Laser therapy for animals offers faster healing

Animals treated at the Government Veterinary College will soon have a better chance at early recovery with the addition of new technology.

A laser treatment centre was inaugurated on Saturday as part of the World Veterinary Day celebrations in Bengaluru. World Veterinary Day is observed in the last week of April.

Speaking to DH, professor H A Upendra, head, department of medicine, said with the new facility, several animals would benefit from early healing.

“Laser therapy is known to help cattle, goats, sheep and dogs. It can treat animals with arthritis, chronic wounds, mastitis, leg injuries, especially in goats. There are several wounds that do not heal. Pets with such injuries will benefit. It is also used for skin treatment,” he said.

This would benefit animals with joint pain as well, much effective than conventional methods.

The instrument costs about Rs 15 lakh and was donated as part of the CSR initiative by LabIndia Healthcare. “We provided them with infrastructure and they gave us equipment,” Upendra said.

It was inaugurated by professor H D Narayana Swamy, vice-chancellor of Karnataka Veterinary, Animal and Fisheries Sciences University.

The hospital sees about 160-170 cases everyday. According to Upendra, at least 20 of these cases could benefit from the new tech.

As part of Veterinary Day, free immunisation is being offered to cats and dogs. On Saturday, about 100 were immunised.

He added that there are a few surgeries that would be offered free of cost if the caretakers register in advance.