Acupuncture

MOST animals tolerate acupuncture needles, especially after a few visits filled with treats, rub-downs and the relaxing after-effects. Acupuncture is used for treating pain, neurologic disease, motility issues in the gastrointestinal tract, allergies and anxiety. Needles are left in anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes, depending on what we are trying to accomplish. It doesn’t work for all disease and it doesn’t work for every animal. Some animals are surprisingly sensitive to this therapy, some are not. We routinely see some dogs fall asleep with the needles in, and others who stand by the door waiting to leave for the entire treatment. Cats are a bit more….er…..challenging, but we accept that challenge because we love cats and most hold still once you’ve started scratching their chins. The environment of the office is quiet and relaxing with carpets and cat trees and pheromone diffusers….really all of the things that cats have come to expect in life!

Chiropractic

This practice essentially re-establishes mobility to the spine and legs, which in turn, leads to a variety of happy results.

To provide you an example of the application of chiropractic, let’s say your dog has some mild arthritis in her right knee. Because of this, s/he is bearing slightly more weight on the left hind leg. Gradually, the spine “adapts” to this asymmetric gait: supporting muscles on one side of the spine contract more than those on the other side, causing some of the joints in the spine to have reduced mobility. The body is meant to be used relatively symmetrically. By adjusting the spine, we bring back motion to these joints and symmetry to the body. If you don’t help the underlying cause (in this case, the knee) however, you’ll be back where you started soon. That is where other modalities (acupuncture, massage, laser, TENS, pharmaceuticals, supplements, physical therapy) can help.

Physical Rehabilitation

Strengthening and stretching assures optimal movement. Movement is where it’s at, folks! Short of food, water, love and sunlight, there is nothing more important. The problems we most often use this therapy for are:

• after orthopedic surgery
• after injury
• performance issues (for example, agility dogs)
• obesity
• arthritis
• neurological problems such as intervertebral disc disease and degenerative myelopathy
• weakness associated with age

Underwater Treadmill

Brand new to the practice is an Oasis underwater treadmill. We are so excited to be able to get animals moving better with this. Essentially the treadmill is used for the problems listed under physical rehabilitation. It provides buoyancy, making it easier for animals to remain upright and move their limbs through a normal range of motion. The water is warm, helping to soothe aches and pains. We offer packages for the treadmill, making it more affordable. In addition to providing support after injury or surgery, the underwater treadmill, when used appropriately, can actually be used to condition athletic dogs during the “off-season.”

Low-level laser therapy a.k.a. photobiomodulation

Low-level laser therapy a.k.a. photobiomodulation. Our Aurora Class IV laser emits near-infrared light waves in the 808-940 nm range. Many studies have shown an increased rate of tissue healing, decreased pain and inflammation in association with the use of this type of light therapy. Animals don’t feel anything, and treatments are quick: less than 10 minutes.

Land Treadmill

This treadmill is helpful for conditioning after surgery, injury, or even for athletes during the winter months when outdoor activities are limited. It is also used in neurologic cases to help animals “re-learn” walking patterns.

Massage therapy

Our certified animal massage therapist, Stacey, works one-on-one with our patients to identify and alleviate tight muscles, trigger points, areas of asymmetry and muscle atrophy through massage, myofascial release and exercise instruction.

Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

New to the practice in 2023 is our Pulsevet. This therapy uses an electrohydraulic charge to create a wave of energy that is released as sound and applied to the affected tissue.

Research has been impressive thus far in the treatment of lower back pain, tendonopathies, muscle sprains such as iliopsoas injury, forelimb pain due to osteoarthritis,and post-operative healing (specifically after TPLO surgery for Cranial Cruciate Ligament injury and malunion fractures). Research is ongoing into its role in the non-surgical treatment of partial cranial cruciate tears.

We are excited to offer this new option to our patients!!!

Other Therapies

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) and PEMF (Pulse Electromagnetic Field) mat for pain relief, and NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation) for muscle atrophy are used

Casting for custom-made braces is available.