Why I Changed My Mind About Supporting Lasers
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Published: Veterinary Practice New, April 2024
Author(s): "Michael Petty, DVM"
Dr. Michael Petty describes his journey with laser therapy in veterinary practice.
Key points include:
- Initially skeptical of class IV lasers, he started with a class IIIb laser but found it ineffective and time-consuming.
- Later introduced to a class IV laser, he found it more efficient and effective.
- Class IV lasers offer:
- Faster treatment times
- User-friendly software for dosage calculations
- Ability to treat deeper tissues
- Versatility in treating various conditions
- Important applications of photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT):
- Pain management, especially for patients who can't take NSAIDs
- Treating osteoarthritis in cats
- Intervertebral disc disease and fibrocartilagenous embolism
- Infections (ear, anal gland, skin)
- Respiratory diseases (asthma, bronchitis, pneumonia)
- Dr. Petty emphasizes the importance of proper dosing and choosing a laser with research-based protocols.
- He concludes by encouraging veterinarians to consider purchasing a laser, highlighting the need for software support, true class IV capability, and ongoing education from the manufacturer.
The article presents a personal account of how Dr. Petty transitioned from being skeptical about laser therapy to becoming an advocate, based on his clinical experiences with different classes of lasers.