Cats stand out as unique members of the pet kingdom due to their independent nature. They navigate the world on their terms, often assuming the role of the master in their human interactions. Despite their stoic demeanor, cats do not readily communicate their pain; instead, they rise above it. Interestingly, from the perspective of laser therapy, feline patients prove to be advantageous due to their smaller size.
Even my Russian Blue, Izya, known for his attitude and a physique resembling an MMA fighter, is compact enough for laser light to effectively penetrate his internal organs. This is particularly noteworthy as internal organs of larger species are typically inaccessible to light due to limited penetration depth. Cats, being front-line fighters against thoracic and abdominal cavity conditions, wield laser therapy as a potent weapon. The feline population has greatly benefited from the introduction of laser therapy into veterinary practices. Whether employed as a primary or adjunct treatment modality, laser therapy has proven to be remarkably effective in cats. It represents a new dimension in veterinary care, allowing practitioners to directly combat complex medical conditions when combined with established standards of care.
In the following sections, we outline prevalent feline conditions addressed through laser therapy. It’s important to acknowledge that treatment protocols in feline practice lack extensive research and may not be firmly grounded in evidence-based medicine.
Kidney diseases
There are two primary categories of kidney disease – acute kidney injury (AKI) and chronic kidney disease (CKD). AKI typically arises from factors like kidney infection or urethral blockage and can be reversible if promptly diagnosed. Treatment concentrates on addressing the root cause and mitigating associated clinical symptoms. Laser therapy emerges as a potentially beneficial adjunct for pain management without relying on pharmacological medications.
In contrast, chronic kidney disease (CKD) lacks a cure. Clinical and laboratory evidence highlights inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and dysregulation of the gut microbiome as pivotal factors in CKD development and progression. Current clinical approaches only postpone kidney failure onset, necessitating innovative therapeutic strategies to overcome existing limitations.
Some indications suggest that laser therapy could serve as a novel, non-invasive, and non-pharmacological approach to treating CKD. While the exact mechanisms behind the positive effects of laser therapy remain unclear, the widely accepted notion involves light-induced intracellular metabolic activity in cytochrome c oxidase. This process leads to heightened adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, inhibits oxidative stress, and diminishes inflammation. Responses to laser treatment for CKD vary among cats, influencing the prognosis. Although still in early clinical research stages, laser therapy holds promise, especially when other interventions prove ineffective.
Pancreatitis
The pancreas plays crucial roles in the digestive process. Its endocrine section produces glucagon and insulin, regulating blood sugar levels; dysfunction leads to diabetes. Despite assertions in some articles about laser therapy treating diabetes it’s essential not to be misled. While laser therapy may aid in managing diabetic peripheral neuropathy and diabetic dermopathy, there is no evidence supporting its efficacy in curing diabetes.
The exocrine pancreas produces vital enzymes—amylase, protease, and lipase—crucial for digesting carbohydrates, proteins, and fats in the intestinal tract. Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas, can be severe or life-threatening if not properly treated. In cats, it often involves inflammation in the liver and intestines, with an unknown cause in over 95% of cases.
Feline pancreatitis treatment focuses on nutritional support, managing dehydration and nausea, and pain management. Laser therapy contributes by alleviating abdominal pain, reducing the need for opioid medications, and, significantly, mitigating inflammation in the pancreas, preventing its spread to neighboring organs.
Prognosis for cats with pancreatitis hinges on the disease’s clinical severity. Mild to moderate cases generally have a favorable outlook, although recurrence is common. Severe acute pancreatitis, however, can be fatal for cats.
Lower urinary tract diseases
Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD) is the number one reason cats visit veterinary practices. FLUTD is a broad term that includes several different conditions related to a cat’s urinary tract, including urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and urinary blockage.
Idiopathic Cystitis. The most prevalent cause of FLUTD is feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC). The FIC is actually not a disease; this is a catchall term to describe cases of FLUTD of an unknown (idiopathic) etiology. Cystitis means inflammation of the bladder. So, should we treat a condition of unknown origin with laser therapy – a technology of unknown efficacy? Why not? Given the effectiveness and safety of laser therapy as an anti-inflammatory modality, utilizing it for an inflammatory condition of unknown origin seems reasonable. Laser therapy may expedite resolution and potentially prevent recurrence without causing harm.
Urolithiasis involves the formation of stones in a cat’s urinary tract, potentially causing irritation or obstruction. Treatment varies based on stone density and composition. Struvite stones can be conservatively dissolved with a specially formulated prescription diet that increases urine acidity, and laser therapy can serve as an adjunct to manage pain and inflammation during this process.
Unlike struvite stones, calcium oxalate stones cannot be dissolved. Traditionally, surgical removal was the only option, but recent advancements in laser lithotripsy offer a minimally invasive alternative. Laser light delivered through an endoscope can pulverize stones.
As in the case of the struvite stones, laser therapy can help to mitigate the pain and inflammation of the urinary tract.
