Laser therapy, more accurately termed photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT), has become a cornerstone of multimodal pain management and rehabilitation in veterinary medicine. Whether used to treat osteoarthritis (OA), tendon or ligament injuries, wounds, or neurological conditions, laser therapy can improve outcomes, speed recovery, and enhance quality of life.
But not all lasers are created equal.
Veterinary lasers differ in power output, wavelength, pulse settings, and safety classification, which affects their clinical utility. In this post, we’ll break down the differences between Class IV lasers, Class 3B lasers, and the newer generation Class 1M super-pulsed devices, including some notable exceptions that don’t fit cleanly into traditional categories.
Class IV Lasers: High Power, Deep Penetration, Fast Results
Power Output: >500 mW (often 10–60W)
Common Brands: AlphaVet (MultiRadiance Medical), Companion (LiteCure), Summus, Aspen
Class IV lasers are defined by their high continuous or pulsed power output, allowing for rapid treatment of large areas and deep-seated pathology. These systems are powerful tools for managing chronic pain, spinal dysfunction, and neuromuscular disorders.
Highlight: AlphaVet by MultiRadiance
The AlphaVet laser system stands out by combining Class IV-level peak power (up to 50W) with super-pulsed laser technology, delivering deep tissue effects with minimal thermal risk. Unlike traditional high-power continuous lasers, the AlphaVet’s ultra-short pulses maximize penetration while minimizing heat and enhancing safety, especially for neurologic and sensitive applications.
Benefits:
- High peak power (50W) for deeper tissue penetration
- Super-pulsed delivery reduces thermal build-up
- Multiple synchronized wavelengths for broader therapeutic effects
Ideal Applications:
- Osteoarthritis (hips, stifles, elbows)
- Tendinopathies and enthesopathies
- Neurologic conditions (IVDD, nerve injury, FCE)
- Myofascial pain and post-operative recovery
Class 3B Lasers: Safer, Affordable, but Limited
Power Output: <500 mW
Common Brands: Luminex
These lower-powered lasers are best for superficial or localized conditions. While affordable and safer to use without heavy thermal precautions, they lack the power and penetration needed for deeper musculoskeletal or neurologic cases.
Limitations:
- Longer treatment times
- Shallow tissue penetration
- Less effective for chronic or deep conditions
Best Used For:
- Minor wounds
- Superficial acute soft tissue injuries
- Small post-operative incisions
Many OTC laser pens and pads fall into this class and may provide some relief but typically cannot deliver therapeutic doses to deeper tissues.
Class 1M Lasers: Super-Pulsed Safety with Clinical Impact
Key Examples:
- MultiRadiance MR4 ACTIVet Pro
- MultiRadiance MyPetLaser
- MedCoVet Luma
Class 1M lasers represent a unique and evolving category. Devices like those from MultiRadiance and MedCoVet use super-pulsed laser technology that delivers high peak power in ultrashort pulses, allowing for deep tissue effects without thermal risk.
These systems maintain Class 1M safety classification, meaning they are safe for home use under normal conditions but still clinically powerful.
Highlight: MyPetLaser by MultiRadiance
The MyPetLaser system allows veterinarians to extend care into the home, empowering pet owners to deliver laser treatments safely and effectively under veterinary guidance.
Why It Matters:
- Allows daily or frequent therapy sessions without repeated clinic visits
- Provides continuity of care for chronic conditions like OA or post-surgical rehab
- Portable, cordless, and pre-programmed for easy use by owners
This tool is especially valuable for chronic pain conditions that require multiple treatments per week, such as OA or spinal arthritis, or for pets with mobility issues who may not tolerate frequent travel.
Other Benefits of Class 1M Systems:
- High peak power (up to 50W) without tissue heating
- Multi-wavelength output (infrared, red, and blue)
- Ideal for pain relief, wound healing, and neurologic support
Dosing Frequency and the Need for Ongoing Research
One of the most important clinical considerations in laser therapy is treatment frequency. Most veterinary patients, especially those with chronic pain or inflammation, require multiple sessions per week initially, typically 2–3 times weekly for the first 2–4 weeks. Once improvement is observed, clinicians can taper to the lowest effective frequency, which may range from weekly to monthly maintenance.
However, there is no one-size-fits-all dosing protocol. Treatment plans must be tailored to:
- The condition being treated
- The patient’s response
- The laser system being used
This underscores an ongoing challenge in the field: we still need more research. Studies exploring dose optimization, treatment intervals, and disease-specific protocols are essential to further refine our use of laser therapy and ensure consistent, evidence-based care.
Clinical Comparison Table
| Feature / Laser Type | Class IV (incl. AlphaVet) | Class 3B | Class 1M (ACTIVet, Luma, MyPetLaser) |
| Power Output | >500 mW (up to 50W+) | <500 mW | Super-pulsed, high peak |
| Depth of Penetration | Deep | Superficial | Deep |
| Speed of Treatment | Fast | Slow | Moderate to fast |
| Safety Profile | Requires caution, eye PPE | Safer | High safety, no heat risk |
| Wavelengths | IR, red (some multi-wavelength) | Single or dual | Multi-source (IR, red, blue) |
| Best For | OA, tendinopathy, neuro | Wounds, acute sprains | OA, neuro, wound care, at-home use |
Which Laser is Right for Your Patients?
- For deep OA, spine, or tendon pathology: Use a Class IV system, especially the AlphaVet for its advanced safety and super-pulsed tech.
- For post-op or acute wound care: Class 3B may suffice but is slower and more limited in scope.
- For neurologic cases, home therapy, or adjunct support: Class 1M systems like MyPetLaser and ACTIVet Pro offer unmatched flexibility and safety, with excellent clinical outcomes.
Final Thoughts
Veterinary laser therapy has come a long way. With innovative tools like super-pulsed Class IV lasers (AlphaVet) and Class 1M systems (MyPetLaser, ACTIVet Pro), clinicians can tailor treatment plans to meet the needs of every patient, whether in the clinic or at home.
Laser therapy works best with consistent dosing, often multiple sessions per week at the start, then tapering to maintain comfort and function. And while we’ve seen remarkable success, we’re still working toward defining the most effective treatment regimens, which is why continued research is vital.
The right laser therapy system empowers you to deliver safe, effective, and flexible treatment—and helps pets live more comfortable, mobile lives.
Interested in integrating laser therapy into your practice or sending treatments home with your clients? Contact us to explore your options and build a custom PBMT program that fits your practice.
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