Therapy Laser Treatments Now At Governor Animal Clinic!

From noses to toes, and ears to rears, patients who suffer from any combination of pain, inflammation, or slow-healing wounds benefit from laser therapy!

Governor Animal Clinic is excited to offer our clients Companion Laser Therapy. Laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols. Relief and/or improvement is often noticed within hours depending on the condition and your pet's unique health status. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion can benefit from this innovative approach to treating pain.

Applications for laser therapy include:

Treatment of arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or hip dysplasia
General pain management (sprains, strains, and stiffness)
Post-surgery pain (spays, neuters, declaws, and other surgeries)
Skin problems (hot spots, lick granulomas, infections)
Dental procedures
Fractures and wounds (bites, abrasions, burns, and lesions)
Ear infections

How does it work?
Laser therapy stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body for about 3 to 8 minutes and absorbed by the injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in relief from pain, increased circulation, reduced inflammation, and an acceleration of the healing process.

What can my pet expect during a laser therapy treatment session?
Simply put, it provides relief. As the laser is administered, your pet will relax and enjoy the treatment. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experiences will dissipate. Occasionally, angry cats will start to purr and dogs will actually fall asleep during their therapy session. Frequently, after therapy, we hear: "He's acting like a puppy again" or "She can actually jump onto the chair again". Pain relief is provided in just a few minutes of therapy and that alone improves the quality of life for your pet.

What are the signs that my pet can benefit from Laser Therapy?
Many of our laser therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:

• Abnormal sitting or lying posture
• Circling multiple times before lying down
• Restlessness
• Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
• Limping, unable to get up or lie down
• Difficulty getting into car or down stairs
• Lack of grooming
• Won't wag tail
• Licking or biting area
• Lack of appetite
• Trembling or panting

Call us today to schedule an appointment or obtain additional information, 858-453-6312.

Laser therapy treatment is safe, painless and fast. Typically, even chronic patients exhibit improvement after 3 to 5 treatment sessions. Laser therapy utilizes the body's own healing powers by stimulating cellular activity. Despite short treatment times, laser therapy treatments initiate a healing process that continues to actively reduce inflammation for up to 24 hours after treatment. Common treatments may include, but are not limited to:

• Acute Conditions
• Wounds
• Allergies
• Infections
• Cuts/ Bites
• Inflammations
• Tooth Extraction Pain Relief
• Sprains, Strains & Fractures
• Post-Surgical Healing / Pain Relief
• Chronic Conditions
• Degenerative Joint Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Periodontal Disease
• Lick Granulomas
• Geriatric Care
• Hip Dysplasia
• Feline Acne
• Tendonitis
• Arthritis

Common Questions

Is laser therapy new?
The beneficial effects of laser light on tissue were first recognized almost forty years ago. Since then, there have been thousands of studies documenting the positive effects laser light has on different types of cells, tissue, and disorders. Recent advances in technology and manufacturing have made it possible to have this exciting modality available and affordable for clinicians.

How long does the treatment take?
Treatment protocols are unique to each patient and condition. Therefore, treatments will vary in time, complexity and cost. For some chronic patients, multiple joints will be treated during one laser treatment session. When appropriate, laser therapy can be used as a complementary adjunct to other treatment plans.

What can be treated with laser therapy?
If your pet is feeling pain, has inflammation, or a wound, the laser is a sterile, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment. The laser is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, numerous dermatological problems, and pain. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, the laser has been shown to provide relief and speed healing.

What's involved with treating my pet?
The laser light is delivered through a non-invasive hand piece to treat the affected area. Your pet will feel a gentle and soothing warmth. As the laser is administered, many pets will relax, much like you would experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate.

How does it work?
The Companion therapy laser system sends photons, or packets of light energy, deep into tissue without damaging it. These photons are absorbed within the mitochondria of the cells and induce a chemical change called "photo-bio-modulation''. This light energy then inspires production of ATP in the cell. ATP is the fuel, or energy, cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at an optimal rate. Increased ATP production leads to healthier cells, healthier tissue, and healthier animals.

Are there any side effects?
There are no known side effects with this treatment.

What can I expect at home?
You might see a change in activity when your pet comes home. For some it might be increased activity and others may be more relaxed. This is due to the pain relief and reduction in inflammation.

How should I support this treatment at home?
There are no specific things you need to do at home, other than follow normal restrictions, dietary needs, and additional treatment protocols as you pet's condition dictates and is outlined by your veterinarian.

What to expect during a Companion Laser Therapy treatment session for your companion?
Simply put, it provides relief. The fur does not need to be clipped. Eye protection will be worn by the laser operator and anyone in a close proximity to the laser probe. The eyes of the animal will be directed away from the treatment area or covered with a towel or eye wear. The clinician will move the probe over the area of treatment to assure the laser is being delivered to the area which needs improvement.

What will my pet feel?
As the laser is administered, often pets will relax and enjoy, much like you would experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate. Occasionally, angry cats will start to purr and dogs will fall asleep during their therapy session.

Is there anything my pet should or shouldn't do, or take, while on the treatment?
Just follow normal treatment protocols as outlined. You do not need to be overly cautious nor should you overdo any activities. Just business as usual.

When can I expect to see an improvement? What might I see?
You may see relief in the first treatment or so as pain and inflammation are reduced. For example: better mobility for joint conditions, drying and healing of dermatological issues, faster healing for wounds and incisions, or your pet just seeming more relaxed and comfortable . For some conditions, a series of treatments may be necessary before you see results due to the severity or complexity of the condition. Each pet is different, and treatments are unique for your pet's specific needs.

Companion therapy lasers are the most popular among veterinarians. Laser therapy is a clinically proven modality in both human and veterinary medicine. LiteCure, the parent company of Companion, is the leader in scientific research and education. Contact us with any questions you may have, 858-453-6312.

This video explains how Laser Therapy works, and all it can do for your pets!