Laser Therapy for dogs with Disc Disease

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a relatively common inflammatory spinal condition that can affect many dogs. Dogs with short legs and long backs (e.g. Dachshunds, Corgis, Bassets) are susceptible; however almost any other breed can also suffer, e.g., French Bull Dogs, German Shepherds, Pugs have been presented to our clinic for treatment.

Veterinary Laser Therapy (VLT) can be used in IVDD dogs to rapidly reduce inflammation and swelling, provide significant pain relief, reduce muscle spasms, and promote healing of damaged tissues. VLT works by sending red and infrared photons of light deep into the tissues to cause an increase in the rate of healing in damaged tissues. (NOTE: this process cannot be achieved with red light alone, as red light only treats superficial tissues, has minimal power, and is of minimal use in IVDD).

VLT can be used in dogs with non-surgical and surgical cases of IVDD. VLT for non-surgical cases is extremely successful in chronic management of these dogs; owners can be taught to use the laser at home to provide long-term management. In surgical cases, pre- and post-op use of the laser not only provides the beneficial actions of reducing inflammation, swelling, and pain, but better prepares the site for surgery and, significantly and very importantly, provides rapid recovery after surgery.

For example, University of Florida veterinarians are now using the procedure postoperatively with great success in dogs with paralysis caused by intervertebral disc disease.https://www.vetmed.ufl.edu/2011/10/24/laser-therapy-helps-dogs-with-disc-disease/

Contact us for more information if your dog has IVDD, to learn about acute and chronic management of IVDD with VLT.