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Safe Use of Laser and LED Therapy on Dogs with Hip Replacement Hardware
Safe Use of Laser and LED Therapy on Dogs with Hip Replacement Hardware

Using light therapy for dogs with implanted hardware, and ensuring this treatment modality's safe and effective use.

Brittney Martinson avatar
Written by Brittney Martinson
Updated over 7 months ago

TL;DR: It is safe to use the Luma on dogs with hardware.

Using Laser and LED Therapy on Dogs with Hip Replacement Hardware

If you have a dog that has undergone a total hip replacement, you may be wondering if it is safe to use laser therapy on them. This is a valid concern, as the hardware in their hip may be sensitive to heat and other forms of treatment. In this article, we will discuss the safety of using laser and LED therapy on dogs with hip replacement hardware and provide some tips for using it effectively. Additionally, we'll introduce you to the MedcoVet device, Luma, which offers a safe alternative.

Understanding the Concern

The concern with using laser therapy on dogs with hip replacement hardware is that the heat generated by the laser may cause discomfort or damage to the hardware. This is a valid concern, as the hardware is a sensitive area and any damage could potentially lead to further complications for your dog.

Types of Therapy Devices

  1. Super High-Powered Lasers:

    • These lasers operate with a lot of watts, often around 25 watts.

    • Due to their high power, they generate significant heat and require constant movement to avoid burning the fur and skin.

    • The treatment area must be scanned continuously to prevent overheating.

  2. Stationary Devices:

    • These devices operate at 1 watt or below.

    • They do not generate enough heat to burn the fur, making them safe to keep in place during treatment.

    • The MedcoVet device, Luma, is a stationary LED device, which does not require movement during treatment.

  3. Superpulse Lasers:

    • These lasers pulse on and off extremely quickly, typically for 1 billionth of a second.

    • They are powerful but have their own guidelines for treatment.

    • Despite their strength, they do not generate enough heat to necessitate movement.

    • Superpulse treatments can take a long time (e.g., 4 minutes per 20-30 seconds), as they are not continuously on.

Using the Right Device: Luma by MedcoVet

The Luma device by MedcoVet is designed to provide safe and effective therapy without the risk of overheating the hardware in your dog’s hip. Here’s why:

  • Stationary LED Technology: Luma operates at a power level that is safe to use without moving the device, reducing the risk of overheating.

  • No Significant Heat Generation: Unlike super high-powered lasers, Luma does not produce enough heat to cause discomfort or damage to your dog's hardware.

Monitoring Your Dog's Comfort

While using any therapy device, including the Luma, it is important to monitor your dog's comfort level. If your dog shows any signs of discomfort or pain during the treatment, it is important to stop immediately and consult your veterinarian. This could be a sign that the therapy is causing discomfort to the hardware or other areas of the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is safe to use Luma, the MedcoVet device, on dogs with hip replacement hardware. However, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to ensure the safety and comfort of your dog. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to reach out to your veterinarian for guidance.

We hope this article has provided you with the information you need to confidently use Luma on your dog with hip replacement hardware. Take care and happy healing!

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