Oct 20, 2020

SAHS introduces new laser therapy to treat shelter pets

 


The San Antonio Humane Society (SAHS) has successfully implemented a new laser therapy as a new addition for the care of our pets.

The innovative treatment (photobiomodulation therapy) is helping relieve a multitude of symptoms in our furry pets recovering from a variety of acute and chronic conditions such as dental procedures, infections, wounds and arthritis.

The fast-acting and customizable laser therapy effectively reduces pain and inflammation, as well as promotes accelerated healing – complete with the most adorable “doggles!”

Most recently, our pets have received the laser therapy to help heal tooth extractions (Dexter and Vixen), deliver targeted care to our orthopedic surgery cases (Addie and Judge) and offer relief to our chronic arthritis cases (Sam and Candy).

“The addition of the cold laser therapy for the shelter animals has opened up a whole new modality and level of patient care that we can now provide,” SAHS Associate Veterinarian Dr. Leslie Hopes said. “The SAHS has always provided wonderful post-operative care for our cases, but adding this laser therapy has helped us to provide faster healing.”

The case of Lady, a sweet 5-year-old cat, is another great example of how beneficial the laser therapy can be. She arrived at the SAHS after being rescued ahead of Hurricane Laura and developed an upper respiratory infection, which can occur in stressed cats. Despite weeks of antibiotic care, she still had nasal congestion and tested negative for common feline viruses and bacteria.

When Dr. Hopes tried the laser therapy on her for chronic rhinitis/sinusitis, she was amazed by the great results.

“I think it was the coolest and most obvious result. Her congestion has almost gone away entirely,” Dr. Hopes said. “She will likely always be a chronic sniffler, but the laser helped reduce the inflamed tissues in her nasal passages and really helped her breathe easier.”

The duration of each laser therapy treatment is determined by the pet’s physical examination and condition. Our pets do not feel any discomfort as the treatment is non-invasive and the laser is cold. The pet, veterinarian and/or vet technician also wear eye protection during each treatment.

“It is definitely one of the most versatile therapies we have to offer now, and with its short treatment time, most of our patients don't even mind sitting still for therapy,” Dr. Hopes concluded.



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