Urethral Obstruction, a life-threatening condition, necessitates immediate veterinary attention. Treatment typically involves catheterization to relieve the blockage. Once the obstruction is cleared, focus shifts to addressing underlying conditions, restoring electrolyte balance, and managing pain and inflammation. Laser therapy emerges as a valuable drug-free adjunct modality in this comprehensive treatment approach.
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) comprises a collection of chronic gastrointestinal disorders with an unknown origin characterized by inflammation affecting the digestive tract, encompassing both the small and large intestines. The condition is marked by symptoms that lack a definitive cure or control, and pharmaceutical interventions may inadvertently contribute to the disease burden through side effects. Drawing parallels with previously discussed cases of idiopathic cystitis, laser therapy emerges as a potential asset for pain management and alleviating inflammation in this intricate and elusive condition.
The potential benefits of laser therapy in IBD extend beyond mere symptom management, as it shows promise in addressing the underlying inflammatory processes. Laser therapy’s non-invasive nature and minimal side effects make it an attractive option for IBD patients seeking complementary or alternative approaches to conventional treatments.
While laser therapy for IBD is still in its nascent stage, further research is essential to elucidate optimal parameters, treatment protocols, and long-term efficacy. As we navigate the intricate landscape of IBD management, laser therapy presents itself as a promising avenue for enhancing the quality of life for individuals grappling with this challenging gastrointestinal condition.
Bone fractures
The role of laser therapy in bone fracture healing is somewhat contentious. While it seems to assist in relieving pain and inflammation associated with fractures, the question remains: does laser light contribute to enhanced osteogenesis? Laboratory studies suggest that laser light induces increased expression of bone matrix proteins, along with accelerated cell proliferation and differentiation. Additionally, clinical studies on rats and rabbits have demonstrated statistically significant higher bone mineral density.
However, when it comes to clinical studies on humans and larger animals, no positive clinical outcomes have been observed. This discrepancy might be attributed to the size factor. In smaller animals like cats, the penetrating depth of light is sufficient to reach the fractured bone, facilitating two crucial processes that promote faster and improved bone healing:
- Angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels around the injury site, enhancing delivery routes for osteoblasts.
- Osteogenesis – the generation of osteoblasts, the building blocks for new bone formation.
The upcoming sections discuss conditions that, from the perspective of laser therapy, are not exclusive to cats since light can reach treated organs in all species. However, we include them due to the valuable contributions that laser therapy brings to the overall treatment protocols.
Feline upper respiratory conditions
Rhinitis, characterized by inflammation of the nasal mucosa, is a prevalent and challenging condition to manage. The underlying causes of idiopathic chronic rhinitis remain unknown.
Laser therapy has shown promise as a supplementary option alongside standard treatments for rhinitis. Potential benefits of laser therapy in treating rhinitis include a reduction in nasal congestion, diminished inflammation, and an overall enhancement in nasal function. Notably, laser therapy is a non-invasive and well-tolerated approach with minimal side effects. However, practitioners must be mindful of the potential risks associated with treating organs near the eyes. The use of laser light protecting goggles is imperative for patient safety. Unfortunately, this precaution may not offer sufficient protection, particularly in brachycephalic cats, where the proximity of the nasal cavity to the eyes poses a challenge, allowing enough light penetration for a potential eye damage.
Ear Infections
Ear infections can affect cats of all ages, although they are relatively uncommon. Otitis externa, an inflammation of the external ear, can typically be treated with topical medications. However, laser therapy serves as a beneficial alternative for managing pain and swelling, offering an option besides glucocorticoids. Most cases of otitis externa are resolved within 1 to 2 weeks.
On the other hand, otitis interna, involving inflammation of the inner ear, presents a more serious scenario that can result in hearing loss and impact a cat’s sense of balance. Treating otitis interna can be challenging due to occlusion of the ear canal, rendering topical treatments ineffective. Laser therapy plays a crucial role in the treatment protocol as it not only alleviates pain but, more significantly, reduces edema, allowing better access to the inner ear for topical drugs.
It is important to note that while laser therapy addresses symptoms and provides relief, it does not target the underlying causes of the pathology. Therefore, a comprehensive approach is necessary, combining laser therapy with topical and/or systemic medications for effective treatment of ear infections in cats.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the feline kingdom stands as a unique and promising arena for the application of laser therapy. The small size of cats allows the penetration of light to reach every organ, offering a comprehensive approach to treatment. Employing high-quality equipment, such as the Eclipse®-VLS, is crucial to ensure the consistency of procedures and optimize therapeutic outcomes. This advanced system not only guarantees precision but also comes equipped with an extensive library of pre-set treatment protocols, serving as an invaluable starting point in the journey of feline laser therapy. With the potential to address a myriad of conditions effectively, the integration of laser therapy in feline care holds great promise for enhancing the well-being of our feline companions.