What is laser therapy?

Low-level laser therapy utilizes a safe, low-power laser to deliver a special wavelength of light to specific areas of the body. Photons emitted by the laser unit pass through the skin and into deeper tissues where they trigger a series of events at the cellular level that can promote healing.

Healing is thought to occur by improving circulation, limiting scar tissue formation, and inhibiting inflammatory proteins.

How can therapeutic laser help animals?

Laser therapy can be used to treat chronic, non-healing wounds. It can also be used to decrease inflammation and swelling due to arthritis and some soft tissue injuries.

How long does a treatment last, and how many are needed?

This depends on the size of the patient, the area of the body being treated, and the type of injury. One treatment can last anywhere from 3 to 15 minutes. Some benefits may be seen with as few as 1 to 3 treatments, although some conditions require more. 

Dr. Gai has used laser therapy to treat many conditions in a variety of species, including:

•Wing injuries, arthritis, and bumblefoot in birds

•Arthritis in large ungulates and marine mammals

•Chronic, non-healing wounds in mammals and aquatic species

•Joint inflammation in a camel