Page 28 - Chiron Calling Spring 2017

Wound healing – pre and post surgically, musculoskeletal rehabilitation – keeping working dogs in peak performance.
The modality of Light Therapy / Phototherapy is continuing to evolve as modern technology advances. In particular as the application demand for LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes) increases.
There are different sources of low-power light namely: LASER (Light ampli cation by stimulated emission), Infra –red and LED, emitting incoherent light.
The main difference between laser light and LED is that lasers offer a coherent light beam: it does not spread out, and stays as a tightly collimated beam. Whereas LED light is a silicon microchip with added substances each of which release a different wavelength (colour) of light when electrically stimulated producing a non-coherent (spread out) beam.
Photizo® Vetcare harnesses the development in LED (light emitting diode) technology following the success of NASA LED research and published recommended does from WALT (World Association of Laser Therapy). It has been speci cally developed with high output LEDs to ensure a fast delivery of an effective evidence based dose light / Phototherapy.
Many reviewed studies have shown that LED light can be as effective as LASER, since both have similar biological effects with no signi cant difference between them. The cellular response to photo-stimulation (photo-biomodulation) is not associated with speci c properties of LASER light such as coherence. (An Bras Dermatol. 2014 Jul-Aug: Effects of low-power light therapy on wound healing: LASERxLED).
Studies on the absorption of light by the different constituents of tissue have led to wavelength parameters used in various phototherapy devices including lasers. The absorption of light by cytochrome c oxidase for ATP production is particularly relevant. The best parameters for light absorption are in the region of 600- 680 (red) and 800 to 850nm (nanometers) ( infra-red).
Doses are measured in joules per area – mm or cm: the smaller the surface area of the applicator the higher the dose. Lasers may therefore apply a high inhibiting dose to the top layer of cells, and a lower stimulating dose deeper to the tissue. LED sources conversely offer a wider surface area. Using comparable parameters as seen with laser can equally provide a stimulating dose at a deeper cellular level.
Other factors for using Light Therapy such as the depth of penetration depends on the wavelength (eg red or infra-red) but other factors will in uence the depth of photonic emissions. Different tissues absorb light to different degrees, for example highly vascularised tissue (eg: muscles) absorb more light than less vascularised tissue ( eg: tendons). Fur and hair can reduce the penetration of light, as can dirty or dark pigmented skin. Also different types of bone absorb light to different degrees.
Light Therapy / Phototherapy’s success in aiding post- operative wound healing has been well documented in South Africa where the Photizo® hand-held unit has been developed by Physiotherapist, Marietjie Venter.
Vet Surgeon, Berol Goede, helped develop the veterinary market in South Africa with cases studies on small animals, horses and wildlife (including cheetahs and a cockatoo). She explained: “In general veterinary work, the biggest use is bite wounds, chronic necrotic wounds and oozing abscesses. We use it to clean up septic wounds.”
Since its launch in 2013, Photizo® Vetcare has proven that its powerful combination of pulsating LED and Infra-Red light can speed up the natural healing process. Providing 31 x seconds pre-programmed doses (633nm red and 850nm (infra-red), many Vets, Vet Nurses and animal healthcare professionals have embraced the Vetcare’s potential across a host of musculoskeletal injuries, atopic skin conditions, and as a powerful non invasive tool in wound management.
Photizo® Vetcare creates biological effects at a cellular level to stimulate the production of ATP. Increasing the blood supply to
the wound, reducing swelling and in ammation, it offers pain relief via the stimulation of endorphin and serotonin secretion.
The convenience of this pocket sized rechargeable treatment tool appeals with its capacity to treat a large surface area with LED diodes. Whilst laser light can pose a risk to the eyes, with bulky eyewear recommended, with LED light sources, there’s no risk making its application much simpler and safer.
Perfect to use on emergency call outs; out in the ‘ eld’; in practice pre and post surgery, the Vetcare’s pre-programmed 31 second dose of pulsating red light is proven to accelerate natural healing when used daily as part of an on-going rehabilitation programme. It is simple for those untrained in light therapy to use in home care situations
Treatment with Photizo® Vetcare increases the blood and lymph diameter, thereby increasing the removal of debris whilst promoting the in ow of oxygen and nutrients, helping cells to function at optimum levels.
In addition Vetcare stimulates broblast and collagen formation needed for wound closure, helping also to control scar tissue, meaning less scar tissue is formed.
Vetcare’s near Infrared light has been shown to increase immune system functioning. This means that a local treatment of a wound has a general immune enhancing effect helping to prevent any infections.
Highlighting the capacity of Phototherapy to keep working dogs in peak condition, one of the UK’s most preeminent sled dog teams, Team Coldfeet, stays in pole position with Photizo® at hand.
Since incorporating Phototherapy proactively as part of their dogs daily routine, Husband and wife team, Kaz and Pete Jones, they are now Ambassadors for Photizo® and have encouraged its use across the UK Sled Dog community.
Both Kaz and Pete have harnessed Photizo® not only on a variety of musculoskeletal injuries, but also with great effect on wounds. It is inevitable that sometimes injuries are incurred albeit accidentally when racing.
As part of the preparations for an upcoming race, Kaz and Pete will routinely run Photizo over their dogs ensuring they are physically in the best condition to run.
Kaz Jones explained: “Using Photizo’s pre-programmed 31-second dose couldn’t be simpler. Each evidence-based dose promotes circulation to the muscles whilst reducing any in ammation. Photizo® also re-oxidises the key muscles groups prior to and after a race. I’m passionate about keeping my dogs t, strong and healthy. We use Photizo® as a preventative measure in addition to healing minor injuries that just happen to Huskies, even if they’re out playing in the garden. We’ll use Photizo® regularly running into a race. We want to ensure they’re in tip-top condition to run. That way I’m happy we’re not putting them under any duress.”
When Eventer, Abi Dean, re-homed an Irish sports Horse, named Nemo she couldn’t have imagined the journey to recovery that this brave horse would endure.
Most recently Nemo has undergone surgery for 3 procedures, including full laryngeal tie-back, hobday and soft palate cauterisation. Abi is convinced that his extraordinary recovery was down to incorporating Phototherapy daily into his rehabilitation programme: “I believe that Photizo® rapidly improved the healing process post-surgically after Nemo’s three procedures. Not only were the staples removed within the average time period, but the hobday open wound well exceeded the rate of healing.”
Most horses spend a minimum of 120 days on strict box rest after this surgery. Nemo was given the all clear by Ali Mead, the FEI approved vet (Badminton Horse Trials) to go back into full work on day 36, following the scope, which is less than one third of the normal recovery time for this type of procedure.
For more information visit: : http://www.danetrehealthproducts. com/
Using Modern Phototherapy
26 CHIRON CALLING