Poll to Pastern’s Red Light Therapy: Is It Right for Your Pet?

As pet owners, it’s almost inevitable that at some point in your cat or dog’s life, you’ll be helping them recover from sickness, injury, or even surgical procedures. While no one likes to be out of their normal routine, it can be especially tough to persuade your pets to take it easy during the healing process. Your dog or cat naturally wants to play and exercise, so getting them back on their feet as quickly as possible helps to keep them (and you) happy. Red-Light Therapy, a signature healing therapy offered by HSC friend and sponsor Poll to Pastern, might just get them back to their favorite game of fetch faster. 

What is Red-Light Therapy? 

Red-Light Therapy (RLT) is a therapeutic treatment that uses low-level red wavelengths of light to treat superficial skin issues, scars, and injuries. The red light delivers an energy boost to cells, penetrating the tissue, muscles, tendons, and bone, increasing blood circulation, and giving a boost to the healing process. Theoretically, RLT can help cells improve their function by up to 200%, which promotes faster recovery. 

This expedited healing comes in handy, especially for our pets who aren’t the most well-equipped at staying still and refraining from wanting to play. For pet owner Ruth, there was a noticeable difference in the healing of her dog Oakley’s leg post-ACL repair surgery. 

Meet Oakley 

Oakley, a 4-year-old, 75-pound mixed breed pup was adopted as a puppy at the Humane Society of Charlotte in 2016 by Ruth and her husband. Being 50% Akita and 50% Cattle Dog, Oakley loves to run and play. Because Ruth is a dog trainer by trade, Oakley even accompanies her to work and acts as a “helper dog”. His great temperament helps him to easily play with other dogs but while playing with an exuberant husky earlier this year, Oakley stepped wrong and torn his left ACL.  

Ruth and her husband tried some natural healing techniques, but ultimately Oakley underwent a surgical repair procedure in January 2021. Through a prior relationship with Stephanie, owner of Poll to Pastern, Oakley was able to do RLT 3-4 times a day while healing, and the results were stunning. Within 13 days, Oakley’s leg was nearly 100% healed – even the fur was growing back at the incision site.  

It’s estimated that 30%-50% of dogs who tear one ACL will tear the other, usually within six months, and for Oakley this held true. Though he was healing rapidly, Oakley tore his right ACL three weeks after his first surgery. For this surgical repair, Ruth and Oakley weren’t able to take advantage of RLT and the difference during the healing process was obvious. 

Nearly 4 months later, Oakley’s right leg is still healing while the left leg appears to have never have had an incision at all. RLT therapy made an incredible difference in healing for Oakley, even allowing him to heal quickly enough to participate in his parent's wedding. 

What is Red-Light Therapy Good For? 

Poll to Pastern offers RLT for dogs, cats, and horses to promote healing and collagen production. Because of the way RLT penetrates the tissues, it is recommended for: 

  • Surgical incision healing 
  • Wounds and scars 
  • Tendon and ligament injuries 
  • Joint Pain 
  • Osteoarthritis or inflammation 
  • Exercise or Overexertion Recovery 

To take advantage of the amazing healing benefits of Red-Light Therapy for your pet, visit Poll to Pastern and book your appointment today!