Power and Effectiveness
Lasers are categorized by their power, from Class 1 to Class 4. As you go up in class, the lasers will have higher wattage to deliver treatments faster and with more tissue penetration. The higher-level lasers will also require eye protection and will emit heat to the tissue. Commercially available lasers have less risk of thermal burn or eye damage to occur, but this also means they lack the wattage to effectively deliver a deeper treatment to tissue in a reasonable amount of time.
When we are treating a condition with laser therapy, we want to deliver a specific dose to heal the tissue. The dose (delivered in Joules) will depend on the condition treated and depth of the tissue. A laser with lower wattage will take more time to deliver the dose – this can be the difference of 5 minutes to treat an area to 25-30 minutes to treat the same area using a lower watt laser.
The wavelength generated by the laser is also important. Some wavelengths are absorbed quickly and only penetrate the surface, while others can penetrate deeper to reach muscles, ligaments, joints, and bones. The right wavelength ensures the energy is delivered to the affected area to produce the effects needed to reduce inflammation and stimulate healing.
When looking at a device, it is important to look at the wattage and wavelength as well as clinical data showing the effectiveness of the specific laser you are considering. Some companies may use studies from other devices and extrapolate the information to their own. It is important to know efficacy within the product you are considering.
Training and Safety
Veterinarians and their staff receive specialized training to use medical lasers safely and effectively. Improper use of higher wattage lasers can cause burns or injury. Low-powered commercial devices may be marketed as “safe” for home use, but without professional guidance, there is still a risk of improper application or accidentally missing a serious underlying condition. Understanding the appropriate application for your pet’s condition is important to ensure they receive proper treatment for their concern.
Regulation and Quality
The lasers used in veterinary medicine are regulated medical devices. They undergo rigorous testing for quality, safety, and effectiveness. These companies will also send out updates and provide service to the device. Many commercial pet lasers lack substantial clinical evidence and are not subject to the same strict standards. As a result, their claims may not always be backed by science. While some lasers that are markets towards pets may be beneficial to use, you should always check with your veterinarian prior to purchase.
Appropriate Treatment Plans
When your pet receives laser therapy at a veterinary clinic, the treatment plan is tailored to their unique needs, condition. We can also adjust the treatment based on response. The veterinarian or technician performing the treatment will have training on anatomy to ensure a thorough treatment of the appropriate area. The treatment time and dosing can also be adjusted based on patient comfort. Many times, a generic treatment protocol is modified to tailor the needs of your pet.
It is also very important that we have an accurate diagnosis of the problem and not assume that pain is related to arthritis or a muscle strain. There are some instances where we would advise against using laser therapy. This would be in the case of young animals with open growth plates, pregnant animals (need to avoid the abdomen) and in instances where there is concern for a cancerous growth. A veterinarian can help pinpoint the primary concern and help decide whether laser therapy is a good option for your pet.
Trying to substitute treatment with a commercial device at home cannot replicate the individualized care guided by a professional’s expertise. While the idea of convenient at-home laser therapy is appealing, it is important to recognize the clear differences between commercial pet therapy lasers and the medical-grade lasers used by veterinary professionals. For effective and safe treatment, always consult your veterinarian before pursuing any new therapy for your pet.