At Overpeck Creek Animal Hospital in Bogota, NJ, we believe the best veterinary care combines conventional medicine with evidence-based complementary therapies. Our drug-free treatment options—including Class IV Laser Therapy, Adequan, Librela, and Solensia—help us manage pain, reduce inflammation, and support healing while minimizing reliance on pharmaceuticals.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV Laser Therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or cold laser therapy) is one of the most advanced developments in veterinary pain management. A focused laser beam penetrates deep into tissues, stimulating a series of natural cellular and biochemical responses that:
  • Stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural pain-relieving compounds
  • Activate mitochondria to enhance cellular repair and healing
  • Reduce inflammation at the tissue level
  • Improve blood circulation to the treated area
Laser therapy is non-invasive, painless, and does not require sedation, with most sessions lasting just 3–8 minutes. Many patients show improvement after the first treatment, and benefits are cumulative, with each session building on the previous one. We often combine laser therapy with Adequan injections for a more comprehensive approach to arthritis and joint disease management.

Conditions Treated With Class IV Laser Therapy

  • Osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia
  • Degenerative disc disease and back pain
  • Muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries
  • Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma recovery
  • Ear infections (otitis)
  • Gingivitis and oral inflammation
  • Hot spots and open wounds
  • Anal gland infections

Arthritis Management — a Multi-Modal Approach

Arthritis often develops silently, sometimes years before obvious signs become visible in a pet. By the time symptoms such as stiffness or limping appear, significant joint damage may have already occurred. Our multi-modal arthritis management program combines several treatment approaches to achieve the best possible outcomes:

Adequan Injections

Adequan is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for canine osteoarthritis. Unlike pain medications that only mask symptoms, Adequan helps address the underlying disease process by inhibiting enzymes that break down cartilage. A standard protocol involves two injections per week for four weeks, with benefits that may last six months or longer. It is generally well-tolerated and an effective option for long-term joint support.

Librela (Dogs) — Monthly OA Pain Injection

Librela is a monoclonal antibody therapy that targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key contributor to osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Administered as a once-monthly injection by a veterinary professional, Librela helps reduce pain signaling, improving mobility and quality of life without the long-term systemic side effects associated with NSAIDs.

Solensia (Cats) — Monthly OA Pain Injection

Cats are experts at masking pain, which means feline osteoarthritis is often underdiagnosed. Solensia is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for osteoarthritis pain in cats, provided as a once-monthly injection that targets the same NGF pathway as Librela. If your cat has become less active, is avoiding jumping, or is showing behavioral changes, osteoarthritis may be an underlying cause.

Allergy Screening and Hyposensitization

Treating allergic skin disease with steroids or antihistamines may provide only temporary symptom relief. The only approach that can modify the underlying allergic response is hyposensitization, which gradually exposes the immune system to specific allergens to reduce overreaction over time. This process typically takes 6–9 months, with meaningful improvement seen in approximately 60–80% of patients. We also incorporate the DRM anti-inflammatory diet, which is rich in fish oil, to help reduce inflammation and itching from within.

Frequently Asked Questions

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