Benefits of Laser for Dogs & Cats: Nerves Regenerate, Endocrine System Stimulated, Wounds Healed, Pain Controlled

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We use soft laser in our practice daily because it helps dogs and cats with pain and nerve regeneration. Research supports the clinical benefits dogs & cats experience.

Shimon Rochkind, neurosurgeon in Israel has shown lasers encourage axon growth in nerves.  He has shown nerve regrowth both in the lab (in vitro) and in clinic (in vivo).  In one of Rochkind’s studies, he showed 70% more intensive axon growth in laser treated group compared with non-treated group. Not only did the nerve axons grow, but 75% of  animals had increased sensation due to regrowth. In the lab, Dr. Rochkind and other researchers have done cell studies (in vitro research) confirming that  nerves in  spinal cords and brain tissue grow when stimulated by laser.Using rats with damaged spinal cords, researchers showed that laser-treated rats had nerve regeneration so complete that  after 3 months their damaged spinal cords were similar to rats that had no spinal cord damage. Researchers felt s  laser-treated rats experienced significant pain benefit. Because the rat spinal cord and peripheral nerves are similar to those of dogs & cats, we can hope for similar results with dogs & cats.

In addition to helping nerve regrowth, lasers affect endocrine system and neurotransmitters. A study done in Turkey almost 10 years ago showed that humans with myofascial pain had improved serotonin and increased tryptophan and  a 45% decrease in pain scores. These are large-scale systemic effects caused by laser therapy.

Even more significant are the multiple studies showing improvement in wound healing, decrease in musculo-skeletal pain, and enhanced quality of life following laser therapy.

Laser Therapy for Knee Problems, Helping Dogs with Cranial Cruciate Disease

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Increasing number of dogs are blowing out the ligament in their knee called the cruciate ligament. This is similar to what humans do when they run, plant a foot and twist. You know how debilitating that can be. Your knee becomes painful and swollen. Without therapy, it takes months to return to previous function, if it does so.Research in dogs has shown that laser therapy reduces inflammation and reduces edema. Laser therapy stops white blood cells from flooding the knee and releasing enzymes that damage the cartilage. Laser therapy stimulates cartilage cells within the knee to make new cartilage and stimulates new capillaries to come into the cartilage of the knee. The new cartilage, new blood capillaries, and blocking of enzymes all work together to improve the knee and reduce pain. Dogs that had been toe-tapping lame are gradually able to bear weight on both hind legs. Thus, laser therapy, along with other forms of integrative treatment, such as swimming, acupuncture, & physical therapy, are wise treatment choices for many lame dogs. This is true whether these dogs have surgical knee repair or are treated conservatively with rest but no surgery.We use laser and other forms of alternative medicine to treat many dogs with cruciate disease, helping them return to their playful, energetic selves.