Class IV, or Class 3B therapeutic or “cold laser” is a collimated non –invasive light treatment that can significantly speed healing of injuries or tissues. Cold laser utilizes specific wavelengths to stimulate faster tissue healing by promoting circulation into tissues, providing Oxygen, Nitrous oxide, and ATP, which provide energy and necessary nutrients for more rapid cell repair. Laser treatment also decreases pain and swelling by increasing lymphatic drainage from injured tissues, decreasing inflammatory factors, and blocking pain receptors. Class IV laser in more powerful, or provides more WATTS then a 3B. The power of the light emitted can be damaging to tissues and can cause burns if not properly administered. Laser can also damage the retina so special glasses must be worn to protect the eyes of the patient, the treatment provider and anyone present during treatment. Injuries such as sprains, strains or fractures, which can take months to heal, can heal weeks or months faster with laser treatment. Early intervention and treatment of wounds can decrease pain and inflammation and promote faster healing.
Laser is commonly used to treat:
- Fractures
- Arthritis
- Tendon and ligament sprains
- Soft tissue strains
- Back Pain or Disc issues
- Rattlesnake bites
- Bite wounds or abscesses
- Soft tissue trauma
- Post-dental extractions
- Post-surgical incisions
Lacer Therapy
Lacer is another type of low-level light therapy, which utilizes a combination of Ultraviolet and Red light at various frequencies for the treatment of wounds. Lacer differs from laser in the spectrum and frequencies of light used, and the power or watts. Unlike laser the light is not collimated, meaning it does not emit parallel beams, so the light scatters more and energy is absorbed closer to the surface of tissues. The power is much lower making it safe to use for treatment of eye injuries and does not require special glasses to protect the eye of the patient and the treatment provider. Because the power or watts are lower the risk of injury form treatment is minimal to none, but the time needed for treatment can be longer. Because of the lower watts laser is preferred over lacer for treatment of dense tissues such as fractured bones, deeper tissue injuries, or larger areas of tissue trauma.
Lacer is typically used for treatment of:
- Proptosed eyes in brachiocephalic breeds
- Corneal ulcers
- Severe conjunctivitis
- Upper respiratory infections
- Surgical incisions
- Sprains and strains in small dogs and cats
- Wounds
- Traumatic bruising
- Injuries near blood vessels and lymph nodes
Dr. Adams offers Lacer and Laser treatments for her patients and a laser lease program for established clients.
