Photizo in Action - by Anna Webb
Anna Webb – Nutrition & Behaviour expert has studied at the College of Integrated Veterinary Therapies (CIVT). Anna is host of the award-nominated podcast A DOG’S LIFE, and regular BBC contributor, Talk TV, GB News. She lives in London and is owned by Prudence a Miniature Bull Terrier and Mr Binks, a re-homed English Toy Terrier. www.annawebb.co.uk
Vegas - courtesy of Cambridgeshire Flyball Team
Launched in 2013, Photizo’s Vetcare has set a standard in the burgeoning field of ‘Red Light Therapy, otherwise known as Photobiomodulation as defined by MeSH in 2015.
Considered as the ‘go to’ device helping promote natural healing across a host of conditions as recommended by Vets, Vet Nurses, Animal Physiotherapists, Massage practitioners and wellness professionals.
It’s been cleverly designed not only for use in practice, but also for pet parents to use at home, in the field, or at events like Crufts for dogs competing in Agility, Flyball and for competitors in the Showring.
It works as a non-invasive solution by sending evidence-based, pre-programmed doses of Red and Near Infra-Red (NIR) light beneath the mitochondria, which resonates at a cellular level on the affected areas.
Creating a biological reaction in the damaged cells, stimulating ATP production and cellular recovery, it reduces inflammation, offers pain relief and promotes lymph production, which promotes natural healing from the inside out.
Prudence
The Red and NIR light is delivered via LED (Light Emitting Diodes), rather than via laser light, which means there’s no need for cumbersome eyewear. Coupled with its pocket sized, hand-held design, and long battery life, its so easy to use anywhere!
I’ve used my Vetcare since 2014 as prescribed by Animal Physiotherapist Sherry Scott MBE for my first Miniature Bull Terrier, Molly.
Over the years I’ve treated cut paws, atopic skin conditions, and a host of musculoskeletal conditions, not least with Prudence, my Miniature Bull Terrier.
Back in 2016 Prudence’s Crufts showring debut hung in the balance as she had injured her knee being over enthusiastic, which is typical of her breed.
Diagnosed with a slipping patella, one month before show day, I hoped that with a combination of rest, a small dose of anti-inflammatories, herbs, homeopathy and lots of regular Vetcare treatment, we’d be able to compete.
In the show ring, especially at Crufts, a natural flowing movement showcasing a sound physical conformation of dogs is essential. Demonstrating a flat top-line and smooth movement for the breed: certainly, no skipping from a slipping kneecap.
With our Vetcare packed, I decided to show Prudence without any expectation, yet against the odds with strong competition from internationally renowned breeders and judges – we beat them! Proud of our debut to come second.
I met with Ruth Milner MD of Danetre Health Products that year at Crufts. As the sole UK distributor for Photizo, Ruth highlighted a host of studies explaining the emotional benefits of Photobiomodulation, not least in relieving pain, but in triggering endorphin and dopamine release.
At this year’s Crufts, I used Vetcare to settle Prudence. It’s amazing to see how just two of the pre-programmed doses, when positioned in-between her shoulder blades, helps drop her excitement by at least one gear.
Another Photizo Ambassador, 18-year old Mariann Bayliss, shone her Photizo light at Crufts again this year. Mariann was competing in the Young Kennel Club Agility ring for the eighth year running.
This time with Coral, her Collie x Cocker cross, in the Pairs competition with her Team GB partner Will Bacchus and his dog Rudi.
Mariann Bayliss enthused: “Crufts is a great place to show the best of our sport and what we can achieve together, it also showcases all aspects of dogs. I take the Vetcare with me whenever I compete and train my dogs and its always there on hand to use as a warm up tool or if they sustain any type of knock or injury, I can use it straight away to speed up their recovery”.
Beginning her career aged only 10 with Frankie a Collie cross, Mariann became ‘hooked’ to a sport that helped her advance her passion for training dogs, whilst meeting like-minded people, having fun and notable success.
Coral and her Corgi cross Collie Betty make up her current winning team that were proud to represent Team England at the World Agility Open Championships last year where Betty won the Bonus Speed Stakes!
“It’s so easy to use anywhere at the ringside, training session or before/after competition!”
