Laser Treatment For Dogs

[Her Majesty Dogmad]

Out and about on Saturday, I met a lady who adopted an elderly dog from me in 2009, I visited them earlier this year as this little old dog is still going! She's a Papillon cross and is now very elderly and arthritic - due to the awful life she'd obviously had when I rescued her quite possibly, she was in a shocking state in Renbury Pound.

The owner and I go to the same vet and she told me that recently Laser treatment has been started there. She's been taking Poppy there for treatments on her legs.

I'd never heard of this treatment and wondered if anyone has had tried it? I have a very elderly Maltese who is wobbly on his legs, we've just done the month of Cartrophen injections and it's a few weeks on, he isn't that different and I'd be keen to try something else.

[jemappelle]

It's used a lot on horses and greyhounds so my vet tells me. I have a cat with a back problem and she has had it. My vet said he doesn't know if it works so he didn't charge me. I can't say it made any difference to her.

[Podengo]

Elsie had some laser treatment done when she was seeing the physio. There wasn't a huge shocking change or anything, it was used in conjunction with physio exercises, massage and hydrotherapy... She is over her injury now :)

[Vehs]

It is certainly something to look into and it was surprisingly 'cheap' in my area

[VizslaMomma]

It's rather an interesting treatment.

If warranted I would certainly consider having any dog of mine given a course.

The laser is called a K-laser and is 'cold'. It is supposed to improve the circulation for affected animals.

Below article is a little old. That surgery may not be the only one in Sydney that offers laser.

http://www.vetsandpets.com.au/blog/?p=48

[Loving my Oldies]

I've had dogs in the past who have had both laser and acupuncture. No signs at all of any improvement.

Granted both those experiences are long in the past and methods may have improved and knowledge increased, but I wouldn't be rushing off to have it done.

[sas]

Sure! I don't even seen it as a alternative treatment, it's something that's been used for decades in performance animals.

Many Vets offer Laser, although they're usually the ones who also offer other muscular and skeletal treatments.

In terms of the science behind it, there are plenty of peer reviewed studies on the use of cold lasers in humans and fur animals.

The lasers of yesteryear and today are remarkably different and have more broad range.

If you're looking for a miracle cure or something instant to happen, it's not going to. Lasers are often used on treatment of inflammation and you sometimes need more regular treatment than just once a week and this is why for example Greyhound Trainers and performance horse owners have their own equipment.

I have to have a giggle at the Vet mentioned above who gave a laser treatment and said he didn't know if it works, so clearly not educated on it and doesn't know the dosage/duration to give different conditions.

Edited November 5, 2014 by sas

[Airedaler]

My holistic Vet used laser treatment in conjunction with acupuncture to aid the blood circulation and reduce inflammation.