Critically Appraised Topic on Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in Dogs: An Advisable Treatment for Skin Diseases?

Abstract

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a therapeutic option that stimulates cellular function through intracellular photobiological and photochemical reactions, promoting better tissue repair and an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic effect. Previous studies in human and veterinary medicine have shown the clinical efficacy of LLLT in many fields. In this study, the literature was reviewed using the critically appraised topic (CAT) method to determine the canine skin diseases for which LLLT is an advisable treatment. A meticulous literature search revealed 19 significant clinical trials, which were critically analyzed. The evaluation of the best accessible evidence in July 2022 suggests that fluorescence biomodulation (FBM), a type of LLLT, can, in combination with systemic antibiotic therapy, be a promising and effective adjunctive treatment for canine interdigital pyoderma and canine deep pyoderma. Furthermore, the evidence suggests that the use of LLLT is not recommended as a therapy for pedal pruritus secondary to canine atopic dermatitis. For other canine skin diseases included in the CAT, although LLLT appears to be a promising treatment, there is not yet good scientific evidence to recommend its use.

Comparison between melatonin versus melatonin and photobiomodulation versus photobiomodulation in the treatment of Alopecia X in German Spitz dogs: Clinical, randomized, double-blind, parallel, non-inferiority protocol

“…Optimal parameters for therapeutic lasers and dosage regimens for specific skin conditions should be determined and standardized in large scale studies, including different species, breeds, sexes, and ages [ 12 , 14 ]. Until now, very few studies have addressed these issues.…”

“…Given the limited number of studies focused in PBM and non-inflammatory alopecias, including Alopecia X, additional studies are needed to verify PBM as a potential treatment choice and also establish best therapeutic laser devices and optimal dosage parameters for specific skin conditions. Large-scale, randomized, controlled, and double-blinded in vivo studies are necessary [ 12 ]. A systematic review of PBM in Veterinary Medicine underscores the scarcity of high-quality evidence regarding the clinical effectiveness of laser and LED therapy in horses, dogs, and cats [ 13 ].…”

The Novel Digital Therapeutics Sensor and Algorithm for Pressure Ulcer Care Based on Tissue Impedance

“…The red lights in the biophotonic sensor are placed in a hexagon for optimal light intensity and consider the overlapping of light to ensure effective light distribution. The selected red-light wavelength of 660 nm ± 5% [ 5 , 10 , 13 , 14 ] is absorbed well into the tissues, promoting metabolic cell activity and activating cell regeneration to treat skin disease [ 15 , 16 ]. The appearance applied to the skin can be confirmed through Figure 1 c.…”

A Prospective, Blinded, Open-Label Clinical Trial to Assess the Ability of Fluorescent Light Energy to Enhance Wound Healing after Mastectomy in Female Dogs

“…PBM consists of the use of visible-toinfrared light to stimulate biological functions based on the presence of endogenous photo acceptors, acting as chromophores and widely expressed in different cell types, including those of the skin. PBM impacts biological processes, including inflammation, angiogenesis, and signal transduction pathways that recruit transcription factors activating several genes involved in multiple aspects of cell biology [19][20][21][22][23][24][25].…”