Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is one of the most common and challenging chronic conditions in older dogs and cats. CKD is characterized by kidney inflammation that often progresses to fibrosis. The disease has an insidious onset and slow progression. Once it reaches mid-to-late stages, kidney structure and function are often irreversibly damaged, significantly affecting the quality of life and lifespan of companion animals.

Traditionally, CKD management relies on prescription diets, medications, and supportive therapies. However, veterinarians are continually exploring ways to reduce chronic inflammation, improve the renal microenvironment, and slow disease progression. Recently, photobiomodulation (PBM), also known as laser therapy, has attracted attention in both preclinical and experimental studies for its non-invasive nature, safety, and potential effects on cellular metabolism and inflammation.

Common Causes of Chronic Kidney Disease in Pets

Chronic kidney disease in dogs and cats is typically the result of multiple factors over time rather than a single cause, including:

• Age-related degenerative changes: As animals age, the number of functional nephrons decreases, glomerular filtration declines, and renal interstitial fibrosis increases. These are the most common background factors for CKD in older pets.

• Chronic glomerular or tubulointerstitial disease: Persistent chronic glomerulonephritis, interstitial nephritis, or recurrent urinary tract infections can progressively damage kidney structure and function.

• Metabolic disorders: Systemic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension can cause secondary kidney damage through hemodynamic changes, metabolic disturbances, and chronic inflammation. Diabetic kidney disease is particularly prominent.

• Congenital or genetic factors: Certain dog and cat breeds have familial kidney diseases or congenital nephron anomalies.

• Drug or toxin exposure: Long-term or improper use of nephrotoxic medications (e.g., NSAIDs, some antibiotics) or ingestion of toxins (e.g., grapes, ethylene glycol-containing chemicals) can directly or indirectly harm the kidneys.

These factors often overlap, ultimately resulting in chronic, progressive, and irreversible kidney damage.

Clinical Signs and Pathological Features

Early-stage CKD often presents with subtle signs, including increased drinking and urination, reduced appetite, weight loss, and lethargy. As the disease progresses, vomiting, bad breath, rough coat, and uremic symptoms may appear.

Laboratory findings commonly show elevated blood creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), decreased urine specific gravity, and proteinuria. Imaging may reveal reduced kidney size or structural irregularities.

Pathologically, CKD is associated with glomerulosclerosis, tubular atrophy, interstitial fibrosis, persistent inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. These pathological changes are key targets for intervention with veterinary laser therapy.

What is Photobiomodulation (PBM) Laser Therapy?

Photobiomodulation (PBM) refers to the use of low-level red or near-infrared light (typically 600–1000 nm) to modulate cellular function through non-thermal effects. In veterinary practice, PBM is delivered using veterinary laser therapy equipment.

Laser energy is absorbed by mitochondrial chromophores, promoting cellular energy metabolism, regulating immune responses, and improving tissue microcirculation, which can lead to anti-inflammatory effects and tissue repair.

Mechanisms of PBM in Kidney Disease

Studies and animal experiments suggest that PBM may benefit kidney disease through multiple mechanisms:

1. Enhancing mitochondrial function and energy metabolism: PBM boosts electron transport chain activity, increases ATP production, and helps damaged renal cells recover energy, reducing apoptosis and necrosis.

2. Reducing oxidative stress: By lowering reactive oxygen species (ROS) and enhancing endogenous antioxidant enzymes, PBM mitigates ongoing oxidative damage to tubules and glomeruli, slowing tissue degeneration and fibrosis.

3. Alleviating chronic inflammation: PBM can downregulate pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1β, TNF-α) and reduce inflammatory cell infiltration, helping control chronic inflammation and fibrosis.

4. Improving renal microcirculation: PBM promotes local vasodilation and tissue perfusion, which is crucial for protecting tubular structures under chronic ischemia or ischemia-reperfusion conditions.

5. Inhibiting fibrosis and promoting tissue repair: PBM reduces collagen deposition and interstitial fibrosis in experimental models, providing structural protection to the kidneys.

6. Modulating neuro-immune pathways: PBM can influence the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2 receptors), which participates in inflammation and immune regulation. This suggests PBM may provide indirect protection in complex conditions like diabetic kidney disease.

These mechanisms align with the core pathological processes of CKD, highlighting PBM as a promising adjunctive therapy in long-term renal management.

Clinical Value of Lyra Veterinary Laser Therapy Equipment

The efficacy of laser therapy depends heavily on device stability and parameter precision. Lyra Four-Level Veterinary Laser Therapy Equipment is specifically designed for veterinary use, offering multi-wavelength combinations and precise energy output.

In managing chronic kidney disease, Lyra provides a safe, non-invasive, and repeatable laser therapy solution, allowing veterinarians to integrate PBM into routine treatment regimens while supporting renal tissue protection and overall health.

Conclusion

Photobiomodulation (PBM) laser therapy demonstrates potential in improving cellular metabolism, reducing inflammation, and slowing tissue degeneration in animal kidney disease. While current evidence is mainly based on animal and preclinical studies, PBM holds promise as an adjunctive therapy for long-term CKD management in animals.

With proper evaluation and individualized protocols, veterinarians can leverage professional devices like the Lyra Veterinary Laser Therapy Equipment to offer safer, more comprehensive chronic disease management for pets.

References

1. Bian J., et al. Therapeutic Potential of Photobiomodulation for Chronic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci. 2022.

2. Silva DPFB, et al. CB1 and CB2 Receptor Expression in Type 1 Diabetic Neuropathic Rats Is Enhanced by Photobiomodulation Therapy. Photonics. 2025.

3. Ma S., et al. Photobiomodulation in Kidney Function in Rats with CKD. JASN / Conference Abstract 2024.

4. Macagnan F.E., et al. Acute Effect of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Handgrip Strength of CKD Patients During Hemodialysis. Lasers Med Sci. 2019.