Question: I have a daschund who has back problems and arthritis. I have heard about laser treatment and saw on your Facebook page that you offer this service – would this possibly help my Patches? I would love to be able to treat her with something besides medications. — Julie
Answer: Many dachshunds have back problems and can have severe recurring pain. Rest and NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help to calm down a mild episode. More severe problems may need steroids and muscle relaxers. Some dogs will have severe herniation of the disc material and need surgery. Occasionally, dogs will become paralyzed.
Laser therapy can be a great addition to your dogs treatment program. Laser therapy works to manage pain, break the inflammatory cycle, improve nerve function and accelerate healing. It also has the ability to alleviate the cause of the pain and inflammation.
The definition of Companion Class IV Laser Therapy is ?the application of red and infrared light over any anatomical area to improve and augment wound/soft tissue healing and provide relief for both acute and chronic pain.? Laser therapy is used to: increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair; provide pain relief; resolve inflammation and improve function of damaged neurological tissue. It is sometimes used as an alternative to needles for acupuncture.
The laser we use is a ?cold? laser, which is different from the laser used in laser surgery. The photons in the laser stimulate each individual cell to revitalize and activate its own healing processes through a biochemical cascade of events. Damaged cells absorb the photons emitted by the laser. When beginning laser therapy, it is important to realize it works best when applied aggressively the first several weeks.
It is not unusual to begin with laser therapy every other day until the initial symptoms have diminished, then reduce the therapy sessions to twice per week until the condition is at least 80 percent improved or more.
Finally, your veterinarian will establish a maintenance therapy program or begin a change in protocol until a final desirable outcome is reached.The laser therapy can also help with Patches? arthritic joints. Laser therapy has been used for post surgical treatment to help wounds heal faster. It is also used for chronic non-healing wounds, ear infections, anal gland abscesses, bladder infections, dermatitis, and sprains and strains.
Dr. Baker
Baker Veterinary Clinic
1801 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406
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