Rationale for Treatment of Chronic Kidney Disease with Red Light Therapy (aka Photobiomodulation, Laser Therapy)

Photobiomodulation Therapy, also known as Red and Near Infrared Light Therapy and Laser Therapy, utilizes light of specific wavelengths, intensity and pulse frequency to reduce oxidative stress within a living cell. Oxidative stress is a condition which interferes with the function of mitochondria and thus cellular processes. This results in inflammation, loss of function, pain and degeneration of biological tissue. Although Photobiomodulation (PBM) was first discovered in 1967, it greatly gained in popularity since the turn of this century. Utilized in human as well as veterinary medicine, the most common applications involve bones and joints. Although there are likely several mechanisms involved in the effectiveness of Photobiomodulation or Red Light Therapy, the anti inflammatory effect is well documented. Though this benefit is most often applied to orthopedic issues (arthritis, soft tissue injury, fractures), it would seem that since most disease conditions involve a degree of inflammation, Light Therapy could be utilized in a wide variety of other medical cases.

Chronic Kidney Disease or Chronic Renal Disease is an insidious condition occurring in humans and dogs and most commonly in aging cats. The cause is frequently unknown yet becomes self propagating due to its chronic inflammatory nature. CKD is described in dogs and cats as tubulo-interstitial nephritis. It is a condition of high morbidity and mortality, with no known cure. Although eliminating the cause is of key importance, the remnant inflammation is persistent and degenerative. With that thought we first applied PBM to an aging cat in 2012 as a late in the of disease treatment grasp. To our surprise, the 15 year old Burmese feline named Nomar, bounced back, began to eat, regain energy and survived nearly two years longer. Several additional individual trial cases responded similarly. Although not a cure for Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Red Light Therapy appeared to be one means of improving quality of life, appetite and activity, likely by reducing the inflammatory component. It was after several of these trials of n=1, we decided to undertake a Pilot Study.

Over 250 documented patients after our initial “proof in concept” later in an open retrospective compilation involving multiple practices, these results have remained consistent when the exact same therapy is provided. We are now engaged in creating a broad based, at home study where all treatment is performed in a client based environment within an acceptable standard. If you would like to participate in this study, please follow this link.

https://link.medcovet.com/luma-for-renal-disease-pbmdvm