A rescue dog who suddenly lost her ability to walk is back to her best after being treated with red light therapy. 

Mione Morrison, founder of Glendrick Roost, rescued RubyLu, a Rottweiler mix in 2017 aged seven, she had already been diagnosed with cancer, meaning that nobody wanted to rehome her. 

As a registered charity, Glendrick Roost is an animal sanctuary that offers a home for life for abused, abandoned and unwanted animals. 

The sanctuary, near Stirling, on the borders of Loch Lomond and Trussocks National Park is the perfect calm haven for animals who have had a tough start in life. 

Five years later in September 2022, RubyLu was living her best life, enjoying the company of other animals, especially going for walks in the stunning National Park until one day she collapsed after jumping off her usual park bench.

Rushing her to a local vet, Doune based, Struthers & Scott Veterinary Practice, they were unable to diagnose this sudden paralysis.  Following further investigation and neurology tests at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, RubyLu was diagnosed with suspected acute Polyradiculoneuritis. 

She was referred to local Veterinary Animal Physiotherapist, Susan Fotheringham, BSc MSc AdvCertVetPhys, who explained: “Despite RubyLu’s initial presentation being severe her tail never stopped wagging.  

"She was bright eyed, but functionally, whilst her forelegs had some movement, her hind limbs had no active movement. She had significant muscle atrophy over her shoulder blades, down her back (particularly lower back), around her hips and down her back legs. Thankfully RubyLu still had her reflexes to deep pain, indicative of detecting sensation."

And speaking about RubyLu's sudden traumatic deterioration, Mione explained: “I was beyond devastated to see the dog that appeared to have battled her cancer be so compromised, but I was ready to go the extra mile for RubyLu. 

"I could see she wasn’t ready to give up. And I had to give her a chance." 

Mione did everything she could to help RubyLu, which included embracing alternative therapies to help the unlucky pup. 

RubyLu was treated with weekly physiotherapy sessions that included treatments combining electrotherapy; pulsed magnetic field therapy to stimulate nerve function, laser to help to increase energy at a cellular level to her muscles, nerves and joints and ultrasound over her lower back and down her back legs. 

Mione added: "I was given specific exercises to practice every day in-between sessions, including paw tickling movements to heighten nerve signals through her feet, as well as some supported standing and supported walking exercises with a ‘Help ‘Em Up’ Harness, that helped lift, encourage RubyLu to stand and get her balance.

"The first few weeks were very hard. Every day I spent four hours devoted to her exercises, massage and adding Reiki via Alison McKinnon who is a Reiki Practitioner and tutor with SARA (Shelter Animal Reiki Association).

"But progress was slow. On Alison McKinnon’s recommendation, I reached out to Photizo’s UK distributor Danetre Health Products, who sent us a Vetcare, which proved to be the ’game-changer’."

As a non-invasive device, designed for safe and easy home use, the Vetcare offers its LED sourced red and near-infrared light energy delivered in pre-programed 30 second doses. 

Mione targeted specific areas like her paws, shoulders, hips, front, back legs and her acupressure points.  Using the device to warm up RubyLu’s muscles before her daily exercise routine, and help to facilitate deeper healing.

Being so easy to use, with no need for goggles, there was a positive difference in RubyLu’s body posture and tail wagging when using the Vetcare.

"After eight weeks, close to Christmas, RubyLu suddenly took a massive leap forward. Walking RubyLu, albeit slowly and a bit wobbly, into our Physiotherapy session, rather than carrying her! It was the best Christmas present ever!" Said Mione, about RubyLu's transformation. 

She added: "RubyLu’s on-going recovery astounds our Vet.  We continue to work through her exercises, incorporating our Vetcare, ensuring RubyLu enjoys every day - step by step. 

"We’re excited to help all the animals in our care with the Vetcare as it's clearly had an amazing effect helping RubyLu walk again.”

https://glendrickroost.org.uk/ 

https://www.danetrehealthproducts.com/