As a loving cat owner, the last thing you’d ever want for your feline friend is to be in pain. Unfortunately, cats can suffer from several painful conditions. Whether it’s an acute problem, like an injury or surgical incision, or a chronic issue, many things can cause pain and decrease your cat’s quality of life.
At Shadow Creek Veterinary Clinic, we always recommend discussing topics of this magnitude with your veterinarian. However, we also recognized the need for trustworthy online information and decided to share our answers to some of the most common questions about cat laser therapy. We are here for you if your cat needs a veterinarian in Pearland, TX. Call (205) 964-8866 today to schedule an appointment.
What is cat laser therapy, and how do veterinarians use it?
Laser therapy involves directing concentrated light beams into the body in affected areas. The cells absorb the light, which triggers the mitochondria to generate energy and restore proper cellular function. Veterinarians use this treatment modality to ease pain by decreasing inflammation and encouraging the body’s natural healing processes.
How can laser therapy improve my cat’s health and well-being?
First, laser therapy enhances the body’s ability to heal by improving cellular function. It rejuvenates old, tired, or diseased cells and gives them the energy to perform better. Additionally, laser therapy decreases inflammation and reduces cell death. This eases pain and, in many cases, slows or stops disease progression.
Why is it important to avoid self-diagnosing whether my cat is experiencing pain?
It is challenging to determine if a cat is in pain. They are very good at hiding their symptoms, so they’ll have likely been in pain for quite a while by the time you notice something is wrong. In many cases, cats do not show symptoms until the problem has progressed beyond the point of no return. This is why scheduling annual checkups is so important. It’s also crucial to bring your cat in for an exam at the first sign that something is “off.”
What symptoms or conditions in my cat may be treatable with laser therapy?
As veterinarians, we use laser therapy to treat various feline health problems and symptoms. From chronic pain to constipation, this versatile treatment modality has numerous applications.
Some of the feline health problems and symptoms veterinarians treat with laser therapy include:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Degenerative joint disease
- Surgical incisions
- Wounds and lacerations
- Ligament, tendon, and muscle injuries
- Ear infections
- Constipation
- Gingivitis
- Neuromuscular disease
If your cat is in pain due to a problem not listed above, we can help you determine whether they are a good candidate for laser therapy. Give us a call at (205) 964-8866 to learn more.
How long will it take my cat to experience relief from their symptoms?
Most cats experience relief within two to three weeks. However, the exact amount of time varies depending on the nature of the problem and how advanced it is. If your cat has been sick or in pain for a long time, relief will come slower than if we detect and begin treatment for a problem in its earliest stages. In some cases, we may need to provide additional services to stabilize your pet and keep them comfortable until the laser starts working.
Eventually, your cat should experience significant symptom relief. We may also be able to take them off some of their medications. Since most cats are not good at taking medicine, this is a significant benefit of laser therapy.
Is laser therapy capable of curing my cat?
In some cases, yes, laser therapy is curative. However, we also use it to manage chronic conditions. While it may ease your cat’s pain, re-establish healthy cellular function, and decrease their need for medication, it will not cure the underlying chronic condition.
How many laser therapy treatments will my cat need?
It all depends on what we are treating. We can often treat acute injuries and surgical incisions in five to seven sessions. Once the area heals and your cat is comfortable, they won’t need further treatment.
It may take around 14 treatments for your cat to experience the maximum benefit for chronic conditions. Once they are comfortable and on minimal medication, they will need maintenance treatments. We usually recommend monthly maintenance appointments for geriatric cats, while we may only need to see younger cats every three or four months. However, keep in mind that this varies depending on the problem being treated and the patient’s overall health.
Could my cat experience any side effects from laser therapy?
Laser therapy is safe, effective, and poses no risk or side effects to your feline friend. It does not cause any pain or discomfort. In fact, it is very relaxing for most cats.
How will a veterinarian decide if laser therapy is a suitable treatment option for my cat?
In many cases, we recommend laser therapy when other treatment modalities fail. We may turn to laser therapy with cats when they are in pain and won’t take medications easily. It is also a good alternative when medications are contra-indicated. Cats do not tolerate traditional pain medications well, so laser therapy is a safe and highly effective means of easing their discomfort.
If you are curious whether laser therapy is right for your cat, don’t hesitate to ask. As veterinarians, we are always here to help you do what is best for them. Please reach out to us directly for additional information about cat laser therapy by calling (205) 964-8866.