Integrating Red Light Therapy and Chronic Kidney Disease 2018

Chronic Kidney Disease and Photobiomodulation (Laser Therapy)……………..No Longer Hopeless

Kidney disease in pets has always been one my two most dreaded disease. The other being cancer. While advances have been made steadily on the cancer front as we have gained better understanding of how to improve quality of life and longevity, Chronic Renal Disease has seen only small steps. Although improved chemistry and blood pressure monitoring, better understanding of dietary needs, use of vitamins and anti-oxidants and standardized staging has helped to upgrade care, the sad reality is that anorexia, lethargy, frequent hospitalizations and progressive disease remains unchanged. Low level Laser Therapy or Photobiomodulation has been the single most significant change in altering the course of kidney disease patients. The pilot study completed at the Brockton Animal Hospital in 2016 included twelve patients. We found that the quality of life considerably improved by adding Laser Therapy to Chronic Renal Disease treatment. It also appeared that longevity was increased. The findings were reported at an international conference in Boston in 2016 and since then we have received many inquiries from around the world, from medical professionals, patients (human) and pet owners. We have followed through and guided several of these individuals to further evaluate this treatment. The response has been nearly uniformly positive. Quality of life has improved with increased appetites, energy levels and interactions. The same has been true in several humans.

In October of this year The World Association of Photobiomodulation (Laser) Therapy (WALT) is holding its international conference in Nice, France. The work we have done with Photobiomodulation (Laser) Therapy and Kidney disease, has led to us being asked to serve as Veterinary Scientific Chair for the conference. In addition to creating a program to further educate medical professionals in the field of Photobiomodulation, Kidney Disease will be front and center. We will be bridging the gap between human and veterinary medicine as we explore the relevance of Laser treatment for Kidney Disease and other medical conditions. The “One Health Initiative” http://www.onehealthinitiative.com/

encourages greater cooperation between human doctors, veterinarians and other medical professionals in improving health of all living beings. We are humbled to be included in this global effort. You have all contributed in bringing this dream to reality.