At Tenafly Veterinary Center in Tenafly, NJ, we believe the best veterinary care integrates both conventional medicine and evidence-based complementary therapies. Our drug-free treatment options — including Class IV Laser Therapy, Adequan, Librela, and Solensia — allow us to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and support healing without always relying on pharmaceuticals.

Class IV Laser Therapy

Class IV Laser Therapy (also known as photobiomodulation or cold laser therapy) is one of the most exciting advances in veterinary pain management. A focused laser beam penetrates deep into tissues, triggering a chain of chemical reactions that:
  • Release endorphins (natural internal pain relievers)
  • Stimulate mitochondria to accelerate cellular healing
  • Reduce inflammation at the tissue level
  • Improve blood circulation to the treatment area
Laser therapy is non-invasive, painless, requires no sedation, and most sessions take just 3–8 minutes. Improvement is often noticed after the first treatment, and benefits are cumulative — each additional session builds on the last. We frequently combine laser therapy with Adequan injections for comprehensive arthritis 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 develops silently, often years before a pet shows visible signs. By the time limping or stiffness appears, significant joint damage has already occurred. Our multi-modal arthritis program combines multiple treatment modalities for the best outcomes:

Adequan Injections

Adequan is the only FDA-approved injectable treatment for canine osteoarthritis. Unlike pain medications that only mask symptoms, Adequan actually treats the disease by inhibiting enzymes that destroy cartilage. A standard protocol involves 2 weekly injections for 4 weeks, which typically provides at least 6 months of benefit. Safe, drug-free, and economical.

Librela (Dogs) — Monthly OA Pain Injection

Librela is a monoclonal antibody that specifically targets nerve growth factor (NGF), a key driver of osteoarthritis pain in dogs. Given as a once-monthly injection by a veterinary professional, Librela significantly reduces pain signals, improving mobility and quality of life without the systemic side effects of long-term NSAID use.

Solensia (Cats) — Monthly OA Pain Injection

Cats are masters at hiding pain, which makes feline osteoarthritis dramatically underdiagnosed. Solensia is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for OA pain control in cats — a once-monthly injection that targets the same NGF pathway as Librela. If your cat has been less active, avoiding jumping, or showing behavioral changes, OA may be the cause.

Allergy Screening and Hyposensitization

Treating allergic skin disease with steroids or antihistamines only suppresses symptoms temporarily. The only way to change the course of allergic disease is hyposensitization — a process of gradually exposing the immune system to specific allergens to reduce its overreaction. This process typically takes 6–9 months and achieves meaningful improvement in 60–80% of patients. We also utilize the DRM anti-inflammatory diet (rich in fish oil) to reduce itching from the inside out.

Frequently Asked Questions

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