Acute and Chronic Kidney Disease and Red Light Therapy in Cats and Dogs

Red Light Therapy, previously known by many different terms such as Cold Laser Therapy, Low Level Laser Therapy and most accurately Photobiomodulation (PBM) Therapy, can have a significant effect when used in an integrative approach in the treatment of Chronic and Acute Kidney Disease. Over the past decade we have applied PBM or Red Light Therapy as an in hospital treatment, at home client directed therapy as well as a combination of the two. see link. As we continue to find benefit to this modality in both cats and dogs we have refined our treatment protocols and options available to pet owners. Since we first presented our initial pilot study in 2016 involving cats and dogs in late Stage III and Stage IV Chronic Kidney Disease https://www.dropbox.com/s/3xm3sih6pdptxq8/ASLMS-ePoster-Template-4%20copy.pdf?dl=0 we have treated and/or consulted on the treatment of over 400 patients. The response in both the clinic treated patients as well those patients treated with a combination of in clinic and at home therapy, has been very positive. The patient quality of life (QOL) as assessed by medical professionals and pet owners has been overwhelmingly positive. Energy level, social engagement and appetite all increased significantly when adding Photobiomodulation or Red Light Therapy. Even in extremely dire, end of life situations, a majority of pet owners (92%) felt that the addition of PBM was worth the benefit regarding QOL. It should be noted that in all cases in which Red Light Therapy is applied in treatment of Chronic and Acute Kidney Disease, it is in addition to mainstream therapies such as reno-protective diets, hypertension medications and sub cutaneous fluids if appropriate. Although difficult to assess, it appears that patient longevity increased significantly when compared to like staged patients who received mainstream treatments without the addition of Red Light Therapy. If you have questions regarding whether the addition of PBM could be helpful in your pet’s case, feel free to contact us @ [email protected].