If you own a pet you will know just how much part of the family they become. This is exactly how it is for my cat, Smokey. He is extremely precious to us, and is known as a bit of a legend in the Reynolds household. Smokey is the best cat we have ever had (I am glad Bumble and Pebbles cannot read). He is gentle, kind and very loving.

He has had a few tough years. On two separate occasions he was hit by a car which caused significant damage to his hips and pelvis. The first time was around seven years ago, when he suffered a fractured pelvis and a broken hip. Then the second time was around three years ago; he was hit on the opposite side from his last injury, and this time he suffered a badly fractured pelvis.

After the second accident, my mum (who he lives with) and I made the decision to keep him as an indoor cat as we did not want to risk anymore accidents.

Over the past year we have noticed that he seems to be getting very stiff on his back legs, and also developing a limp on one of his front legs. Arthritis was pretty much guaranteed after his two accidents, we were told this by the vets at the time, so I had resigned myself to the fact that Smokey will probably end up on pain killers for the rest of his life.

A few months ago I was contacted by my sister, who had spoken with Kate Kerry from Chaseview Vets, who had mentioned that a new treatment would be coming to the practice and it is perfect for animals with arthritis. Smokey’s name got mentioned and he was swiftly signed up to take part in the trial.

Companion Laser Therapy uses Class IV K-Lasers that deliver specific red and near-infrared wavelengths of laser light to induce therapeutic effect within the body. These include increased circulation, decreased swelling, reduction of pain and enhanced tissue repair. The painless application of laser energy promotes increased circulation by drawing oxygen and nutrients to the affected area. This creates an optimal healing environment reducing inflammation, swelling, muscle spasm, stiffness and pain.

There is no patient sedation or restraint required and the treatment is usually pleasant and comforting for them. Your pet may feel improvement in their condition after the first treatment. Sometimes they will not improvement for a number of treatments. This does not mean nothing is happening. Each treatment is cumulative and results are often felt after three or four sessions.

For some acute conditions one-two treatments may be sufficient. Those of a more chronic nature may require five-eight (or more) treatments. Some conditions may require on-going periodic care to control pain.

Smokey has now been having the treatment for the past few months, and we have seen such a massive difference to the way he is moving, and his character. Within the first few sessions we noticed that he was walking up and down the stairs a lot easier and using all four legs one after the other, rather than in the past when he would attempt the stairs two legs at a time and have to stop half way for a rest, or fall down the last step. He is a lot more active than he used to be, and now enjoys a frisky moment or two with my Mum’s other cat, Pebbles. He also jumps up onto the sofa and bed with more spring in his step.

He is now down to one session a fortnight, after an initial blast of treatment. However the joy with this treatment is that should I notice that he seems to be sore and aching, I can then up the sessions again to once a week.

I should also mention how stress free the treatment is. Smokey is never keen to go to the vets, and who can blame him after everything he has been through! But despite the odd meow on the journey in the car, he is good as gold in the consultation room. He lays there and enjoys the fuss the staff give him and the treatment itself. We have not quite got to the purring stage yet, but I am sure it is not far off!

Smokey is my baby and I will be devastated when it is time for him to leave us. But knowing that his last few years will be relatively pain free and he is happy in himself, is such a delight. I will be continuing the treatment for as long as needed, and I would recommend the laser therapy to all pet owners, as I have seen such a difference in Smokey. It really does work!

Chaseview Vets are using the laser all day, every day, on lots of cases including dogs, cats, horses and even the occasional rabbit! For more information on the therapeutic laser therapy contact 01989 562251 or visit www.chaseviewvets.co.ukBy Charlotte Reynolds