top of page
Lazy cat

Laser Surgery For Pets

Here you can find an overview of what’s involved with laser surgery. If you have any further questions or would like to book an appointment, please call The Dales Veterinary Centre directly. We’re based in Otley.

For more information about our services, don't hesiate to contact us today

Dog Sitting On Grassy Field

Unique in the Yorkshire area

The Dales Veterinary Centre is one of only a handful of veterinary centres in the UK to have access to laser surgery. Laser surgery involves the use of a carbon dioxide laser to vaporise tissue using a ceramic-tipped handle, producing a highly controllable sterile incision that causes less discomfort than the traditional use of a scalpel and scissors.

  • What is laser therapy?
    Laser therapy is a cutting-edge treatment using high intensity light particles (called photons) to stimulate cells and promote healing (photobiomodulation). The effects include: Improved healing time Pain reduction Increased circulation Decreased swelling The therapy is easy to administer. We’ve a laser generator that we run gently over the affected body part, effectively “painting” it in photons. These light particles then stimulate the damaged cells, reducing pain and promoting tissue repair and recovery. Laser therapy has been widely used in Europe by physical therapists, nurses and doctors as far back as the 1970s and since 2002 in the United States. It was used extensively during the 2012 Olympics on both human and equine athletes.
  • It sounds kind of weird - does it work?
    Yes. There are thousands of published studies demonstrating the clinical effectiveness of laser therapy. Among these, there are more than one hundred rigorously controlled, scientific studies that document the effectiveness of laser therapy for many clinical conditions. It is not however a magic cure for everything. Sadly, there are some conditions and diseases that are too extreme for laser therapy to be effective.
  • Cellular effects of laser therapy
    During laser therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the increased production of cellular energy (ATP), leading to a cascade of beneficial effects, including increased cellular function and health.
  • Laser therapeutic effects
    During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen, and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function is restored and pain is relieved.
  • What to expect ...
    There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the experience is usually pleasant and comforting for the patient concerned. Most pets do not need to have their hair clipped. Although improvement is often seen after the first visit, most patients require several treatments (3 to 8) for the greatest benefit. For most conditions, we recommend a multi-visit treatment plan. Treatments vary in length, but most sites require 2 to 8 minutes. A majority of patients exhibit greater comfort and mobility within 12 to 24 hours after a laser treatment. Class IV Laser Therapy treatments are cumulative in nature. The length and frequency of treatments varies with your pet’s condition. A sample treatment schedule is as follows: Every other day for one week [3 total] Twice the second week [2 total] Once the third week [1 total] Boosters as needed We will recommend a treatment plan specific to your pet’s condition. Numerous studies show that laser therapy can help with: Arthritic and joint pain Muscle tendon and ligament injuries Swelling Puncture wounds Post-traumatic injuries Post-surgical pain Neck and back pain Hip dysplasia Burns Chronic wounds Rehabilitation after orthopaedic surgery
  • Does it hurt? What does a treatment feel like?
    There is little or no sensation during treatment. Occasionally the patient feels mild, soothing warmth, or tingling. Areas of pain or inflammation may be sensitive briefly before pain reduction.
  • Are there any side effects or associated risks?
    During more than twenty years of use by healthcare providers all over the world, very few side effects have ever been reported. Occasionally some old injuries or pain syndromes may feel aggravated for a few days, as the healing response is more active after treatment.
  • How long does each treatment take?
    The typical treatment time is 3 to 8 minutes depending on the size of the area being treated.
  • How often should a patient be treated?
    Acute conditions may be treated daily, particularly if they’re accompanied by significant pain. More chronic problems respond better when treatments are received 2 to 3 times a week, tapering to once every week or two as improvement is seen.
  • How many treatments does it take?
    This depends on the nature of the condition being treated. For some acute conditions, 1-2 treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require 5 to 8 (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require ongoing periodic care to control pain.
  • How long before the results are felt?
    Your pet may feel improvement in their condition (usually pain reduction) after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not feel an improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean that nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative, and results are often felt after 3 or 4 sessions.
  • Can it be used in conjunction with other forms of treatment?
    Yes! Laser therapy is often used with other forms of therapy, including hydrotherapy and post-surgery therapy - where laser therapy reduces pain and improves the healing process. Other healing modalities are complementary and can be used with laser therapy to increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
  • Can I be present when my pet has a therapy session?
    Absolutely! Because treatment is pain free and fast, it can be done in a regular consultation.
  • What happens next?
    If you think your pet is suffering from a condition that may benefit from laser therapy, then book in to see one of our vets to assess the problem. If it's appropriate then we'll create a treatment schedule.

The Dales Veterinary Centre have been great with my dog Tilly. I would highly recommend this practice. Also a huge thank you to Savannah who knows Tilly very well. Thank you all of you for being so helpful at this extremely difficult time. We certainly need our vets too.

Patricia Krushniak, Facebook review

Rabbit in front of the hutch

If you have any further questions about laser surgery or think that your pet would benefit from such a treatment, please call our centre on 01943 463447

You can also email us or complete the form below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible

Thanks for submitting!

bottom of page