Acupuncture & Laser Therapy
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is a painless FDA approved medical 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, injury or 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, the 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. In addition, it can 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 your pet's injured area heals, function is restored and pain is relieved, allowing your pet to quickly return to his or her normal activities.
What Conditions Does Laser Therapy Treat?
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:
- 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
Pets typically do not need to be sedated for laser therapy treatments and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting. Improvement is sometimes seen after the first treatment; however, the length and frequency of treatment varies with your pet's condition. Your veterinarian at South Creek Animal Hospital will recommend a laser treatment plan specific to your pets condition.
Acupuncture
South Creek Animal Hospital recognizes that there are a number of noninvasive, alternative therapies that can have profoundly beneficial effects on your pet’s health and well-being. In particular, acupuncture has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of traditional therapies as well as provide relief to a number of chronic conditions. For example, acupuncture is particularly useful for treating musculoskeletal pain associated with hip dysplasia, arthritis, and over-exertion, among others.
How it Works
Acupuncture is an effective means of stimulating the body’s own natural healing process. By inserting needles into the skin at strategic points, certain natural chemicals such as endorphins, hormones, and enzymes are released into the body. Once released, these healing constituents help relieve pain and inflammation, increase blood circulation, ease muscle spasms, and stimulate organs to work more effectively.