Kody Isenberg, Fiji Manthei, and Bailey Richards all have something in common. They were all treated with therapeutic laser by veterinarian Carrie Sutton ( Parkway Animal Clinic,891 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, 734-769-9922). Sutton uses laser therapy as an adjunct to more conventional therapies, or as a stand alone solution when standard therapies aren't an option.

Kody, an 11-year-old Labrador, presented with two common signs of aging; kidney compromise and advancing arthritis. She was weak in her rear legs, intolerant of oral supplements, and her quality of life was falling. The drugs used to treat arthritis,NSAIDs, can sometimes be harmful to weakening kidneys, so Dr. Sutton was seeking a way to relieve Kody's discomfort without causing more harm. Kody had several laser treatments to her hips and pelvis and is now pain-free on monthly maintenance treatments.

Fiji, a 5-year-old Golden Retriever, and a trained Paws with a Cause service dog, was in acute pain after overdoing it during a weekend at the beach. He'd enjoyed himself mightily swimming and running, but was now feeling agonizing pain along his back, pelvis and tail area. After two treatments a day apart, he was back in harness, assisting his owner in everyday activities.

Bailey, a 2-year-old Labrador, ran afoul of a buried fence post while hunting with her owner, causing a "degloving injury" to her left forearm. A degloving injury is essentially the avulsion of all skin and subcutaneous tissue....think of the skin on the foreleg as a glove that is pulled off.

Although surgical repair was performed immediately, this kind of injury often takes months to heal, usually resulting in some loss of blood or nerve supply, and subsequent death, of the injured tissue. Instead, Bailey's owner opted for laser treatments after surgery, and she was back in the field hunting just three weeks after his injury.

So how does it work?

A therapeutic laser is a focused amount of light, directed at a "trouble" spot in an attempt to speed healing or alleviate symptoms of pain. A laser emits photons (light particles) which are absorbed by the cell and can stimulate cell metabolism and growth, cause vasodilation (opening of the blood vessels),break down existing scar tissue, and improve immune stimulation. Laser therapy has also been associated with endorphin release and improved analgesia, or pain relief.

Laser can be useful in treatment of:

-arthritis and chronic pain of any origin

-soft tissue injuries, like sprains or strains

-IVDD (intervertebral disc disease, common in Dachshunds and long-backed breeds)

-Inflammation and edema associated with wounds

-Cystitis, or bladder inflammation, a common cause of inappropriate urination in cats

The first step with all of these conditions is to diagnose the problem. This may involve bloodwork, X-rays or other testing. Once she knows what she is dealing with, Dr. Sutton will prescribe a course of treatment, usually consisting of between two to five initial treatments, and then monthly maintenance visits. Laser therapy typically costs around $40 per visit, once the initial workup is done.

Laser is not commonly associated with side effects, although it is contraindicated for use on a pregnant uterus, the thyroid gland, where hemmorhage is present or in animals currently on steroids.

While laser is by no means a magic cureall, it is one of many options that your veterinarian may consider. If you would like to explore the options for laser therapy for your pet, call Dr. Sutton at Parkway Animal Clinic, 891 W. Eisenhower Parkway, Ann Arbor, 734-769-9922, or visit her website at www.parkwayanimalclinic.net.

Dr. Cathy Theisen is a house call veterinarian in Ann Arbor, with 24 years experience in small animal medicine and surgery. Visit her website at www.cathythevet.net, or e-mail questions/comments to cathythevet@comcast.net.