This
educational series on veterinary applications of Class IV laser therapy has
explored its scientific and clinical aspects, along with safety and practice
management considerations. But what do
veterinary technicians have to say about Class IV laser therapy?
After all,
they are the ones at the front lines—delivering the treatments and educating
the clients about conditions that can be treated, how it works, and what to
expect from a course of treatment. For
this article we interviewed five veterinary technicians:
-Shayna
Rodrigues, CVT, CCRP, of Newtown Veterinary Hospital in Newtown, Pa.
-Stacy
Bender of Great Bridge Veterinary Hospital in Chesapeake, Va.
-Alicia
Brand of Andalusia Road Veterinary Centre Ltd. In Milan, Ill.
-Lorraine
Kendall of the Animal Hospital of North Asheville in Asheville, N.C.
-Kendrah
Jensen of La Zoetry Pet Clinic in Cheyenne, Wyo.
A common
first reaction to laser therapy was skepticism.
Since it was a new modality for all five, they were unsure of the safety
or efficacy of the treatments. “Are we
really going to use it, or will it just sit around like other things we have
tried to bring in?” Brand asked. Jensen
wondered, “Does this really work?”
Laser
therapy companies should do more than just sell equipment: they are duty-bound
to provide proper training and implementation support—which should be included
in the purchase price and not listed as an add-on to the sale. Asked about the learning curve involved for
delivering effective treatments, Kendall commented, “We had a lot of questions
in the beginning, but the staff of the laser company was so helpful! They are very easy to get a hold of and can
make laser very understandable.”
“It is
somewhat intimidating at first, maybe because of the word ‘laser,’ but after
doing the (company-supplied) training it becomes like second nature,” Jensen
said.
What was the
initial client reaction to laser therapy?
All five technicians responded with enthusiasm.
“Our clients
have been so excited to try the laser therapy and are very impressed with the
results. They even take time out of
their day to call us and let us know how happy they are with the treatment,”
said Jensen. “We have had patients
carried in on a stretcher thinking it was the end for them. By the third visit they are walking again,”
Kendall reported.
And Brand
simply stated, “They love it!”
Many animals
can be nervous when it comes time for their first laser therapy treatment. But our surveyed technicians all reported
that their patients have responded very favorably to the addition of laser
therapy.
“I even
think coming to the clinic to get laser therapy has eased their minds from
associating the clinic with irritating poking and prodding,” Jensen said, to
which Kendall added that animals can be nervous on the first treatment, but on
subsequent visits they get excited, run in and flop down on the bed ready for
treatment.
What are the
top three applications for Class IV laser therapy in their clinics? The technicians responded with an impressive
list: post-dental, post-surgical, wound healing, hot spots, snake bites,
osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, stifles and acupuncture
points. Rodriguez emphasized, “My
patients have greatly benefited from our use of Class IV laser therapy.”
Since most
treatments are performed by technicians, the modality adds an important role to
their responsibilities in the clinic, along with a lot of interactive time with
clients. This increases the opportunity
to not only educate clients about laser therapy, but on other services offered
by the clinic, such as dental work or preventive exams.
“I love
using the laser and continually push for its use on every animal we see,” said
Rodriguez. Brand agreed and added, “I
enjoy being able to go in and treat an animal and just talk with the owners
rather than always having to get the history and lab work and the doctor does
the rest.”
“I love
doing laser because I know the pain and misery that the patient is enduring
will be relieved and the owner worry will also be relieved,” Kendall said.
“The Class
IV laser adds a whole new facet to our jobs at the clinic,” Jensen noted. “I am so happy to be able to offer a
non-invasive, medication-free way to reduce our patients’ pain. Getting the word out and letting clients know
how excited we are about this has really helped our clinic grow.”
What message
would they pass on to other veterinary practices considering purchasing a
therapy laser? Kendall said, “Please,
for the well-being and comfort of your patients and relief for the owners, try
laser. You will wonder where this has
been all your life/career.”
Jensen
wholeheartedly agreed: “Class IV laser therapy is an essential tool in getting
the patient back to normal as quickly as possible, whether it be surgery, an
ongoing condition, or a one-time wound.
It benefits everyone—the patients benefit with less down time and pain,
the client is pleased with results and cost effectiveness, and the clinic is
happy to have been able to help.”
From "Veterinary Practice News"
