Sault Animal Hospital has recently upgraded to the latest photobiomodulation technology to ease any pain your furry friend may have more effectively than was possible with the device it replaces.
Photobiomodulation laser therapy has been around since the 1960s but it's come a long way since then.
It's technology that emits laser light at a specific wattage at a specific wavelength which is then absorbed by the tissue to help heal.
Dr. Jeff LaHuis has used this type of therapy for around 14 years now, but like with anything, technology improves with time.
The new machine is small, but it packs a lot of power and promise.
"At the cellular level, the laser gets absorbed into the mitochondria, which are the little 'power-houses of the cells'. It increases the amount of activity of mitochondria so then it increases cellular activity and division, so growth and healing," LaHuis said.
It has been used with much success for pain relief, reducing inflammation, sports injuries and more.
"At the physiological level, it reduces swelling and pain and increases blood flow through the area. In order to heal, you have to get blood flow in there. If you are going to heal, you have to get waste products out of there and oxygen and proteins inside ot help heal," LaHuis explained.
LaHuis uses it to treat arthritis, wounds that will not heal, fractures, and post-operation procedures to speed healing in all types of animals, including horses.
"This technology is much more powerful. We can do more things with it. We have worked on cats, dogs, horses and even exotic animals. The machine allows me to punch in specific information about the animal and get the right laser for the best treatment," LaHuis said.
"It's another tool in the toolbox. Just like I need a toolbox to build a house, I need a toolbox to work on these animals. This therapy can take the place of pain pills or be adjunct to it," LaHuis said.
For more information on Sault Animal Hospital services, please visit the website.
