Erase Your Pet’s Pain with Laser Therapy

by Dr. Courtney Belden, Central Virginia Veterinary & Acupuncture

Cold-laser therapy. It may sound a little quirky, but the science behind it is actually not much different from the laser pointer pens. For veterinarians, the laser utilizes light energy to stimulate cells, which leads to:

• Increased healing
• Improved circulation
• Local pain relief
• Decreased inflammation

The wide range of applications for laser therapy are growing and are still new to most. The treatment process is safe, non-invasive and can be used in conjunction with most other treatments and medications.

Laser therapy is most commonly used for arthritis, soft tissue injury, post-operative healing, wound management and many more acute and chronic conditions. It can even be used for acupuncture by replacing the traditional needles with the light energy from the laser.

Laser therapy is used in cancer patients to provide palliative care. Because laser therapy is such a great pain reliever and is non-invasive, it can be very useful in cases where all other options have been exhausted and palliative care is needed. This type of treatment should only be used with the express consent of the treating veterinarian as the effects on cancer cells have not yet been determined.

Please be sure to discuss any and all treatments with your veterinarian.

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month! 

For the month of November, FETCH a Cure has partnered with local retailers, restaurants and businesses to help raise funds and awareness for pet cancer! We will keep you up to date on events, ways to help, support group and information sharing and updates on Companions in Crisis pets who are undergoing treatment. Visit http://fetchacure.org/event/spots-pet-cancer-awareness-month/ for more information  and how you can get involved and help raise awareness and funds for pet cancer.