Would Your Cat Benefit from Laser Therapy?

The beneficial effects of laser light on tissue was was first recognized almost 40 years ago. Since then, there have been thousands of studies documenting the positive effects laser light has on different types of cells, tissue and disorders.

A therapy laser works by sending photons or “packets of light energy” deep into tissue without damaging it. The photons are absorbed within the mitochondria of the cells and induce a chemical change called “photo-biomodulation”. The light energy then inspires the production of ATP in the cell. ATP is the fuel or energy the cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at an optimal rate. Increased ATP production leads to healthier cells and healthier tissue. The laser light stimulates fibroblast development in injured tissue. Fibroblasts are the building blocks of collagen which is the essential protein required to replace old tissue or repair tissue injuries. As a result, laser therapy promotes all types of wound healing.

Laser Therapy has an anti-inflammatory effect as it causes blood vessels to dilate, and also activates the lymphatic drainage system which drains swollen areas. The laser procedure is also an analgesic as it has a beneficial effect on nerve cells by blocking pain transmitted by these cells to the brain which decreases nerve sensitivity.

Another pain blocking mechanism involves the production of high levels of our natural pain killing chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalin from the brain and adrenal glands.

Laser light will significantly increases the formation of new capillaries which speeds up the healing process as well as increasing blood circulation to damaged tissue, whether it be from a surgery or wound.

A cat receives laser light through a small hand-held probe. It is completely non-invasive. No trimming of hair and there are no known side effects. A cat will often become relaxed and even purr like they are receiving a nice massage. The infrared wavelengths create a warm sensation in your cat’s body at the precise location requiring treatment.

Laser therapy is such a great option for cats as they are so sensitive to medicines and don’t have the same options as dogs when it comes to pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications. Cats that have a joint injury or arthritis, for example, can get fantastic results from laser therapy.

Here are just a few of the conditions that can be treated with a therapy laser. Treatment time and number of treatments needed will be based on each individual cat’s condition and body size.

• Back pain
• Wounds and ulcerations
• Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
• Arthritis
• Sprains and strains
• Many dermatological issues and hot spots
• Post surgery and soft tissue trauma
• Acute and chronic ear infections
• Gingivitis and Stomatitis
• Cystitis and many more conditions

If your cat is displaying pain, has inflammation, or a wound, the laser is a sterile pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment. Whether your kitty is rehabilitating from and injury or illness, healing from wounds or simply aging, the laser has shown to provide relief and speed healing. Call Cat’s Meow Veterinary Hospital to schedule a consultation and start your kitty on a path to an enhanced quality of life.