Arthritis is far too commonly over looked in aging pets, especially dogs. Just as with humans, arthritis can be debilitating in pets and cause them to look old before their time. It’s a significant cause of poor quality of life at a time when our pets need all their faculties to cope with aging.
Unfortunately, many animals are stoic and hide symptoms of arthritis until the disease is well entrenched. Fortunately, there are many new and promising treatments for arthritis in animals. In our never-ending search for natural ways to treat the disease, our clinic has added a new dimension to this treatment protocol that does not involve drugs: laser therapy.
Laser treatment works through photonic absorption. Laser light energy converts into chemical energy, which initiates a cascade of events at a cellular level. Laser light energy promotes healing in many conditions because it penetrates the skin, increases production of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), a compound of critical importance for storage of cellular energy, and activates enzymes in the targeted cells.
Laser treatment has indications as follows:
- Growth factor response within the cells and tissue as a result of increased ATP and protein synthesis
- Improved cell proliferation
- Pain relief as a result of increased endorphin release
- Strengthening the immune system response via increasing levels of lymphocyte activity, which is fundamental to the immune system
In most cases, after the application of the first treatment of photonic stimulation, the swelling and pain are reduced within the arthritic joint. Continued therapy sessions have a cumulative effect on the target tissues and initiate a healing process. Chronic disorders can be managed with an initial treatment protocol followed by a maintenance program tailored to each animal’s case.
Arrows point to arthritis in the spine of a dog
Typical results may include:
- Restoration of post-surgery mobility
- Improved function and quality of movement after an injury
- Management of acute and chronic pain
- Improved quality of life for geriatric and arthritic patients
- Increase of strength, range of motion, endurance and performance
- Reduction of pain, swelling and complications
Laser treatment is commonly used in conjunction with vertebral nerve activity to help alleviate the pain and inflammation that is associated with arthritis. It is also used post-operatively for the control of pain and inflammation. As part of any balanced medical approach, these treatment modalities are used with judicious amounts of medication to give a suffering dog or cat a new lease on life.
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