessive rubbing has stopped and is now a much happier kitty.  Another client whose dog suffers from cervical disc disease and had been in severe pain – after only 3 laser sessions is now pain-free and a “whole new” doggie – according to the much relieved pet owner.

Rosemary Seymour (pictured right), a registered veterinary technician at TVV Decatur performs laser therapy on our veterinarians’ recommended patients.  Below she has answered the what, when, and how of laser therapy :

  • What is laser therapyLaser therapy is a FDA-cleared model of therapy that uses light energy to help reduce tissue inflammation and promote wound healing. Laser therapy is safe, painless, and can have fast results. Laser therapy can be used in conjunction with medications to help maximize effectiveness.
  • How does laser therapy work?  During treatment, photons, or packets of light energy, are sent safely deep into the tissue with the laser beam.  An interaction between cells and photons takes place, thus a photochemical reaction. Photons from the laser affect the tissue at the cellular level, altering cell membrane permeability and is absorbed in the mitochondria of the cell creating physilogical changes such as:
    • Rapid cell growth. The laser accelerates cellular reproduction and growth.
    • Faster wound healing. The laser stimulates fibroblast development in damaged tissue and the recovery time from a wound or surgery is reduced.
    • Increased metabolic activity. Helps the body increase output of specific enzymes, greater oxygen to blood cells and more effective immune response are induced by laser.
    • Anti-inflammatory action. The laser reduces swelling caused by bruising or inflammation of joints to give improved joint mobility.
  • When is it used?

Wounds
Sprains, strains, and fractures
Post-Surgical Healing/Pain relief
Hot Spots
Arthritis
Hip Dysplasia
Lick Granulomas
Tendonitis
Stomatitis

  • How often is it needed?  It depends on why the pet needs laser therapy. Most treatments last for 5 minutes or less for each area treated. Treatments to deeper tissues are administered in 5-10 minute increments. Typically, even chronic patients exhibit improvement after 3 to 5 sessions.

Sessions usually start out every day for the first 2-3 sessions, then go to bi-weekly, then once weekly. If an animal does well with therapy and seems to be improving, then a monthly maintenance session is recommended.  For most wounds and acute issues, maintenance sessions are not needed. It depends on the severity of the condition as to how many sessions are warranted.  Despite short treatment times, laser therapy treatments initiate a healing process that continues to actively reduce inflammation for up to 24 hours after treatment.

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About The Village Vets

The Village Vets is a network of animal hospitals based in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding area. We offer honest, excellent service to our clients in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To learn more about our locations and how we can better serve you and your pet, click the button below.

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Recent Posts

dog-covered-in-blanket-with-coffee-mug-between-front-paws

Can Dogs Get Colds?

cat-wrapped-in-blanket-laying-on-couch-surrounded-by-medicine

Is it Normal for My Cat to Keep Sneezing?

vet-listening-to-dog-with-stethoscope-at-clinic

Dog Coughing: Causes, How To Help Your Pet and When to Call the Vet

About The Village Vets

The Village Vets is a network of animal hospitals based in Atlanta, GA and the surrounding area. We offer honest, excellent service to our clients in a comfortable, friendly atmosphere. To learn more about our locations and how we can better serve you and your pet, click the button below.