PETS

from Fargo Inspired Home Magazine March/April 2020

by Inspired Home Magazine Fargo

PERGOLAS

PETS

Laser Therapy,

adding comfort and healing

BY ASHLEY FERRAGUT JOHNSON | PHOTOS COURTESY OF WEST FARGO ANIMAL HOSPITAL

The world of modern medicine is constantly evolving. We are continuously finding new ways to keep our bodies and minds strong, healthy and free of pain. Similar advances and techniques are being made in the veterinary world, and pets are benefiting from some of the same medical treatments as their two-legged counterparts. You may have heard of laser therapy as a means of treating and healing certain ailments. This type of therapy has proven to be an efficient method to provide effective measures to help reduce inflammation and pain. Inspired Home spoke to our pet professionals at West Fargo Animal Hospital (WFAH) to learn more about this common practice.

Dr. Carrie Summerfield, DVM and practice owner at WFAH, explains, “We use laser therapy frequently in our practice. It is good for treating pain and inflammation (arthritis, injuries), and it can aid in wound healing. We can even use it on the incision following surgery.”

The method by which this treatment is utilized is surprisingly easy to understand. Essentially, red and near infrared light (NIR) are applied

Whether your pet suffers from arthritis, autoimmune disease or has recently undergone surgery, this non-invasive procedure may be just what the veterinarian ordered.

This noninvasive procedure treats the skin's surface using light to stimulate cell growth and increase blood circulation. Goggles are worn by both staff and patient.

When extra comfort is nee ded... we’re here to help

Wellness Exams Dental Care Emergency/Critical Care Hospice/Euthanasia Services Microchipping Nutritional Counseling Pain management Laser Therapy Radiology Surgery Vaccinations Acupuncture

West Fargo Animal Hospital 816 Meyer Drive • West Fargo, ND 701.282.2898 • www.westfargoanimalhospital.com Carrie Summer eld DVM, Practice Owner Amy Anderson DVM, Practice Owner

ExperiencingHair Loss?

Centre for Hair and Wellness DOWNTOWN MOORHEAD • centreforhairandwellness.com Call Violet Deilke 218.236.6000 Violet is passionate about helping people and you can feel that passion when you are around her. I will be forever grateful to Violet for what she has done for me; she is truly amazing!

– Gail, Metro Fargo-Moorhead “

2420 S University Drive • Fargo, ND 701.235.7507 Kallod Carpet

You know what’s awesome? Waterproof Carpet!

to the body and are to have positive effects on tissue or muscle. Because the concentration of the light is considerably lower than those lasers used for cautery, the lasers do not heat up the tissue, which avoids damage to the surface it is treating. It is thought that this type of therapy works because of its ability to support cell health and reproduction. It stimulates the growth of new tissue and can even trigger the release of endorphins, which all promote wellness and health.

As with any medical procedure, these types of therapies need to be approached carefully and with the consultation of a trained professional. While there are many at-home options that can be ordered and performed in the comfort of your home, it is always safest to leave it up to your veterinarian. Not everyone is a candidate for cold laser therapy, and it is always best to err on the side of caution. Dr. Summerfield continues, “The laser should not be used over any area suspected to have cancer, over an open growth plate in young growing animals, on a pregnant animal or over an injection site.”

When it comes to the cost of such procedures, laser light therapy is relatively inexpensive, though prices for the treatments, of course, vary from place to place. The frequency and number of sessions needed to acquire the desired result is also something that may affect the cost. Whether your pet suffers from arthritis, autoimmune disease or has recently undergone surgery, this non-invasive procedure may be just what the veterinarian ordered. Speak with your veterinarian to consider the option of cold laser therapy for your pet’s health, comfort and well-being.