Blue Cross Animal Hospital is pleased to offer therapeutic laser treatment for acute (injury, surgical or dental) and chronic (arthritis) pain relief. A hand piece emitting a laser beam of a specific wavelength is passed over the skin of the affected body part for a set number of minutes. The light penetrates to cells helping them to heal. It also stimulates blood supply, affects nerve fibres that are causing pain and decreases inflammation. It is not only completely painless, many pets find it pleasurable.
We are using the laser for all post operative cases to decrease pain and speed wound healing. We also recommend it for badly infected ears which can be very painful. By decreasing the pain and swelling we can make applying ear drops less uncomfortable for the pet.
Our best use of the laser is on arthritic pets. Cats and dogs whose activities have become restricted by pain are getting more out of life after laser treatment. We start with six treatments over three weeks then re-assess the progress. After the initial sessions we recommend regular single treatments every two to three to four weeks depending on how the pet is doing. All of these treatments are done on an out-patient basis and the owner can be with their pet during treatment.
Several of our staff members have become certified in using the therapeutic laser and will be happy to answer your questions.