Cat Laser Therapy

Chances are, you’ve heard of laser therapy and the many ways in which it can help humans. But did you know that veterinarians also use laser therapy to treat several conditions and illnesses in cats? Cat laser therapy is a safe and non-invasive treatment option that can help your feline friend enjoy a more comfortable life.

At Baker Ranch Animal Hospital, we understand how important your four-legged family member is to you. That’s why we offer cat laser therapy as one of our veterinary services. In this article, we’ll provide answers to some of the most common questions about cat laser therapy and explain how it can improve your cat’s health and well-being.

What is Cat Laser Therapy, and How is it Used?

Cat laser therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free, drug-free treatment veterinarians use to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and accelerate the healing process in cats. It uses deep-penetrating light to promote a chain of reactions through a process known as photobiomodulation. This process eases pain through the release of endorphins and stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated rate.

The main benefits of cat laser therapy include:

• Reduced swelling and inflammation
• Decreased pain
• Improved blood flow
• Increased metabolism
• Reduced scarring
• Nerve function improvement
• Accelerated wound healing and cell growth

Cat laser therapy is used to treat various ailments, such as ulcerations and open wounds, muscle/ligament/tendon injuries, post-surgical trauma, back pain, neuromuscular disease, acute and chronic ear infections, gingivitis, post-op dental extractions, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease.

How Can Laser Therapy Improve My Cat’s Health and Well-Being?

Laser therapy improves the health and well-being of cats in three primary ways: reducing inflammation, blocking pain signals from being transmitted to the brain, and stimulating endorphin production. Reduced inflammation occurs as the result of vasodilation (opening of blood vessels) and activation of the lymphatic drainage system, which drains swollen areas. This can reduce swelling, thus alleviating pain.

The nerve cells stimulated during laser therapy prevent pain signals from reaching the brain, providing relief and comfort for your cat. Additionally, laser treatments stimulate endorphin production. Endorphins are natural painkilling compounds that provide a feeling of euphoria in cats.

Why is it Important to Avoid Self-Diagnosing Whether My Cat is Experiencing Pain?

Identifying pain in your feline friend is essential in ensuring their well-being and providing timely and appropriate treatment. However, self-diagnosing pain in cats could lead to misinterpretations, improper treatment, and delayed professional intervention, which may worsen the situation. Pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and the signs of pain in cats are often subtle and easy to overlook. In many cases, pet owners mistake pain for normal aging.

Veterinary professionals rely on pain scoring scales and guidelines, clinical observations, and owner communication to assess pain in cats. Physiological changes such as heart rate, blood pressure, and cortisol levels can indicate pain but are also influenced by fear, stress, anesthesia, and pharmacologic interventions. Only a skilled veterinarian can interpret test results and reach an accurate diagnosis.

The risks of self-diagnosing include misinterpretation of symptoms, inappropriate treatment due to lack of medical knowledge, and delayed professional intervention resulting in worsened conditions that hinder recovery. Avoiding self-diagnosing pain in cats is essential due to the challenges in identifying pain and the risks associated with improper treatment. Professional evaluation by a veterinarian is crucial to ensure your cat’s well-being.

What Symptoms or Conditions in My Cat May Be Treatable with Laser Therapy?

Veterinarians use laser therapy to treat several ailments in cats. Some symptoms or conditions that are treatable with laser therapy include: ulcerations and open wounds, muscle/ligament/tendon injuries, post-surgical trauma, back pain, neuromuscular disease, acute and chronic ear infections, gingivitis, arthritis, and degenerative joint disease.

How Long Will it Take for My Cat to Begin Experiencing Relief from Their Symptoms?

The amount of time it takes for cats to experience pain relief from laser therapy varies depending on factors like their condition, the severity of the pain, and their individual response to treatment.

The effects of laser therapy are immediate for some cats, with noticeable pain relief observed during or immediately after the session. However, for other cats, it may take a few sessions before significant pain relief is experienced. Typically, veterinarians recommend a course of laser therapy treatments scheduled over several weeks to achieve the best results. The frequency and duration of the sessions depends on your vet’s recommendations and your cat's response to the treatment.

Is Laser Therapy Capable of Curing My Cat?

Laser therapy is not a cure-all and cannot be used to treat all conditions. Laser therapy works best when combined with other treatments, including medications, exercise, and nutrition. It does not replace traditional medical treatments such as antibiotics or surgery but can be used to complement them. As a result, laser therapy should always be used in conjunction with other methods of treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.

How Many Treatments Might My Cat Require if Laser Therapy is Recommended?

The number of treatments required for a cat depends on the condition and its severity. In many cases, an initial series of treatments is performed more frequently, followed by a maintenance schedule. For instance, treatments for arthritis or degenerative joint disease may initially be carried out two times per week for the first three weeks, followed by one treatment every two to four weeks as maintenance. Other conditions may require different treatment schedules, which your veterinarian will determine.

Could My Cat Experience Any Side Effects from Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy for cats has no known side effects and is considered both safe and effective. It is a painless procedure, and many cats find the warming sensation from the laser treatment pleasant. Laser therapy should only be performed by a qualified professional in order to ensure that it is done correctly and safely.

How Will a Veterinarian Decide Upon Laser Therapy as a Treatment Option for Your Cat?

Your veterinarian will consider several factors before deciding to use laser therapy for your cat, including their medical history, the results of a comprehensive physical examination, diagnosis of specific health conditions, and response to other treatments. If your cat has not responded well to traditional treatment methods or if the condition is severe enough that more aggressive measures are necessary, then laser therapy may be recommended as an alternative option.