Laser Therapy for Lower Urinary Tract and Renal Disease in Companion Animals
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Published: IVC Journal, Winter 2023
Author(s): "Lisa Miller, DVM, CCRT, CVA"
Photobiomodulation (PBM) or laser therapy is gaining interest in veterinary medicine as a non-invasive treatment for various conditions. PBM works by:
- Activating cytochrome c oxidase
- Increasing ATP production
- Modulating inflammatory processes
- Reducing pain through various mechanisms
For lower urinary tract diseases:
- PBM may be beneficial for conditions like feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC)
- It can help reduce inflammation, pain, and urethral spasms
- Treatment targets the bladder area, perineum, and spine
For chronic kidney disease (CKD):
- PBM may help decrease inflammatory cytokines, preserve glomerular filtration rate, and reduce renal fibrosis
- Anecdotal evidence suggests improvements in azotemia and overall well-being
- Treatment targets the kidney areas from multiple angles
Recommended treatment protocols:
- For urinary issues: Daily treatments for acute cases, weaning to maintenance schedule
- For CKD: 2-3 times per week initially, then weaning to maintenance of every 2-3 weeks
PBM should be considered as part of a multimodal approach to managing urinary and renal conditions in veterinary patients, alongside traditional treatments. More research is needed, but PBM shows promise in improving outcomes for these conditions.