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Tsawwassen Animal Hospital

Alternative Therapy

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a surgery-free, drug-free, noninvasive treatment to reduce pain, inflammation, and speed the healing process. Veterinary laser therapy has been scientifically proven to help treat post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions.

Laser therapy uses a beam of light to deeply penetrate tissue, absorbing into the cell without damaging it and inducing a response called “photo-bio-modulation,” which helps reduce pain. While treating the affected area, the laser light generates a feeling of gentle and soothing warmth. Therapy lasers are primarily used to reduce swelling, pain, and speed the healing process. These mechanisms allow us to successfully treat a wide range of conditions non-invasively and without drugs. Studies indicate that laser-treated wounds heal 30-50% faster than the typical required healing time. Just a single laser treatment can reduce swelling and speed up the healing process post-surgery. Skin wounds, abrasions, bite injuries, dermatitis, and burns all respond well to laser therapy as well. Our laser therapy uses a more modern and high-powered therapeutic laser that can deliver adequate dosages of laser energy (photons) painlessly and efficiently to deeper tissues. This laser is extremely beneficial in treating chronic conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, back disease or injury, and degenerative joint diseases. This is a great therapy option for geriatric patients who suffer from one or more of these chronic painful conditions, as well as the aches and pains that come naturally with aging. There are many reports of pets returning to normal, or almost normal function after laser therapy. More chronic and severe cases may require multiple treatment sessions to fully benefit. Laser therapy can be useful for your pet in a number of ways. The following are common clinical conditions where veterinary laser therapy may be used as treatment.

  • Musculoskeletal pain

  • Immunoregulation Traumatic wound healing

  • Surgical wound healing

  • Increasing the metabolism of specific tissues Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition, varying in time, complexity, and cost. Laser therapy can also be used to enhance other treatment plans we recommend. Fortunately, laser therapy can be administered without touching the painful area, providing immediate pain relief and edema control to sensitive tissues. We also use therapeutic lasers to stimulate muscle and acupuncture points painlessly and without needles so your pet is as comfortable as possible. With advanced equipment and progressive methodology, we are committed to providing the best possible laser therapy pet care for your furry friend. Every test, decision, and treatment is customized to the specific needs of your pet so that they can manage their condition or recovery and live out their happy, healthy life.

Acupuncture

At a glance, acupuncture therapy may seem like an unnecessary way to spoil your pets. However, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, there are proven positive effects that can enhance your pet’s quality of life. Acupuncture is a pain-free form of treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to stimulate healing. This treatment should be considered if your pet is suffering from conditions causing pain and inflammation.

Acupuncture therapy can help in treating, and potentially diagnosing, a variety of ailments and diseases. This relaxing treatment for your pet improves tissue blood flow, oxygenation and removes metabolic waste and toxins. Additionally, acupuncture therapy lacks many of the negative side effects that prescription medication has on your pet’s internal organs. This means that it can be safely used alongside other mediums of treating pet illness.

Veterinary acupuncture can be incredibly useful in treating a variety of conditions, particularly those that involve inflammation and pain. This treatment should be considered if your pet is suffering from pain or inflammation caused by: arthritis, cancer, metabolic disease, traumatic nerve injury, degenerative joint disease, asthma, and many other conditions. Please contact us to determine if acupuncture therapy is the right choice for your pet.

Veterinary acupuncture has been used for decades on both exotic and domestic animals as a type of therapy treatment. It stimulates specific points of the body that alter various physiological and biochemical conditions, and assist in the body’s effort to heal itself. Acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of hormones.

It is important to note that acupuncture does not necessarily cure conditions—it restores energy flow, aiding in improved or cured health conditions. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications recommended.

Acupuncture uses extremely thin needles that cause minimal to no pain, and because of that, are generally well-tolerated by pets. However, incorrect placement of the needle or inadequate sterilization can result in pain or complications. We always use sterile, single-use needles and our doctors who offer acupuncture have completed many hours of theoretical and practical training and exams prior to offering this service.

Duration of treatment can vary depending on the condition of your pet, as well as the number of treatments needed. Chronic conditions may take a few treatments for a positive response to be seen. After optimum responses are achieved, treatments may taper off.

With advanced equipment and progressive methodology, we are committed to providing the best possible acupuncture pet care for your furry friend. Every test, decision, and treatment is customized to the specific needs of your cat, dog, or other animal so that they can manage their condition or recovery and live out their happy, healthy life.