New technology is ‘the cat’s meow’
By Vicki Johnson, vjohnson@advertiser-tribune.comArticle Photos
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McClung's Animal Hospital has added laser therapy to its treatment options to increase the facility's ability to provide relief of pain, inflammation and swelling associated with injuries, trauma, surgery and everyday disorders.
The Companion Therapy Laser is a laser that delivers a large amount of light energy into the body at the point of injury.
"We added the therapy laser to our practice to complement our existing treatments and to enhance patient quality of life by serving as an additional method of relieving pain and promoting healing," said Brad McClung.
"We're just thrilled about this new innovative therapy. There are so many applications for the Companion Therapy Laser, from hip displasia, degenerative disc and joint disease to anal glands, gingivitis, hot spots, arthritis, sinusitis, cystitis . . . the list goes on and on, and there are no negative side effects," he said.
McClung said the hospital has been using the laser for about a month and he and his staff have found multiple uses for it.
"On some injuries that are hard to treat the typical way," he said, "it allows us another avenue for treatment."
Both doctors and four veterinary technicians have been trained to operate the laser.
"However, our technicians rarely let the doctors use it because our techs have really embraced the healing qualities of the laser," McClung said.
Technician Jen Morris said a 5-year-old labrador retriever arrived at the office with a severe laceration on her inside hind leg. A week later, after three treatments with the laser every other day, the injury looked much better.
McClung said he chose to begin using light therapy now because technology has reached a point where it is beneficial.
"The technology was out there and we waited until they had a machine that was powerful enough to do what we wanted to do," McClung said. "We've never had such powerful ones available in a clinical setting. It only takes two minutes for a treatment."
There are occasions that take longer, but treatments with old systems took 10 to 30 minutes.
"It's not uncomfortable at all," he said. "Most of the time the owner can be present. There are no side effects that we know of."
McClung said the treatment also was helpful for a cat with mouth problems and a cat with a severe ear infection.
"That's the beautiful thing about a light-generated laser," McClung said. "It offers pain relief and faster healing, plus it stimulates cells to actually grow faster. They work harder when they're stimulated with light therapy."
"The patient kind of guides us on how long we need to do treatment," he said.
The new treatment also can be used on injuries that were formerly difficult to treat.
"Possibly some of the back diseases and back injuries like trauma from being hit by a car," he said.
Injuries that heal slowly and chronic conditions also can benefit.
"Arthritises, of course, and slow-healing wounds," he said. "This is the cat's meow for that type of problem."
The unit is portable and can be carried to house calls when required.
