Class IV Laser Therapy K-Laser ™ By: Mary Watson

What is Laser Therapy? Class IV Laser Therapy is the use of specific wavelengths of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling. Laser Therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses & doctors as far back as the 1970’s. Now after FDA clearance in 2002, Laser Therapy is being used extensively in the United States. Cellular Effects of Laser Therapy During Laser Therapy, the infrared laser light interacts with tissues at the cellular level, and metabolic activity increases within the cell, improving the transport of nutrients across the cell membrane. This initiates the release of nitric oxide that leads to a cascade of beneficial effects, increasing cellular function and health.

K-Laser Therapeutic effects During each painless treatment, laser energy increases circulation, drawing water, oxygen and nutrients to the damaged area. This creates an optimal healing environment that reduces inflammation, swelling, muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain. As the injured area returns to normal, function it is restored and pain is relieved. The Laser accelerates wound healing, and decreases inflammation, pain, as well as scar tissue formation. When it comes to pain management, Class IV Lasers are a side effect free and non- addictive treatment that provide dramatic results. Benefits to Patient Faster patient satisfaction Deeper penetration than Class III lasers Delivers more laser energy to the target tissues Faster treatment times Effective treatment in 3-8 minutes Faster patient recovery time Effects and Benefits of K-Laser Therapy

“Bailey” Hudson “Bailey” Hudson is an 8 week old beagle puppy that was brought in on with soft tissue swelling on top of head & signs of shock. She was treated for shock with subcutaneous fluids and sent home. On she was seen for a recheck and presented with large thickening/necrotic scabs along her neck and extending down her back otherwise eating/drinking normal. She was then started on Clavamox as determined by the DVM on staff that day. Bailey was seen at the emergency clinic on when her skin had started sloughing off, she had open wounds over her entire back that they then cleaned and bandaged. On the owners brought her in for follow up when a culture & sensitivity was sent to the lab. The K- Laser (Class IV) therapy was started along with the bandage changes.

“Bailey” Hudson The K-Laser settings were used for wound care & inflammation. The starting measurements of the largest area affected: Length 150mm, Cranial 30mm, & Caudal 20mm. After 2 weeks of treatment the measurements were quite decreased. Length 130mm, Cranial 15mm & Caudal 13mm and there was no longer any sloughing. The C&S came back as MRSI (not same as MRSA). Bandage changes along with therapy were continued as needed for approximately 2 months. The settings of the K- Laser were finished up as wound contamination & pain relief. She is continuing to thrive and scarring is very minimal with full hair growth along affected areas. “Bailey” is a very good example of how quickly we can actually see results and know it is working immediately when we use the K-Laser on wounds. This is typically how you would see “Bailey” after her treatments. SHE ENJOYED HER REWARDS IMENSELY AS YOU CAN SEE!!

“Sidney” Meet “Sidney” he had a Large Growth removal on his side and developed a Seroma following drain removal. He received a total of 3 treatments and recovered very nicely. As you can see he seems to be very thankful for the help in healing he received with the K- Laser as well. (No, the pets don’t really wear the glasses however he wanted to look “cool” like our Techs who do get to wear them). Safety goggles are required along with compassion & belief in the service you are providing.

What do we use our K-Laser for? We do offer and have used the K-Laser for cases such as Stomatitis, Cases of all Blocked Cats for pain & inflammation, Lick Granulomas, Surgical Seromas (like “Sidney”), Hip Dysplasia, Otitis, Cystotomy pre-surgically & during surgery. Also used in Orthopedic pre and post surgically, as well as additional pain relief for all of our declaw patients. To Date the K-Laser has been used in the hospital for numerous Osteoarthritis patients. It is “sold” as a package price and in most of the cases is pre-paid at the time of the first appointment. Numerous times this treatment has been added to the benefit of medications where we and the clients have seen vast improvements.

K-Laser Protocol The general protocol is typical of 6 treatments to start, 3 treatments the first week every other day, 2 treatments the second week every 2 days, then 1 treatment 7 days from the last one. Maintenance is generally set at once a month determined on response to the original protocol. The treatments are recommended by the DVM & discussed with the Technician. Each session is set when determining the affects of the ailment or injury to the patient. The Technicians review the treatment protocol to follow with the client and administer the therapy as a scheduled Technicians appointment.