What Is Class IV Laser Therapy For Cats?

At our hospitals, we are always seeking exceptional ways to care for your cat. Medicine and technology are constantly advancing and we embrace staying at the forefront of the best medical and surgical care. We are proud to offer Class IV laser therapy (photobiomodulation) for cats at our veterinary hospitals.

Veterinary cold laser therapy provides:

  • Non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, and drug-free treatment for a variety of conditions
  • Can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols
  • Class IV cold laser treatment for cats employs deep-penetrating wavelengths to promote a chain of chemical reactions known as photobiomodulation
  • This process helps relieve pain and heal wounds more rapidly through the release of endorphins, and it stimulates injured cells to heal at an accelerated pace
  • The faster your cat heals, the better he or she feels!

How Do Class IV Therapeutic Lasers Provide Pain Relief For Cats?

Class IV laser treatments provide pain relief and healing for cats in three ways. First, they activate mitochondria to reduce inflammation through vasodilation, increase new cell production and further activate the lymphatic drainage system to reduce swelling. Second, they stimulate the nerve cells that block pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. And third, they stimulate the production of high levels of endorphins, natural opioids, which are painkilling compounds produced by cats.

What Are The Other Benefits Of Veterinary Laser Therapy?

Besides pain relief, other important benefits of veterinary laser therapy include:

  • Increased metabolic activity
  • Improved nerve function
  • Reduced fibrous tissue formation
  • Faster wound healing
  • Accelerated tissue repair and cell growth

What Health Conditions Can Be Treated With Class IV Cold Laser Therapy?

Laser therapy for cats can be used to treat a multitude of ailments, including:

  • Ulcerations and open wounds
  • Muscle, ligament and tendon injuries
  • Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma
  • Back pain
  • Neuromuscular disease
  • Acute and chronic ear Infections
  • Gingivitis and post-operative dental extractions
  • Arthritis
  • Degenerative joint disease

Many of our veterinary laser therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Your cat may benefit from laser therapy if he or she is experiencing pain, discomfort, or displaying any of the following signs:

  • A decrease in normal activity
  • Decreased desire to jump up on surfaces
  • Slow to get up
  • Cries or moves away from petting
  • Does not want to be picked up and handled as usual
  • Limping
  • A decrease in grooming habits

How Long Does A Cat Laser Therapy Treatment Take?

The length of treatment varies depending on the condition and severity of the problem, but most are approximately 3-8 minutes. We utilize laser therapy on every incision post operatively to aid in the pain management and healing. This is general a one-time treatment situation much like wound care of ulcerations or infections. However, with more chronic of severe pain, your cat will require a series of treatments.

Our veterinarians tailor the length of the series based upon the condition and the response. For example, for chronic low back pain, we may recommend 6 weekly treatments with monthly maintenance sessions thereafter, but some chronic conditions such as arthritis may require ongoing treatments. If your cat has responded well to the laser, we may be able to keep the pain under control with monthly treatments.

Laser therapy treatments for cats are cumulative, so each additional treatment facilitates a greater improvement in your cat's condition. One of our veterinarians would be happy to help discuss a laser treatment schedule based on your cat's needs.

Are There Any Side Effects Associated With Laser Treatment For Cats?

Laser therapy for cats has no known side effects and is considered both safe and effective across the veterinary industry.

Schedule A Laser Therapy Appointment For Your Cat

Scheduling an appointment for cat laser therapy is as easy as picking up the telephone, sending us an inquiry, or visiting our veterinary hospital in person. Our knowledgeable, compassionate veterinary team can help answer any questions you have about the many benefits your favorite cat could reap from laser therapy.