Photobiomodulation and Thermal Adjunctive Therapy (Heal The Buddy) in Companion Animals: A Case Series

Abstract

Background — Heal The Buddy (HTB) is a non-invasive adjunctive wellness device for companion animals that combines far infrared radiation (FIR), controlled thermal regulation, and an antioxidant-coated heating surface within an enclosed kennel environment. It is designed to support the body's own recovery processes — by improving local circulation and oxygen delivery, modulating oxidative stress, and creating a calm, controlled environment for healing — rather than to replace conventional veterinary treatment. Methods — We report a case series of 32 companion animals (dogs and cats) that received HTB sessions as an adjunct to conventional veterinary care, spanning five clinical categories: dermatological conditions (n=13), mobility and musculoskeletal impairment (n=7), neurological conditions (n=1), post-surgical recovery (n=2), and general immune/systemic support (n=9). Outcomes were tracked through structured pre- and post-treatment clinical observation by facility staff. Results — Improvement in at least one tracked clinical sign was observed in the majority of animals. Dermatological cases showed reduced scratching, resolving fungal lesions, and fur regrowth; mobility cases showed improved standing, walking distance, and independent movement; immune-support and post-surgical cases showed faster wound drying, increased energy, and improved appetite. Two illustrative cases involving severe systemic disease showed meaningful improvement in comfort and function during multi-modal supportive care that included HTB. Conclusions — These findings are consistent with HTB being an effective adjunctive therapy to conventional veterinary care across a range of conditions. As an uncontrolled, manufacturer-documented case series with concurrent conventional treatment in most animals, this report cannot isolate HTB's specific contribution from that of standard care, and the mechanistic hypotheses discussed (oxidative stress, PIEZO signalling, NK cell activity) were not directly measured here. Controlled, independently conducted studies are the appropriate next step to confirm efficacy and quantify effect size.

Conflicts of interest

Shvānas Sdn. Bhd. manufactures and sells the Heal The Buddy (HTB) device that is the subject of this report, and the authors have a financial interest in it. No independent or blinded assessment of outcomes was performed; data were collected by facility staff at a facility operated by the manufacturer. This is disclosed in full so that readers can weigh the findings accordingly.

Funding

Shvānas Sdn. Bhd. (the device manufacturer, of which the authors are principals). No external or independent funding was received.

Ethics / IRB

Involves subjects · no prospective ethics approval — exemption claimed and editor-verified: Prospective ethics review (IACUC or equivalent) was not sought and is not applicable to this report: observations were collected during routine, owner-consented clinical care, and no experimental protocol was applied to any animal for research purposes. This is a retrospective documentation of care already given — the category of work that IACUC/IRB frameworks, which govern research protocols, do not cover. Owner consent was obtained for treatment and for the use of case information and images in this report. All sessions were non-invasive and no procedures causing additional pain or distress were reported. The absence of independent ethical oversight is listed by the authors themselves as a limitation of this work (Section 6).

License

CC-BY-4.0

Manuscript — v1

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Cite this paper

@article{RSP-2026-0001,
  title   = {Photobiomodulation and Thermal Adjunctive Therapy (Heal The Buddy) in Companion Animals: A Case Series},
  author  = {Syankaran Kalai Arasu and Nikitha A/P M Rajendran (corresponding author)},
  year    = {2026},
  journal = {Review Slave},
  note    = {RSP-2026-0001. Openly peer reviewed; review record attached. License: CC-BY-4.0},
  url     = {https://thereviewslave.com/papers/cms1d7wy9000189924nd0q91q}
}