Hey fellow senior dog lovers! Dr. Megan here, ready to tackle those burning questions you have about keeping our golden oldies thriving.
As our dogs age, we all want to ensure they enjoy their senior years with comfort and joy- and retain the ability to do the basic everyday tasks of life like sitting/standing up, climbing stairs and going for long walks.
I generally get a lot of questions about photobiomodulation, including laser therapy, and rightfully so! It’s a fantastic tool in our arsenal for empowering senior dogs to live their best lives. So, I wanted to share with you the most common questions I hear, and shed some light on this amazing therapy.
Historical Context and Terminology:
It’s important to note that the term “photobiomodulation” is now favored by researchers and practitioners over terms like low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or cold laser, as it encompasses other light sources like LEDs and broad spectrum light.
However, many pet owners are more familiar with the term “cold laser therapy,” so we’ll use both terms for clarity. This should not be confused with a heating photobiomodulation device (some Class 4 lasers) as these have more penetrating wavelengths and do create heat, which can cause tissue damage if used inappropriately.
“Does photobiomodulation really work?”
This is the big one, right? You want to know if photobiomodulation is more than just a fancy light show. The good news is, yes, it does work! Scientific studies have shown that photobiomodulation can effectively reduce pain and inflammation, promote tissue healing, and improve mobility. The light energy interacts with cells, specifically the mitochondria (the cell’s powerhouses), promoting processes like increased ATP production, reduced inflammation, and enhanced cell regeneration. Think of it as giving your dog’s cells a little boost!
- It reduces inflammation.
- It stimulates cellular repair.
- It increases ATP production.
- It enhances cell regeneration.
- It decreases pain.
“Is photobiomodulation safe?”
Absolutely. Photobiomodulation, when performed correctly, is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment with minimal side effects. It uses low-level light, so there’s no risk of burns or tissue damage, as long as it is a non-heating device. Of course, as with any treatment, it’s essential to work with a qualified professional who understands the proper protocols and safety measures.
- Non-invasive, the hand set only touches the hair and skin of your pet.
- Drug-free.
- Minimal side effects (when used correctly).
“What conditions can photobiomodulation treat?”
Photobiomodulation is incredibly versatile and can address a wide range of conditions common in senior dogs, including:
- Arthritis and joint pain: It’s fantastic for reducing inflammation and improving mobility.
- Muscle strains and injuries: It speeds up the healing process.
- Wound healing: It promotes tissue regeneration and reduces scarring.
- Skin conditions: It can help with hot spots, chronic wounds and skin irritations.
- Post-surgical pain and swelling: It can help to get them to heal and be back to their normal routine faster.
“What are the benefits compared to other treatments?”
This is where photobiomodulation really shines. Compared to traditional medications, it’s drug-free, meaning no worries about potential side effects on the liver or kidneys. Unlike surgery, it’s non-invasive and requires no downtime. It’s also a great complement to other therapies, such as physical therapy and acupuncture.
- Drug-free so you do not have to worry about taxing your pet’s organs or drug interactions
- Non-invasive.
- Complements other therapies.
“What does the treatment involve?”
The treatment itself is quite simple and painless. Your dog will typically lie down or sit comfortably while the device is held over the affected area. Most dogs find it relaxing, and some even fall asleep! The length of the session depends on the size of the area being treated, but it usually ranges from a few minutes to half an hour.
- Painless and relaxing, often the pets will fall asleep during their treatments, if you are treating multiple areas, and what strength the laser is.
- Short sessions, generally around 5-20min, depending on what area is being treated.
- Comfortable for pets, they generally feel either the light massage of the hand set or a mild warm of the heating lasers.
“How many sessions are needed?”
The number of sessions varies depending on the condition being treated and your dog’s individual response. Typically, for a chronic condition like dermatitis a series of treatments is recommended, followed by maintenance sessions as needed. For issues like a surgical site, just one or two sessions may be needed. Your veterinary rehabilitation therapist will create a personalized treatment plan for your dog.