Mariann & Coral
When navigating a course, dogs can Inadvertently pull muscles in their neck, back and shoulders. Agility is fast paced using mental and physical dexterity. As a high impact sport injuries common injuries can be soft tissue and concussion damage to the joints across the shoulders, knees, wrists, even to the spine.
Keeping her dogs in the best condition has been a given, and Mariann uses the Vetcare daily for pain relief, muscle recovery and repair. She’ll use the Vetcare before and after her training sessions, as a preventative therapy, and regularly combines massage into her routine.
When Betty endured a serious sub scapula injury, Mariann used the Vetcare everyday as a major part of her difficult rehabilitation. Along with stem cell therapy, a lot of rest, careful exercise and seven months away from the circuit, Betty made a full recovery.
Mariann is proud to have just been selected with Betty to represent Team GB at the IFCS (International Federation of Cynological sports) in August, and a chance for Betty and Mariann to prove their triumph over adversity.
Amongst Mariann’s many successes at Crufts, she proudly ran Ila, her Collie cross Spaniel, for a fun TV segment against the comedian Alan Carr in 2018.
Perhaps the most moving tribute to Mariann’s hard work, love of dogs and passion for the sport was being awarded the coveted Agility Dog of the Trophy with Daniel her Border Collie at Crufts last year. It marked a triumphant ‘send-off’ to her junior competition years, as well as toast to her future success.
Image courtesy of Cambridgeshire Flyball Team
Proud to have become a fixture within the Cambridgeshire Flyball Team, the Vetcare accompanies the team competing in the UKFL. The Cambridgeshire team scooped the accolade as the second fastest in the UK, setting a time of 14.70. As only a handful of British teams that have managed to go sub 15 seconds, its testament to a passionate team, and their dogs being in peak condition.
“Since the team incorporated the use of ‘red light therapy’ with Photizo’s Vetcare, there’s been noticeable and multiple benefits to the dogs”, explains Mat Poley, Handler, Trainer, and competitor.
“Not only have we seen a reduction in injuries but also a speedier recovery time, when and if an injury occurs. Our data also suggests that the dogs are more consistent across the days racing when they’re receiving regular Vetcare sessions. I enjoy the time post competition treating my own dogs with the Vetcare. They get so relaxed and I can really check them over properly. Most of my dogs fall asleep during their treatment. I know they’re mentally relaxed and in a healthy place emotionally”.
“We help and support people within the flyball community and enjoy seeing people succeed with their dog”
Alongside a rigorous flyball training program and fantastic nutritional strategies, the team works with closely with Emma Overend and Angela Day of the Canine Conditioning Academy, and ‘Born To Run. They offer the team McTimoney Chiropractice, clinical canine massage as small animal rehabilitation specialists.
All our team dogs are seen regularly by Emma and Angela to check for any injuries and allow us to catch anything and any remedial work can be done before it causes larger issues.
Mat Poley enthused: “It’s so great to be a part of the training team at Cambridgeshire Flyball. We travel on the circuit, meet like-minded people, whether seasoned fly-ballers or new teams and handlers, we have one thing in common – dogs! Part of the Cambridgeshire ethos is that we help and support people within the flyball community and enjoy seeing people succeed with their dog. We run six-week introduction courses to flyball for the total novice and workshops for other established teams. I personally have given one of my steady flyball dogs to a junior Cambridgeshire member Sofia - age 11 to offer her a chance to play flyball without her own dog at home. I feel it is very important educate the next generation and show them what it means to be respectful, supportive sportspeople”.
The Vetcare’s growing popularity is down to its multi-functionality and ability to promote natural healing at a cellular level, which works to maintain tiptop physical condition from the inside out.
It helps speed up rehabilitation following an injury, or post-surgery on joints, wounds, soft tissue, with nerve damage, scar tissue, atopic conditions, wounds, cuts and grazes.
Photizo Vetcare’s healing power will help to:
Stimulate the production of collagen. Collagen is an essential protein used to repair damaged tissue. It is the most common protein found in the body.
Increase circulation almost immediately. By helping to generate an increase in blood flow to the treatment areas the light therapy normalises and heals injured cells. By increasing blood flow more oxygen and nutrients are transported to the affected area, and waste products taken away.
Reduce oedema (swelling). Oedema has two components, liquid and protein. Researchers have shown that the lymph diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be nearly doubled with the use of light therapy.
Stimulate the release of endorphins which are the body’s own pain-fighting