10 ESSENTIALS: 09 – Humans + Animals

Photobiomodulation Across Species

Photobiomodulation (PBM) is studied in human and veterinary research. Published research includes studies involving dogs, horses, and cats, with researchers investigating PBM across a variety of applications.

A systematic review of the veterinary literature finds there is a growing body of research, while also noting there is considerable variation in study quality and protocols. (1)

This research also reveals something critically important about using light with animals: The animal itself can change how light is delivered.

Coat + Pigmentation + Light

Animals introduce variables that are not present in the same way when applying a laser to exposed human skin.

Research in dogs has examined the effect of wavelength, laser power, coat color, coat length and shaving on the transmission of laser light through tissue. In one such study involving 47 dogs, researchers found wavelength, power, coat pigmentation, and coat density (shaved vs. not shaved) significantly affected laser transmission: Dark pigmentation reduced transmission, while shaving increased it. (2)

This makes animal laser application its own subject, rather than simply taking instructions designed for humans and applying them to an animal.

Designed for Humans + Animals

The Blue Honest PRO VX laser system can be configured for human use, animal use, or combined for human and animal use. The underlying laser technology remains the same, while the settings, placement info, and application guidance are organized for the intended use.

Blue Honest provides instructions and placement diagrams, so the person using the PRO VX has guidance specific to the configuration they selected.

One laser technology can cross species. How it is applied matters.

Research & References

(1) Systematic Literature Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine: Laser Therapy. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9951699/

(2) Hochman-Elam LN, Heidel RE, Shmalberg JW. Effects of laser power, wavelength, coat length, and coat color on tissue penetration using photobiomodulation in healthy dogs. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7088515/