- Varies by condition. A surgical incision like a spay site may only need one treatment, however chronic arthritis of the hips requires a initial pain relief plan and then maintenence, usually monthly, to help keep the arthritic pain at bay.
- Series of treatments recommended. A sample treatment may look like twice weekly for a few weeks, then weekly for a few weeks, then every other week, then monthly
- Maintenance sessions may be needed for some conditions like chronic allergies, arthritis, neural pain.
“How quickly will I see results?”
Many pet owners notice a difference after just a few sessions. However, it can take several weeks to see the full benefits. It’s important to be patient and consistent with the treatment plan.
- Some see results quickly.
- Full benefits may take weeks.
- Consistency is key.
“Can it be used alongside other treatments?”
Absolutely! Photobiomodulation works beautifully in conjunction with other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and acupuncture. In fact, combining therapies often leads to even better results. Always consult with your veterinarian or rehabilitation therapist to ensure a safe and effective treatment plan.
- Works well with other therapies. THis modality is excellent with physical exercises, acupuncture, PEMF beds and other treatments
- Enhances overall results.
- Consult with your vet. THey may offer this in-house, or they may be ale to refer you to someone who offers it.
“What will my pet feel during the treatment?”
Most pets feel nothing at all during the treatment. Some may feel a gentle warmth, but it’s generally a very comfortable experience. It’s definitely not painful.
- Generally feels nothing.
- May feel gentle warmth.
- Not painful.
“How much does it cost?”
The cost of photobiomodulation varies depending on the clinic, the size and number of the areas being treated, the chronicity of the condition, and the number of sessions required. It’s best to contact your local veterinary rehabilitation clinic for a personalized quote. While cost is a factor, consider it an investment in your dog’s comfort and quality of life.
- Varies from vet clinic to vet clinic
- Depends on the treatment area and condition treated
- Ex/ arthritis of the hips will take more sessions than treating a surgery site since the arthritis will be a life-long condition and will need maintenance sessions to keep up the pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Contact your clinic for a quote.
- Invest in your dog’s comfort.
“Where can I find a qualified practitioner?”
Look for a veterinarian or veterinary rehabilitation therapist who offers photobiomodulation. They should have experience treating senior dogs and be able to answer all of your questions. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from your veterinarian or other pet owners.
- Seek certified practitioners. Many veterinary clinic will state right on their webpage that they offer this service with trained technicians
- Ask for recommendations. If your clinic does not have this, you can always ask if they can give you suggestions of where to go to find it.
“Can I perform photobiomodulation at home?”
While home devices are available, they are generally lower in strength and utilize lower wavelengths than the commercially available devices used in veterinary clinics. This means they may not penetrate deeply enough to effectively treat the targeted conditions. Furthermore, without proper training, you risk accidentally injuring your or your pet’s eyes, as the light frequency can be damaging to the retina. It is best to leave photobiomodulation to the professionals.
- Professional treatment is recommended. Training is needed to know how much to dose and where to give the treatment.
- Home devices are lower strength. The home device sold are often Class 1 or 2 laser, which are weak and may. not work to accomplish what is needed.
- Risk of eye injury, thyroid damage and other injuries without training.
“What should photobiomodulation NOT be used for?”
While photobiomodulation is generally safe, there are some contraindications:
- It should not be used on areas with open growth plates.
- It should not be applied directly to the thyroid gland.
- It should not be used directly on/near the eyes.
- It should not be applied directly to the testicles.
- It should not be used directly on a cancerous mass or area, except in hospice care where the goal is to provide comfort. Photobiomodulation increases blood flow, which can stimulate and feed tumor growth.
Ultimately, we all want to see our senior dogs thriving. Photobiomodulation is a powerful tool that can help us achieve that goal. By understanding the benefits and addressing your concerns, you can make an informed decision about whether it’s right for your furry friend. Here at Vital Pets Wellness, we’re all about empowering senior dogs to live their best lives, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
References
- American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Laser Therapy. Retrieved from https://www.ahvma.org/
- Veterinary Laser Association. (n.d.) About Laser Therapy
. Retrieved from https://veterinarylaser.org/