Using Photobiomodulation for Neurological Disorders in Canines

This article covers the current evidence for use of photobiomodulation in canine neurological disorders, including its use in potentially treating injuries to the peripheral nerves and spinal cord, IVDD, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Canine Cognitive Dysfunction.

Summary

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is emerging as a promising adjunctive therapy for various canine neurological conditions. It works by modulating mitochondrial activity, reducing oxidative stress and inflammation, and promoting cellular repair and regeneration, particularly in tissues rich in mitochondria like the brain, spinal cord, and peripheral nerves.

1. Peripheral Nerve and Spinal Cord Injuries (SCI):

• Benefits of PBM:

  • Accelerates peripheral nerve regeneration and functional recovery.

  • Reduces glial scar formation and promotes axonal sprouting post-injury.

  • Decreases neuropathic pain via immunomodulation (shift to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophage phenotype).

• Clinical Insights:

  • Higher surface output is necessary due to tissue penetration loss (only ~2.45% reaches deeper nerves).

  • Positive effects seen when PBM is added post-surgically and in transplants involving peripheral nerves.

2. Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):

• PBM as Adjunctive Therapy:

  • Helps reduce secondary ischemia, inflammation, and oxidative damage post-compression or decompression surgery.

  • Enhances blood flow and neurological recovery.

  • Some studies report earlier ambulation in PBM-treated dogs.

• Application Notes:

  • Treat from several segments cranial and caudal to lesion site.

  • Continue PBM post-surgically, daily for the first week, then taper frequency.

3. Degenerative Myelopathy (DM):

• Progressive and Incurable, Yet Modifiable:

  • PBM has shown potential to slow disease progression in SOD1 mouse models and in a retrospective canine study.

  • High-dose PBM was associated with significantly longer mobility and survival times.

• Clinical Approach:

  • Begin early in disease progression for optimal results.

  • Treat thoracic and lumbar spine bilaterally and dorsally. 

4. Canine Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome (CCDS):

• Transcranial PBM (tPBM):

  • Mirrors Alzheimer's treatment models in humans.

  • Targets inflammation, vascular compromise, and amyloid burden in the brain.

  • Early clinical observations suggest symptom improvement in 4–6 weeks.

Conclusion

PBM therapy shows considerable promise in managing a spectrum of canine neurological disorders. It is non-invasive, safe, and offers a valuable complement to traditional treatments and rehabilitation. Clinicians should consider early integration of PBM into therapeutic protocols, with careful attention to dosing parameters and patient-specific factors.