Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Animals
If your dog limps because of osteoarthritis, your cat struggles with a slow-healing wound, or your horse has tendon issues – more and more veterinarians and physiotherapists are turning to low-level laser therapy (LLLT, photobiomodulation). But does it really work? In this article I summarize what scientific research says and when it’s worth considering this treatment method.
What is low-level laser therapy?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) – more recently called photobiomodulation (PBM) – is a non-invasive, painless treatment method. Low-energy laser light (typically red or near-infrared light of 600–1000 nm wavelength) is applied to tissues, where the light triggers photochemical reactions in the cells.
The mechanism of action can be summarized as:
- Laser light activates the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme in the mitochondria
- This increases ATP (cellular energy) production
- Blood circulation and oxygen supply increase in the treated area
- An anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect develops
- It stimulates cell regeneration and tissue healing
Important distinction: the low-level laser DOES NOT cut or burn – unlike surgical lasers. The treatment is painless; the animal may feel only mild warmth at most.
What is it used for in veterinary medicine?
A 2023 systematic literature review analyzed 45 publications on laser therapy in dogs, cats and horses. Main indications were:
- Musculoskeletal problems: osteoarthritis, joint inflammation, muscle injuries
- Neurological conditions: rehabilitation after intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Skin problems and wounds: wound healing, hot spots, lick granuloma
- Pain relief: postoperative pain, chronic pain
- Tendon and ligament injuries: especially in horses
What do the scientific studies say?
Dogs – rehabilitation after intervertebral disc disease
One of the most studied areas is recovery after thoracolumbar intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs, especially Dachshunds.
In a 2012 prospective study, 36 acutely paraparesic/paraplegic dogs were treated after hemilaminectomy. Results:
- The laser-treated group began walking in a median of 3.5 days
- The control group reached the same milestone in a median of 14 days
- The difference was significant (p=0.0016)
The researchers concluded that combining low-level laser therapy with surgery significantly reduces the time needed to regain ambulatory function.1
However, a later study with 32 dogs found no significant difference between the laser-treated and control groups. The authors noted that a larger sample size is needed.2
Dogs – osteoarthritis and chronic pain
A retrospective study of 17 osteoarthritic dogs found that weekly laser treatment for 6 weeks:
- Significantly reduced the pain score (CBPI: 11.8 → 9.2, p=0.018)
- Owners reported improved quality of life
- In several dogs, analgesic doses could be reduced
The researchers suggested that low-level laser therapy may be a promising adjunctive therapy for managing pain in osteoarthritic dogs.3
Dogs – skin diseases and wound healing
A 2022 critically appraised topic (CAT) reviewed 19 clinical trials on laser treatment of canine skin diseases. Key findings:
- Laser therapy is a promising adjunctive treatment for interdigital pyoderma and deep pyoderma
- In one study, a laser + antibiotic combination reduced healing time from 10.4 weeks to 4.3 weeks
- For other skin conditions (atopic dermatitis, alopecia) the evidence is still weak
The authors highlight that laser therapy may help reduce antibiotic use – an important consideration in the era of antimicrobial resistance.4
Dogs – TPLO postoperative rehabilitation
Laser therapy after TPLO (tibial plateau leveling osteotomy) for cranial cruciate ligament rupture has been examined in several studies:
- A study of 95 dogs reported that owners perceived better gait quality in the laser-treated group
- A study of 27 dogs showed better limb function 8 weeks after surgery (measured on a force plate)
Results are encouraging, but no differences were found in radiographic healing or objective pain measures.5
Horses – tendon and ligament injuries
In equine medicine, laser therapy has become popular mainly for treating tendon and ligament injuries. Research findings:
- In a clinical series of 150 sport horses, those treated with high-power laser showed marked improvement within 2 weeks in lameness and lesion appearance
- The re-injury rate was lower than with conventional rest
- Laser stimulates fibroblast proliferation, collagen organization and angiogenesis in tendon tissue
Important: In horses, haircoat and skin significantly reduce light penetration. One study found that the treatment area should be clipped to allow effective light transmission.6
Cats – limited data
The number of studies on cats is very low. The 2023 systematic review found only one paper involving cats. Clinical experience indicates that cats tolerate the treatment well, and main indications (osteoarthritis, wound healing) are similar to those in dogs.
Summary of the evidence
The 2023 systematic literature review analyzed 45 papers (24 on dogs, 1 on cats, 20 on horses). The main conclusion was:
“The review showed conflicting results and unclear clinical applicability. This is explained by the wide variability of treatment parameters used in the studies: wavelength, laser class, dose, treatment frequency and duration.”
This means:
| Indication | Level of evidence | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation after intervertebral disc disease (dog) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Moderate | Some studies very positive, others found no difference |
| Osteoarthritis, chronic pain (dog) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Moderate | Promising adjunct therapy, larger trials needed |
| Wound healing, pyoderma (dog) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Moderate | May be effective when combined with antibiotics |
| TPLO rehabilitation (dog) | ⭐⭐☆☆☆ Weak-moderate | Subjective improvement; less clear in objective measures |
| Tendon/ligament injury (horse) | ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ Moderate | Clinical experience positive, but RCTs lacking |
| Cats (generally) | ⭐☆☆☆☆ Very weak | Very little research data |
When is it worth considering laser therapy?
