Is your pet having difficulties going up and down the stairs or jumping onto the couch? What do you do when your dog or cat starts to limp? Just like humans, our pets suffer from all kinds of pain, including arthritis, injury pain and post-surgical pain as well as aches and pains associated with age. Typical treatments for these types of pain include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, various pain medications and supplements, along with physical therapy or even acupuncture treatments. Fortunately, however, advances in laser technology now also allow you to provide your pet with long-term pain relief with no side effects. Therapy lasers have been scientifically proven to be successful in treating post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions.

Click here to read this article in its original magazine format.

What is companion laser therapy?
Laser therapy is a surgery-free, drug-free, non-invasive, alternative treatment to reduce pain and inflammation and accelerate healing. It uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate tissue without doing any damage and most treatments only take a matter of minutes. Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and their condition. Treatments may vary in time, cost and complexity. Laser Therapy can be used to enhance other treatment plans suggested by the veterinarian and can help your pet maintain a level of mobility they may not normally have.

Is laser therapy new?
While the beneficial effects of laser light on tissue were first recognized almost 40 years ago, recent advances in technology and manufacturing have made it possible to have this exciting modality available and affordable for clinicians. Clinical studies and real-world use over several decades have proven that laser therapy alleviates pain and inflammation, reduces swelling and stimulates both nerve and cell regeneration involved in tissue repair. Olympic athletes have enjoyed the benefits of laser therapy for many years.

What’s involved with treating my pet?
The laser light is delivered through a non-invasive handpiece to treat the affected area. Your pet will feel a gentle and soothing warmth. As the laser is administered, many pets will relax, much like you would when experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate. Occasionally, angry cats will start to purr and dogs will fall asleep during their therapy session.

How does it work?
The Companion Therapy Laser system sends photons, or packets of light energy, deep into tissue without damaging it. These photons are absorbed within the mitochondria of the cells and induce a chemical change called “photo-bio-modulation.” This light energy then inspires production of ATP in the cell. ATP is the fuel, or energy, cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at an optimal rate, so increased ATP production leads to healthier cells, healthier tissues and healthier animals.

What can be treated with laser therapy?
If your pet is feeling pain, has inflammation or has sustained a wound, the laser is a sterile, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment. The laser is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, numerous dermatological problems and pain. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, the laser has been shown to provide relief and speed healing.

Acute Conditions:
•    Wounds
•    Allergies
•    Infections
•    Cuts/bites
•    Inflammations
•    Tooth extraction pain relief
•    Sprains and strains
•    Post surgical healing

Chronic Conditions:
•    Degenerative joint disease
•    Inflammatory bowel disease
•    Periodontal disease
•    Lick granulomas
•    Geriatric care
•    Hip dysplasia
•    Feline acne
•    Tendonitis
•    Arthritis

When can I expect to see an improvement?
You may see relief in your pet in the first treatment or so as pain and inflammation are reduced. For example: better mobility for joint conditions, drying and healing of dermatological issues, faster healing for wounds and incisions, or your pet just seeming more relaxed and comfortable. For some conditions, a series of treatments may be necessary before you see results due to the severity or complexity of the condition.  Each pet is different, and treatments are unique for your pet’s specific needs.

About the Experts
Dr. Todd Prince and his partners, Dr. Sandra Faeh and Dr. Tom Staudacher, also known as “The Pet Experts,” have four convenient locations to serve you and your pets. They take the commitment you make to your pet seriously and are dedicated to treating every animal that comes through their doors with the same care, compassion and expertise they would give their own pets. Their mission is to provide dogs, cats, pocket pets, birds and reptiles with the most advanced, comprehensive veterinary care available.

These experienced veterinarians pride themselves on providing state-of-the-art care and have found that the therapeutic laser has an added advantage because there are none of the potentially dangerous side effects associated with medication. Their clinics have overnight staffing and on-call veterinarians, and that means you can call them in the middle of the night to determine if your pet needs immediate care or can be treated the next day. From veterinary surgery and preventive pet care to doggy daycare services and grooming, you can expect the best from The Pet Experts!

Stop in to any of their four locations and ask about the many benefits of Companion Laser Therapy for your pet:

Elmhurst Animal Care Center
850 S. Riverside Drive, Elmhurst, IL 60126
630-530-1900
elmhurstanimalcarecenter.com

Naperville Animal Hospital
1023 E. Ogden Avenue, Naperville, IL 60563
630-355-5300
napervilleanimalhospital.com

Springbrook Animal Care Center
2759 Forgue Drive, Naperville, IL 60564
630-428-0500
springbrookanimalcarecenter.com

Wheaton Animal Hospital
266 Roosevelt Road, Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630-665-1500
wheatonanimalhospital.com

Photo courtesy of Companion Laser Therapy and Springbrook Animal Care Center.