Low-level laser therapy for canine osteoarthritis pain
The goal of this study was to determine whether low-level laser therapy (LLLT) would improve the quality of life and help to reduce the use of systemic analgesics, in dogs with osteoarthritis.
Seventeen client-owned dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis and associated pain were included, with the diagnosis confirmed by orthopedic and radiographic examination. Pain was evaluated in each dog, compiled, and analyzed with a visual analog scale (VAS) and the Colorado State canine chronic pain scale by the clinician.
The low-level laser therapy was performed weekly in each study dog, for a total period of six weeks. The canine brief pain inventory was then repeated at two, four, six, and eight weeks after the first laser session. The visual analog scale was reassessed at weeks two and six.
Both the canine brief pain inventory and visual analog scale were significantly reduced after the first laser session compared to pre-treatment values that continued to decrease over the length of the study. The analgesic therapy given to the dogs was reduced by the clinician at week two in thirteen of seventeen dogs. Laser-related side effects were not observed.
These preliminary findings are promising and suggest that low-level laser therapy may help to reduce the analgesic administration to dogs, while improving client satisfaction and the quality of life for dogs with osteoarthritis.
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