Laser Therapy

Reducing pain and promoting healing is one of the top priorities for the medical team at Starkville Veterinary Hospital, and that's why we've invested in a class IV therapeutic laser (also known as K-Laser therapy).

We use K-Laser therapy on our patients following surgery or for those who have an injury, as well as to help manage chronic and acute conditions. K-Laser therapy is a painless, FDA-approved procedure that uses low-level lasers to stimulate the natural healing capabilities of the body's cells. This form of laser therapy is effective at promoting healing on a cellular level, as well as decreasing inflammation after surgery, for an injury, or on areas of the body affected by chronic illnesses such as arthritis, or acute conditions such as otitis. It can also be used to increase joint mobility and relieve the aches and pains common to geriatric pets.

During each treatment, energy from the laser increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. It can also accelerate tissue repair and cell growth, improve circulation and nerve function, reduce scar tissue formation, and help the immune system fend off infection. Laser therapy causes no adverse effects on healthy cells. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved, allowing your pet to quickly return to his or her normal activities.

Laser Therapy is recommended for pets with the following conditions:

Wound healing, including:

• Post-operative surgical incisions
• Contaminated or infected wounds
• Burns
• Snake bites

Skin conditions, including:

• Dermatitis
• Cat bite abscesses
• Eczema
• Ulcerated or non-ulcerated eosinophilic granulomas
• Frostbite
• Panniculitis (subcutaneous inflammation)
• Pododermatitis (inflammation of skin on feet)
• Pyoderma (pus in the skin)
• Seborrhea (dandruff)

Pain caused by musculoskeletal disorders such as:

• Cruciate ligament injury
• Hip dysplasia
• Elbow dysplasia
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Neck pain
• Back pain
• Paralysis
• Loss of motor control
• Osteoarthritis
• Post-operative fracture repair
• Degenerative joint disease

What You and Your Pet Can Expect

Here at Starkville Veterinary Hospital, we find that pets typically do not need to be sedated for laser therapy treatments. In fact, they usually find the experience to be pleasant and comforting. Also, most pets do not need to have their fur clipped. Improvement is sometimes seen after the first treatment, however, most pets require several treatments to achieve maximum benefits. Generally, 4-8 treatments produce the best results. The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet's condition.

If you think your pet may benefit from laser therapy treatments, please schedule an appointment to have your pet evaluated by Dr. Shy so that he may recommend a laser treatment plan specific to your pet's condition.