Class IV Laser Therapy

Cats Only Veterinary Hospital is proud to offer state-of-the-art Class IV Laser Therapy for a drug-free, surgery-free, pain-free treatment for your cat. This FDA approved treatment has been used for over 40 years in human medicine and has recently entered into the veterinary field.

We commonly use Class IV Laser Therapy for the following conditions:

  • Arthritis
  • Post-Surgical Incisions
  • Wounds / Abscesses
  • Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex / Allergies
  • Acne

Class IV Laser Therapy is a drug-free, surgery-free, pain-free treatment. This therapy is used for patients experiencing pain / inflammation or to speed the healing process by using non-invasive laser energy to create a photochemical response in diseased or damaged tissue. The results include:

Less Pain

The laser blocks signals from the nerves to the brain, reduces the sensitivity of nerves, and increases nerve cell reconnection. It also stimulates muscle trigger points and acupuncture points to provide pain relief.

Less Inflammation

The laser reduces swelling from bruising / inflammation and the formation of scar tissue that may result from wounds, abscesses, surgery, burns, cuts or scratches.

Faster Recovery

The laser increases tissue repair, cell growth, and blood vessel activity.

Better Disease Management

With the benefits above, some diseases are better controlled with laser therapy which may reduce medications and increase longevity.

Arthritis

One of the major benefits of our Class IV Laser Therapy is the management of arthritis. In some cats, conventional treatments are just not enough or cats are resistant to taking medications.

Why are we so concerned about arthritis in cats? One study showed that 90% of cats have radiographic (x-ray) evidence of arthritis but only 4% of those cats actually showed signs of arthritis. Cats are notorious for hiding disease. Just because a cat does not show signs of pain does not mean they are pain free. Early detection and treatments of arthritis will help ensure a good quality of life for your cat during their later years of life.

What are some signs of arthritis in cats? Detecting arthritis in cats is much more difficult than in dogs. We cannot walk our cats on a leash to evaluate their gait. Here are some subtle signs that may indicate your cat has arthritis:

Jumping

Refusal to jump, hesitation to jump, jumping less often, or decreased jump height (i.e. making smaller jumps to ultimately reach a high point). Comparing jumping characteristics of your cat when they were younger to their current state may be helpful.

Activity

Less active, sleeping more, not playing as much, running or chasing less, stiff gait, using stairs less, or lying in the same spot for a long period of time. You should not make the assumption that your cat is “just getting old.”

Grooming

Grooming less, over grooming in “easy to reach” areas, or a matted/unkempt hair coat.

Behavioral Changes

“Grumpy” with human contact, avoidance of contact with owners, quieter attitude, or spending more time alone.

Litter box

Reluctance/refusal to use the litter box, difficulty using the litter box, reluctance/refusal to go to the litter box (i.e. when the litter box is in the basement),or inappropriate urinations/defecations.

If you think your cat has signs of arthritis, initially we recommend a comprehensive physical examination to evaluate your cat, especially their joints. The goal is to determine the locations of the arthritis and target those areas specifically. We also recommend radiographs (x-rays) of your cat’s joints (most common areas include elbows, lower spine, hips & knees). Once we have determined all of the areas of arthritis, we can begin treatment to those specific joints with our Class IV Laser.