Shining Bright: Illuminating the Benefits of Laser Therapy

From the moment we rescue an animal, they are promised a lifetime of love and care. That is why we reached out to you during our 2023 Summer Sparkle Campaign. Together, we raised enough funds to purchase a veterinary-grade laser that has dramatically improved many lives in just a few short months.

As we are painfully aware, farmed animals are bred to gain an overwhelming amount of weight very quickly, or are bred to produce an astronomical amount of eggs, milk, or wool throughout their lives. Being born with such physical demands can cause degenerative joint disease, sprains, abscesses, intervertebral disc disease, painful illnesses and more. This is why the Caregiver Team monitors everyone’s individual needs and conditions, especially body weight, which can exacerbate physical challenges, including arthritis.

At-Home Treatments

After his health issue in 2022, the last thing Brindle would want would be another trip, in the resident trailer, along the highway, to a treatment centre. So, another huge benefit of having our own laser therapy device is that the Caregivers are now trained to offer friends such as, Brindle, who has hind limb ataxia and lower back issues, musculoskeletal pain relief therapy right in the comfort of his own home.

April will give HEEFS Co-Founder and Executive Director, Derek Walter dozens of snout kisses, but their relationship is extremely exclusive! She doesn’t always invite other people to touch her, so being able to use the non-invasive laser device from a distance helps keep her both emotionally and physically comfortable while treating her age-related stiffness in both of her front legs.

Elaine, Kramer and Ferdinand all needed laser therapy to treat their bumblefoot when they arrived at HEEFS, so were in that tricky phase where they needed medical interventions, as well as time and space to heal the emotional wounds of their recent past before they arrived at HEEFS.

With daily non-laser treatment, bumblefoot can take weeks or months to heal. Thankfully, the laser therapy resolved Ferdinand’s bumblefoot just within a few short weeks! Elaine and Kramer have also received treatment. While they’re getting more and more comfortable with us handling them, laser therapy has been an effective painless, non-invasive, and non-toxic treatment with no need for pharmacological assistance unless needed.

“Laser therapy is a good option to help a resident manage joint pain, bumblefoot, and other ailments, such as abscesses”, said Andrea White, Resident Health Care Manager. Hercules displayed lameness in his front right leg, possibly due to an abscess. He has had several laser therapy treatments, hoof soaks, oral antibiotics, pain medications, and stall rest, and is improved quickly. Luanne and Genie received laser therapy to treat their arthritis, and Diablo started receiving treatments when he suddenly went lame in his hind right leg.

From the bottom of all our hearts, we thank you for your support in helping so many rescued animals live happier, fuller lives. Your compassion and generosity are evident in the great strides we see residents regaining every day.