Holistic care means treating the whole animal as a unique individual. Internal imbalances and stresses are the roots of disease. The cure may not be in drugs, but in re-balancing the patient’s body and returning them to peace and harmony. We, at the Lonsdale Veterinary Hospital, can offer you holistic care which includes Herbal supplements, Homeopathy, Nutraceuticals, Acupuncture, Laser Therapy, Chiropractic Care and natural raw or homemade diets.
Wellness Exam
Due to the shorter lifespan of our pets, we stress the importance of an annual physical exam. Thorough annual check-ups and preventative care can help alleviate or even prevent serious health problems. The annual wellness exam includes not only a full physical exam, but also discussion regarding diet, training, parasite treatment and control, and infectious disease prevention (vaccines or titers).
Chiropractor Referral
Chiropractic comes from the Greek words for ‘practicing with the hands’. Chiropractic is the system of manipulation and adjustment of the bones that deal with subluxations and the secondary problems derived from them. Chiropractic care offers a natural, drug-free adjunct to your dog’s total health care. In conjunction with regular veterinary care, chiropractic care can decrease pain, and add quality to your dog’s performance, movement, and well-being. Chiropractic care addresses problems stemming from imbalances in the following systems.
The Skeletal System and Joints of the Body: Bones and joints form a flexible structure, capable of pain-free movement when in normal health and alignment.
The Muscular System: Healthy muscles allow the joints to move freely. Healthy muscles are free of spasm, weakness, pain, knots and degeneration.
The Nervous System: Nerves “direct” the function of the body controlling the flow of communication between the brain and all areas of the body. When nerves are pinched, reduced performance levels and pain may result. This can eventually lead to a state of poor health.
Chiropractors treat subluxation by gently adjusting the misaligned area into alignment. In most cases, this restores proper skeletal movement, muscle, and nerve function. Adjustments are usually low force and gentle, the equivalent of an adjustment for a human infant. Most dogs noticeably enjoy their adjustment and feel better afterwards.
(Chiropractic care should be done by a qualified, licensed Chiropractor under the guidance of a licensed Veterinarian.)
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is defined as “the insertion of needles at specific points of the body to cause a desired healing effect”.
This technique has been used in China for over 4000 years. Acupuncture can help the body heal itself by creating certain physiological changes. Nerves are stimulated and pathways are opened to allow the release of endorphins and the flow of impulses through the body to target affected areas.
A variety of ailments seen in pets today are a result of energy imbalances which manifest as symptoms commonly seen in Veterinary practice such as:
- inflammatory skin disease ie. allergies, eczema
- intestinal / digestive problems
- hormonal imbalances ie. thyroid or adrenal disease, diabetes
- neurological problems ie. epilepsy, paralysis
Laser Treatment
While your favorite Hollywood starlet may rely on lasers to reduce wrinkles and remove excess hair, laser treatment for dogs and cats serve a completely different purpose. Lasers are used by veterinarians to treat acute and chronic injuries, pain and inflammation, and are becoming increasingly popular. They are also being used after surgical procedures to speed up the healing process. Many pet owners are concerned about the risk of side effects with conventional pain relieving medication. They are seeking safer, more natural methods of making their four legged family members feel better, and this is where laser treatment comes into its own.
What is laser treatment?
A laser directs a ray of infrared light energy into the injured part of your pet’s body. This light energy reduces inflammation and increases the flow of blood to the area which encourages healing. It also enhances their body’s immune system, and causes the release of endorphins which help to relieve their pain. There is also a suggestion that the light energy affects nerve endings, and stops them sending pain messages to the brain.
Does it work?
There are few research papers that show laser treatment does work in animals. However, many veterinarians can share their own experiences that suggest it is effective in easing pain in pets. It appears particularly useful in managing chronic arthritis, as well as sudden injuries such as ligament strains. It has also been used to treat ear inflammation, bladder inflammation, and skin wounds. Wherever there is inflammation, laser treatment may be useful.