Based on current evidence, low-level laser therapy may be considered:
- In postoperative rehabilitation – IVDD, TPLO, orthopedic surgeries
- As an adjunct for chronic pain – osteoarthritis, degenerative joint disease
- To support wound healing – especially slow-healing wounds, pyoderma
- To reduce analgesic doses – in senior animals or those with kidney issues where NSAIDs are risky
- In the treatment of tendon/ligament injuries in horses
Laser therapy is NOT a miracle cure – but it is a safe, side-effect–free adjunctive treatment that can help in many cases.
When NOT to use it?
Contraindications
- Never shine into the eyes! Laser light can damage the retina – protective eyewear is mandatory
- Over tumors – theoretical concern that laser may stimulate cell proliferation
- Over the abdomen of pregnant animals – effects on the fetus are unknown
- In bleeding disorders or during anticoagulant therapy – laser increases blood circulation
- Active infection, purulent wounds – the underlying condition should be treated first
- While taking photosensitizing drugs
When to consult a veterinarian?
- If the problem does not improve after 2–3 treatments
- If a wound becomes infected (redness, swelling, discharge)
- If the animal’s general condition worsens
- If lameness or pain is of unknown origin – diagnosis first!
Possible side effects
Low-level laser therapy is extremely safe. Clinical trials reported virtually no side effects.
Rare, mild reactions may include:
- Transient warmth at the treated area
- Mild skin redness (short-lived)
- The animal may be temporarily more restless (rare)
The greatest risk is eye injury – therefore protective eyewear is mandatory for the operator AND the animal (if possible).
Practical tips for treatment
Treatment parameters – depending on species
| Species | Recommended power | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Cat, small dog | 200–500 mW | Thin coat, shallower tissues |
| Medium-large dog | 500–3000 mW | Thicker tissues, deeper penetration needed |
| Horse | 2000–15000 mW | Large muscle mass, thick coat – clipping is necessary! |
General recommendations
- Wavelength: 808 nm infrared for deeper tissues, 660 nm red for superficial treatments
- Dose: 4–8 J/cm² to the treated area (based on WALT guidelines)
- Frequency: Acute cases daily, chronic cases 2–3 times per week
- Coat: Thick, dark coat significantly reduces light transmission – clipping is recommended
- Contact: The treatment head should touch the skin (contact mode) for better light transmission
Recommended devices
For veterinarians and animal physiotherapists (professional use)
The LaserVet series is specifically developed for veterinary use, with built-in treatment programs for dogs, cats and horses:
- LaserVet 1.0 (1 W, 808 nm) – small animals, cats
- LaserVet 3.0 (3 W, 808 nm) – dogs, small horses
- LaserVet 8.0 (8 W, 808 nm) – larger dogs, horses
- LaserVet 15.0 (15 W, 808 nm) – horses, large dogs, deep tissues
Manufacturer: Globus (Italy). Built-in animal-specific programs.
For owners for home use
If you want to support treatment of your own dog or horse at home:
- Personal Laser L400 (400 mW, 808 nm) – for small pets and dogs at home
- Energy-Laser L2000 Pro (2000 mW, 808 nm) – for horses and large animals
Important: Home laser treatment complements but does not replace veterinary care!
Find our full veterinary laser range here: Veterinary laser category
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A guide to veterinary low-level laser therapy for treating dogs, cats and horses based on scientific evidence.
Who is it for? Veterinarians, animal physiotherapists and responsible pet owners looking for adjunctive treatment options.
Main message: Low-level laser therapy is a safe, side-effect–free treatment that shows promising results in postoperative rehabilitation, chronic pain management and supporting wound healing. The level of evidence is moderate – studies show mixed results, but the positive trend is clear. Laser therapy complements, but does not replace, conventional veterinary care.
Recommended devices: For professional use the LaserVet series; for home use the Personal Laser L400 (small pet) or the Energy-Laser L2000 Pro (horse).
Sources
- Draper WE et al. (2012). Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy: a preliminary study. J Small Anim Pract. PubMed: 22783835
- Bennaim M et al. (2017). Preliminary evaluation of the effects of photobiomodulation therapy and physical rehabilitation on early postoperative recovery of dogs undergoing hemilaminectomy. Am J Vet Res. PubMed: 28140641
- Adami C et al. (2020). Preliminary clinical experience of low-level laser therapy for the treatment of canine osteoarthritis-associated pain. Open Vet J. PMC7193873
- Romanelli G et al. (2022). Critically Appraised Topic on Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Dogs: An Advisable Treatment for Skin Diseases? Vet Sci. PMC9502196
- Millis DL, Bergh A. (2023). A Systematic Literature Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Laser Therapy. Animals. PubMed: 36830454
- Ryan T, Smith R. (2007). An investigation into the depth of penetration of low level laser therapy through the equine tendon in vivo. Ir Vet J. PubMed: 21851694
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Veterinary consultation is recommended to establish an accurate diagnosis before treating animals with laser therapy. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement veterinary treatment and do not replace specialist veterinary care.
