6. March 2026

Photobiomodulation (laser) Treatment

Photobiomodulation 'cold laser' is a great non-pharmaceutical option for pain management in pets.

I was initially skeptical when I was first introduced to this technology, but the data does not lie. Check out these facts:

• A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial on dogs with elbow osteoarthritis showed that treatment with laser for 6 weeks improved lameness and pain scores as well as reduced the amount of NSAIDs (pain medication) needed to keep them comfortable. (1)
• A study in rabbits showed that laser treatment increased bone regeneration in cases of fractures. (2)
• A published review that looked at 22 papers concluded that “laser phototherapy effectively relieves pain of various etiologies, making it a valuable addition to contemporary pain management.” (3)
• A randomized double-blinded controlled trial assessed the effects of laser in dogs with hip osteoarthritis and found that dogs that underwent treatment had reduced pain scores and improved joint range of motion. This was in contrast to the use of Meloxicam as the control! (4)
• Laser treatment has also been shown to accelerate wound healing. (5)

A summary of what laser treatment does:

• Reduces pain
• Reduces inflammation
• Accelerates healing

Laser is commonly used for these conditions:

• Post-surgical healing
• Ear infections
• Hot Spots
• Osteoarthritis
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Other painful conditions

Contraindications/warnings to be aware of:

• Do not use directly on eyes.
• Do not use over the fetus in pregnant animals.
• Do not use on growth plates.
• Do not use in epileptic patients.
• Do not use directly on cancer (a currently debatable point, but better safe than sorry for now).
• Do not use in a patient with an active fever.
• Efficacy may be reduced if patient is on steroids.

Great news! Dr. Dantzler has the ability to prescribe to at-home rental lasers delivered to your door, so that you can harness the power of this treatment modality at home. Imagine being able to reduce your pet's pain or accelerate their healing without having to transport them to the vet! If you are interested, please email consultaholisticvet@gmail.com to get started.

Papers cited:

1. Looney, Andrea L., et al. “A Randomized Blind Placebo-Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) on Canine Elbow Osteoarthritis.” The Canadian Veterinary Journal = La Revue Veterinaire Canadienne, vol. 59, no. 9, 1 Sept. 2018, pp. 959–966, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30197438/.

2. Esengül Şen, et al. “Effects of NGF and Photobiomodulation Therapy on Crush Nerve Injury and Fracture Healing: A Stereological and Histopathological Study in an Animal Model.” Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction, vol. 16, no. 4, 15 Nov. 2022, pp. 281–291, https://doi.org/10.1177/19433875221138175. Accessed 28 Sept. 2024.

3. Fulop, Andras M., et al. “A Meta-Analysis of the Efficacy of Laser Phototherapy on Pain Relief.” The Clinical Journal of Pain, vol. 26, no. 8, Oct. 2010, pp. 729–736, https://doi.org/10.1097/ajp.0b013e3181f09713.

4. Alves, João C., et al. “A Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial on the Effects of Photobiomodulation Therapy in Dogs with Osteoarthritis.” American Journal of Veterinary Research, vol. 83, no. 8, 1 Aug. 2022, https://doi.org/10.2460/ajvr.22.03.0036.

5. İlker Keskiner, et al. “Effect of Photobiomodulation on Transforming Growth Factor-β1, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor-BB, and Interleukin-8 Release in Palatal Wounds after Free Gingival Graft Harvesting: A Randomized Clinical Study.” Photomedicine and Laser Surgery, vol. 34, no. 6, 1 June 2016, pp. 263–271, https://doi.org/10.1089/pho.2016.4094. Accessed 24 Nov. 2023.