Photizo in Action: Folly Wildlife Rescue Recovery
At Photizo Light Therapy, we’re always inspired by how Photobiomodulation can transform lives -not just for humans and pets, but also for wildlife. Today, we’re sharing two heartwarming success stories from Folly Wildlife Rescue, where the Photizo device played a vital role in the recovery of a hedgehog and a vole.
Hedgehog
When this hedgehog arrived at Folly Wildlife Rescue, it was in a dire state. Active during the day - a concerning sign for hedgehogs - it was clear something was wrong. After examination, the team discovered the hedgehog was underweight, dehydrated, and suffering from lungworm. Additionally, a large bald patch of missing spines was noted, though the cause remained unknown. Tests ruled out common conditions like mange and ringworm, and there were no signs of trauma or new spine growth. The Folly team decided to try Photizo red light therapy to encourage spinal regrowth.
The Treatment Plan
Using the Photizo device, treatments were conducted approximately every three days for three weeks, totalling seven sessions. Each session lasted about five minutes, carefully timed with the hedgehog’s cleaning routine to minimise stress. Remarkably, the hedgehog stayed curled up during treatment, allowing easy access to the affected area.
The Results
By the second session, new spines began appearing. After the seventh session, spines were regrowing across the entire bald patch. The hedgehog’s overall health also improved; it gained weight, stayed bright and alert, and eventually recovered enough to be released back into the wild with a full coat of spines.
The team at Folly Wildlife Rescue was amazed by the results, especially since severe wounds or scarring often prevent spines from regrowing. This hedgehog’s recovery highlights the incredible potential of Photizo red light therapy for wildlife rehabilitation.
Vole
Another patient at Folly Wildlife Rescue, a juvenile vole, came in after being caught by a cat. The vole suffered a large wound on its left hip and reduced mobility in its left leg due to trauma and swelling. The team cleaned the wound with F10 solution and started a course of antibiotics and pain relief. Red light therapy was introduced immediately to aid the healing process.
The Treatment Plan
The Photizo was first used on initial assessment of the patient, shortly after arrival. From then onwards it was used it every other day (except over the weekend) until the wound had healed.
The vole was placed in a plastic container during therapy, allowing for a hands-off approach. The silent Photizo Vetcare device was especially beneficial, as any noise had potential to increase additional stress in the patient.
The Results
Significant improvement was evident within 48 hours. By day four, the wound had shrunk, and the tissue appeared healthy. Mobility in the vole’s injured leg improved, and by the fourth session, the wound was completely healed. Although hair regrowth was initially slow, by the fifth session (two weeks after admission), hair began growing over the previously wounded area.
The vole’s stay in captivity lasted just 18 days, a period significantly shortened thanks to Photizo. Fully healed and with enough fur coverage, the vole was released back into the wild, ready to thrive.
Conclusion
These two inspiring cases demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of Photobiomodulation in wildlife rehabilitation. From regrowing spines on a hedgehog to healing a vole’s deep wound, this innovative treatment is making a difference in the lives of animals at Folly Wildlife Rescue.
We’re proud to help support such incredible work and hope these stories inspire others to explore the benefits of Photobiomodulation in their own practices. If you’d like to learn more about Photizo or share your success stories, please reach out - we’d love to hear from you!
About Folly Wildlife Rescue
Special thanks to Rachel Bright, Vet Nurse, & AZEVN member who kindly provided these case results.
Rachel said, "Folly Wildlife Rescue recently faced closure but amazingly managed to raise £350,000 from all of our incredible supporters, it's been amazing, but we obviously need to keep going. We have a 'Friend of Folly' campaign where you can sign up to donate monthly. This kind of support is what is really going to keep us going. https://www.follywildliferescue.org.uk/supporters_group.html Honestly, I've just loved using the photobiomodulation as an option and seeing the results"
You can visit Folly Wildlife Rescue here to support their mission.
See the original case study (including more graphic images) by clicking the link below:
Find out more about the Photizo Vetcare by clicking the link below: