I recently came across your article about acupuncture here in AnnArbor.com. I am interested in these holistic approaches to veterinary care. Can you tell me more about the treatments that are available for pets?

Dr. Franklin and Dr. Clark Acupuncturists
sponsored by Ann Arbor Animal Hospital

Veterinary medicine is always changing, as it is in human medicine. As more options become available, distinguishing the differences and efficacy can be confusing. We hope the information we provide in this column will provide a better understanding of the philosophies, techniques, and treatments associated with some of these less "conventional," but increasingly more common areas of veterinary medicine.

One treatment we have used a lot at the animal hospital is Class IV Penetrating Laser Therapy. (We will describe other holistic treatments such as Chinese herbs and physical therapy in upcoming columns).

What will the application of laser therapy do for my pet?
Laser therapy provides a sterile, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment that is used to treat a variety of injuries, wounds, fractures, neurological conditions, numerous dermatological problems, and pain (post-surgical, neck & back).

Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion might benefit from this holistic approach to treating pain.

How it Works
Like veterinary acupuncture, laser therapy stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body and absorbed by the injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in increased circulation from the body, an anti-inflammatory reaction, relief from pain and an acceleration of the healing process.

Benefits include:

• Drug-free
• Surgery-free
• Immediate results

• Treatment of arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or hip dysplasia
• Pain management
• Post-surgery pain
• Skin problems
• Neurological conditions
• Fractures and wounds

What to expect during a laser therapy treatment session for your pet Simply put, it provides relief. As the laser is administered, your pet will relax and enjoy, much like you, experiencing a good massage. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experienced will dissipate. Usually, feline companions will start to purr and most dogs will actually fall asleep during their therapy session. Frequently, after therapy, the quote is heard: “Our young animal is back” or “she acts like a puppy again.” Pain relief is provided in just a few minutes of therapy and that alone improves the quality of life for your pet.