LAVALE - A spinal injury left Louie unable to use his hind legs, but a new treatment has him almost back to normal.

Louie, a 3-year-old Chihuahua, is a patient of the Western Maryland Animal Hospital, a LaVale veterinary practice, which has become the first locally to invest in K-Laser Class IV Laser Therapy, according to the Franklin, Tenn.-based, company. The therapy is a new way to treat chronic pain and acute injuries with a high-energy laser that can penetrate deeply into the body to diminish pain and stimulate healing.

Sarah Faulkner, Louie's owner, said when she first brought Louie in, he was dragging his back legs. It didn't take long, though, for her to see a difference once the laser therapy began.

"I could tell a 100 percent change in him after two treatments," she said. "Now, after six treatments, he's nearly back to normal."

Dr. Tim Fox and his veterinary health care team evaluated K-Laser on some of their own patients and decided to invest in it after clinical results and client enthusiasm. Several staff members now have been trained in its use and applications.

The therapy also has shown positive results when used on surgical incisions and wounds. Treatments last about 2 to 5 minutes per site.