When a dog or cat needs orthopaedic surgery — whether it’s a cruciate repair, fracture fixation or joint surgery — the procedure itself is only half the journey.
For most pet owners, the real worry starts after surgery:
“How do I keep them comfortable while they heal?”
“Will they recover fully?”
“Is there a way to reduce pain without relying on medication alone?”
This is where cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or photobiomodulation, has become a valuable part of modern veterinary post-operative care.
Why Post-Surgical Recovery Is Challenging for Pets
Unlike humans, pets can’t always understand why they need to rest.
After orthopaedic surgery, dogs and cats commonly experience:
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Pain and tenderness at the surgical site
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Swelling and inflammation
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Muscle tightness or guarding
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Delayed wound healing
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Reduced mobility and confidence using the limb
While pain relief medications are essential, they don’t directly support tissue repair — and long-term use isn’t always ideal.
This has led veterinarians to adopt therapies that help the body heal more efficiently, not just feel less pain.
What Is Cold Laser Therapy (LLLT)?
Cold laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light to stimulate biological processes in tissues — without producing heat.
Rather than masking pain, LLLT works at a cellular level, helping the body repair itself by:
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Increasing ATP (cellular energy) production
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Improving blood flow and oxygen delivery
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Modulating inflammation
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Accelerating soft tissue and bone healing
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Reducing nerve sensitivity linked to pain
In simple terms:
It helps healing happen faster and more comfortably.
What the Veterinary Research Shows
A peer-reviewed study published in 2018 and indexed on PubMed (PMID: 30058855) examined the effects of low-level laser therapy in post-operative veterinary patients.
The study found that LLLT:
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Reduced post-surgical pain
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Decreased inflammation and swelling
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Supported faster tissue repair
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Improved comfort and functional recovery
Since then, further veterinary research published in journals such as Veterinary Surgery and Lasers in Medical Science has continued to support the use of photobiomodulation following orthopaedic procedures in dogs and cats.
By 2026, cold laser therapy is widely regarded as a best-practice adjunct to surgical recovery in many veterinary clinics.
How Veterinarians Use LLLT After Orthopaedic Surgery
1. Pain Reduction Without Heavy Sedation
LLLT helps reduce pain by:
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Modulating inflammatory chemicals
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Calming irritated nerve endings
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Improving local circulation
Many vets report pets appearing more comfortable and relaxed shortly after treatment — without sedation.
2. Reduced Swelling and Inflammation
Post-operative swelling can delay healing and restrict movement.
Laser therapy helps by:
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Improving lymphatic drainage
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Reducing inflammatory markers
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Supporting faster resolution of swelling
This can make bandage changes and physiotherapy more comfortable for pets.
3. Faster Wound and Tissue Healing
Cold laser therapy supports:
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Collagen formation
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Soft tissue repair
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Bone healing following fractures or joint surgery
This is particularly valuable in:
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Cruciate ligament repairs
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Hip and elbow surgeries
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Fracture stabilisation
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Spinal procedures
4. Improved Mobility During Rehabilitation
As pain and swelling reduce, pets often:
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Bear weight sooner
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Move more naturally
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Engage better with rehabilitation exercises
This supports safer, more confident recovery.
Common Surgeries Where LLLT Is Used
Veterinarians commonly use cold laser therapy after:
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TPLO and cruciate ligament surgery
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Fracture repair
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Hip dysplasia surgery
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Elbow dysplasia procedures
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Patella luxation repair
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Spinal surgery
It is suitable for both dogs and cats, including older pets.
Is Cold Laser Therapy Safe for Pets?
This is one of the most common questions — and a very reasonable one.
Research consistently shows that LLLT:
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Is non-invasive
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Does not damage tissue
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Has no known systemic side effects
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Does not interfere with medications
Most pets tolerate treatment extremely well — many relax or even fall asleep during sessions.
At-Home Laser Therapy Between Veterinary Visits
Traditionally, laser therapy was only available in clinics.
Now, high-quality pulsed low-level laser devices allow pet owners to support recovery at home, under veterinary guidance.
One example is the
👉 Pulsed Low-Level Laser Therapy device from Pulse Laser Relief
These devices are designed to:
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Deliver clinically relevant wavelengths
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Use pulsed technology for deeper tissue penetration
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Be safe and easy to use
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Support healing between vet appointments
For pet owners, this can mean:
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More consistent recovery support
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Less stress for pets who dislike clinic visits
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Better comfort during the healing phase
Addressing a Common Concern
You may be thinking:
“I don’t want to do anything that could interfere with surgery healing.”
That concern is completely valid.
What many pet owners have felt, and later found, is that when used correctly, cold laser therapy:
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Supports natural healing processes
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Does not disrupt surgical repairs
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Complements veterinary care rather than replacing it
It should always be used in line with your veterinarian’s advice.
Helping Pets Heal Comfortably
Orthopaedic surgery can be life-changing for pets — restoring comfort, mobility and quality of life.
Cold laser therapy offers a gentle, science-backed way to:
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Reduce post-operative pain
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Minimise swelling
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Support faster, healthier healing
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Improve overall recovery experience
For many veterinary teams, it’s no longer an “alternative” — it’s part of modern, compassionate post-surgical care.
References:
Kennedy KC, Martinez SA, Martinez SE, Tucker RL, Davies NM. Effects of low-level laser therapy on bone healing and signs of pain in dogs following tibial plateau leveling osteotomy. Am J Vet Res. 2018 Aug;79(8):893-904. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.79.8.893. PMID: 30058855.
