Dr. Ginny Carlson, DVM has worked with Sierra Wildlife Rescue for a number of years. Her dedicated care of domestic animals has extended to wildlife and Sierra Wildlife Rescue is very grateful that Dr. Carlson continues to work with us to rehabilitate injured and orphaned wildlife.
Therapeutic laser therapy is based on wavelength, power and frequency and allows us to increase healing and decrease pain/inflammation.
Increased power means increased energy into tissue, but different wavelengths absorbed at different levels so knowing the wavelength to target inflammation, bactericidal or pain relief. Power determines time required to treat. Frequency allows increased power without heat/damage. Pulsed lasers treat pain and continuous treats inflammation, stimulation of blood/lymphatic system and reabsorption of fluids.
The laser works by stimulation of fibroblasts, collagen and cartilage and at neuromuscular junction can decrease pain, muscle spasms, increase wound healing, decreases edema and increases lymphatic peristalsis. It works by increasing ATP production, enhancing Na-K pump function, enzymatic activation, macrophage activity, cell proliferation, release of growth factor by fibroblasts, proliferation of B and T lymphocytes, release of extracellular matrix. This is done by the chromophores in hemoglobin, water, melanin and cytochrome C oxidase absorbing energy to provide local and systematic effects. The local effects include: generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in low levels to become messengers to the body, Ca ion balance is altered, and cytochrome respiration is enhanced in mitochondrial cells.
Laser is used to treat: pain from arthritis, disc disease, acute/chronic sprains/strains, tendonitis, bursitis, acute/chronic otitis and gingivitis, skin lesions (hot spots, anal gland issues, lick granulomas, clean/infected wound healing), cystitis. We can also use laser to treat acupuncture points for animals that will not allow acupuncture.