Cold Laser Therapy

Cold laser therapy is utilized in human physical therapy and rehabilitation and is also a useful tool for treating rabbits. The word “laser” is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” The definition of laser includes mention of a device with an output that is in the visible region of the electromagnetic spectrum, which includes the entire range of radiation. Cold laser therapy incorporates a low-level radiation output, produced as a concise, targeted transmission that allows for minimal reflection and scattering while maximizing energy absorption at a specific depth. The energy is not the same as from the surgery laser, which cuts and burns; thus the name “cold” laser.

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Cold laser therapy can be used for postoperative pain control (along with analgesics, of course) and incisional healing. Incisions tend to heal faster and the hair also grows back faster.

By using what is known as photobiostimulation, the energy (in the form of photons) from the laser is transmitted to the cells of injured tissue. By increasing cellular activity [photons stimulate mitochondria to accelerate the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate)], the energy promotes healing. Local blood circulation is also stimulated, providing necessary nutrients to and bolstering the immune system in the affected area. Other physiological effects of laser therapy include the stimulation of fibroblast and collagen production (necessary for generating new connective tissue for wound healing), production of endorphins (natural pain killers), acceleration of the inflammatory process needed for healing, and increased angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and lymphatic drainage.

This therapy is noninvasive and easy for veterinarians to perform. There are relatively few contraindications: the eyes of the therapist and those of the patient require protection from the laser light, and laser therapy should not be used near or on the eye (to prevent retinal damage), on cancerous lesions, over areas of hemorrhage, and over endocrine glands – these are areas where cellular activity should not be stimulated.

Cold laser therapy helps reduce pain and inflammation, and it speeds the healing of injured and inflamed tissues. Frequency of treatment depends upon the condition being treated, as well as whether the issue is acute or chronic in nature. The effect of cold laser therapy is cumulative, with each treatment building upon the last. A rabbit with lumbosacral degenerative joint disease (discopondylosis), for example, might receive treatments as follows: two per week for one to two weeks, then one per week for several weeks, followed by several monthly treatments, and then only once every three to four months or as needed to keep the rabbit comfortable. Every patient and every case is different, and just like with people, overuse of muscles and joints or a newer acute injury might require a temporary increase in frequency. For wound healing, however, the frequency would be determined by healing response because each wound is different. Generally, wounds require two to three cold laser treatments per week for several weeks.

Cold laser therapy is indicated for many health issues in rabbits. At the primary author’s veterinary practice, the therapy has been used with significant success, treating rabbits with arthritis, discospondylosis, skin and ear issues, and cellulitis. Cold laser therapy has also been used both for post-surgical care and for wound healing.