When a pet is uncomfortable, simple activities such as getting up, walking, playing, or resting can become difficult. At Jog Lantana Animal Clinic, laser therapy is one of the supportive options Dr. Miriam Delbene may recommend as part of an individualized care plan.
Therapeutic laser treatment, also called photobiomodulation, delivers light to a targeted area without an incision. It may help some patients with pain and inflammation, but it is not a cure for the underlying condition and does not replace an examination, medication, surgery, or other treatment when those are needed.
When Might Laser Therapy Be Recommended?
After evaluating your pet, Dr. Delbene may consider laser therapy as an addition to care for concerns such as:
- Arthritis or other conditions affecting comfort and mobility
- Selected muscle or soft-tissue injuries
- Recovery after certain procedures or injuries
- Selected wounds or areas of tissue inflammation, when appropriate
Whether laser therapy is suitable depends on the diagnosis, the area being treated, your pet’s overall health, and the other treatments in their plan. A painful pet may first need diagnostic testing or more immediate treatment to identify and address the cause.
What Happens During a Session?
A member of our team applies a handheld device to or near the area selected for treatment. Sessions are generally brief, although the time and number of treatments vary with the patient and the condition. Many pets tolerate the procedure comfortably while being gently held or positioned.
We use appropriate precautions during treatment, including protection for the eyes. Our team will explain what to expect for your pet and let you know if there is a reason laser therapy should not be used on a particular area.
Is One Treatment Enough?
Not always. Some conditions may call for a series of sessions, while others require ongoing management and reassessment. Improvement, when it occurs, varies from pet to pet; we will not promise immediate relief or a particular result.
Dr. Delbene will consider your pet’s comfort, mobility, and response over time. If the expected improvement is not occurring, we will revisit the diagnosis and discuss whether the treatment plan should change.
One Part of a Complete Care Plan
For a pet with arthritis, for example, laser therapy may be considered alongside appropriate pain management, weight management, activity adjustments, and other supportive care. For an injured or recovering patient, the priority is to understand the problem and provide the medical or surgical care it requires. The laser is an additional tool—not a substitute for that care.
Our goal is to recommend treatments for a clear reason, explain the realistic benefits and limitations, and help you make informed decisions for your pet.
Let’s Talk About Your Pet’s Comfort
If your dog or cat is limping, slowing down, having difficulty getting up, or recovering from an injury or procedure, schedule an evaluation. We can determine what may be causing the discomfort and whether laser therapy belongs in their care plan.
You may also call us at (561) 964-3144.
Healing Hands & Caring Hearts for Your Pets. It’s Our Promise to You!