When Rambo, the 9-year-old dachshund, slipped and ruptured a disk in his spine, he lost the use of his back legs and his bladder control. The emergency clinic that initially treated him, prescribed steroids and pain meds, but because of Rambo’s chance for relapse, he was given a poor prognosis and euthanasia was recommended. Desperate to help their pint-sized family member, Rambo’s family reached out to HarmonyVet for help.
HarmonyVet is a holistic veterinary practice in Madison ,Wi owned by Dr’s Lynne Dennis and Andrea Lanphear. Their mission is to “enrich the lives of patients and their caretakers by promoting optimal health and wellness.” The modalities they practice include herbal medicine, food therapy, spinal manipulation, acupuncture, massage, laser therapy, and more. These tools can strengthen the efficacy of western medicine and provide help where other treatments fail. Dr Andrea started Rambo on a course of acupuncture and cold laser therapy. HarmonyVet describes the physiology of laser therapy as such:
“Photobiomodulation, or therapeutic laser, uses penetrating photonic energy to stimulate cellular activity, relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve the speed and quality of healing. Wavelengths in the near infrared spectrum, between 600-1000 nanometers, result in the increased formation of ATP at the cellular level. ATP is needed for many metabolic processes leading to increased cell generation and regulation of growth factors and inflammatory mediators which are important for healing.”
This makes the possible applications of laser therapy quite broad. Some of the most common applications include:
- Pain/Pain Conditions: Laser therapy can help reduce both acute and chronic pain by decreasing inflammation and stimulating the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. This can be a game-changer for pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, musculoskeletal injury, or post-surgical discomfort.
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- Reduced Inflammation: By improving circulation and lymphatic drainage, laser therapy helps to reduce swelling and inflammation associated with injuries, infections, and chronic conditions.
- Accelerated Healing: The stimulated cellular activity promotes faster tissue repair, making it beneficial for wound healing, surgical incisions, sprains, and strains.
- Improved Mobility: By addressing pain and inflammation, laser therapy can help pets regain mobility and improve their overall quality of life.
- Skin issues (ex. Hot Spots and Dermatitis)
- Ear infections
- Dental problems
- Nerve injury
- Tendon and ligament injury
- Muscle Injury
- Wounds
It is clear that laser therapy is a valuable tool in a comprehensive treatment plan.
In Rambo’s case, his multimodal treatment, including laser therapy, worked wonders. Three weeks after his initial injury, his reflexes began to return and steroids were discontinued. Another month later he was able to scratch his ears, and eliminate on his own. Pain medication was able to be reduced over time and after 16 weeks of crate rest, a wheelchair was fitted. He continued to progress, walking on his own within 6 months. Two years later, he was completely recovered and running around the yard. He continued to see Dr Andrea for occasional maintenance visits and was able to live out his life in comfort.
None of this would be possible without the expert treatment he received at Harmonyvet and the dedication of his owners to his recovery. Laser therapy can treat many animals with life altering injuries and conditions like Rambo. It is an essential tool in the veterinary treatment plan toolbox that will surely increase in popularity in the coming years.
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