What are some of the conditions that can be treated with laser therapy?

**Therapeutic Laser is not indicated for use in any case of suspected cancerous masses

How do I know if therapeutic laser is right for my pet?
If your cat has limited mobility, suffers from chronic/acute pain, is “getting old” or has any of the above listed conditions, laser therapy may be helpful. Talk with us during your pet’s exam- or schedule an appointment now to discuss treatment.

What is a typical course of treatment like?
Our Doctors will develop a treatment schedule that is customized to your cat’s needs. Initial treatments for arthritis/DJD are often performed two times per week for the first three weeks and then one treatment every 2-4 weeks as maintenance. Other conditions may vary in number and length of treatments and will be discussed with you at your cat’s appointment.

How soon will my pet feel relief?
Because laser therapy is cumulative in nature a series of visits is generally necessary to get the greatest benefit. In many cases a degree of improved comfort and mobility will be seen after the first visit.

What happens when my pet gets treated?
Each session takes ten or fifteen minutes to complete, depending on the number of areas treated. The therapy is performed by one of Just Cats specially trained technicians. You are welcome to stay with your cat during treatment. The laser operator uses a hand-held probe to apply laser energy to the targeted area using a point-to-point or scanning pattern. The laser unit makes beeping sounds to indicate the laser is active and in use. Because treatment is painless anesthesia is not required. For most patients sedation is not required, but in cases that it is necessary, owners will administer medication at home prior to their cat’s session and may go home immediately following treatment.

What does it feel like?
The treatment is pain-free. The patient experiences a mild warmth or tingling sensation and a majority will exhibit greater comfort and mobility 12 to 24 hours after a laser therapy session.

Is it safe?
The FDA has approved class IV laser therapy for use in humans and animals. It is painless, non-invasive and non-addictive. Just Cats staff takes appropriate precautions and provides specialized eyewear to protect the eyes of the viewer and operator.

Tell me more about the science behind the treatment
Infrared laser light interacts with tissues at a cellular level, increasing metabolic activity within the cells and improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the increased production of cellular energy that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.

As the photons of laser light penetrate the tissue, the energy to the individual cells increases. With more energy available, the cells are able to speed the process of absorbing nutrients and flushing out waste products, thus accelerating the growth and healing of tissue. Exposure to laser light helps repair tendons, ligaments and muscles.

Laser light also stimulates the development of fibroblasts, the building blocks of collagen, the essential protein required to replace old tissue or to repair tissue injuries. This is why it’s so helpful in treating tissue damage from cuts, scratches, burns and surgery