Alternative and Complementary Therapy

Homeopathy can be used to help treat or prevent a range of health conditions in pets, including allergic reactions, chronic disease, and anxiety. It is sometimes used in conjunction with acupuncture and chiropractic therapy.

Derived from the Greek words homoios, which means like or similar, and pathos, which means suffering (disease), homeopathy is based on the philosophy that “like cures like.” Homeopathy uses very dilute solutions (extremely small quantities) of medication that, in an undiluted form, can actually cause symptoms of the disease or condition.

This therapeutic method was developed more than 200 years ago, when a German scientist ingested the bark of a cinchona tree, which contains quinine (used to treat malaria at the time). He began to experience the same symptoms as malaria. When he stopped taking the tree bark, his symptoms disappeared. The scientist theorized that if a substance could cause symptoms of a disease, minute amounts of that same substance could cure the disease by stimulating the body’s natural defences.

Homeopathic remedies are prepared from pure, natural substances derived from plants, animals, and minerals. Their preparation may involve diluting the original substance from ten times to millions of times with water or alcohol. Remedies include arsenicum album, belladonna, and chamomilla. Because these remedies are highly diluted, they are generally considered safe and unlikely to cause severe adverse reactions.

Homeopathy is not typically used to replace conventional veterinary treatment. To keep your pet as safe as possible, it is a good idea to have him or her see the same veterinarian for both conventional and alternative treatment.

To discuss the potential use of homeopathy in your pet, please call our clinic to set up an appointment.

If your pet is suffering from conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, lameness, gastrointestinal disease, chronic health issues, or back problems, he or she might benefit from our chiropractic services. Professional chiropractic manipulation can help ease pain, improve flexibility and mobility, and even enhance organ function. Chiropractic therapy can also promote healing and improve range of motion in dogs injured during sporting events.

Chiropractic philosophy is based on the relationship of the spinal cord to the nervous system of the entire body. It primarily involves manipulation of the spinal cord but can also involve manipulation of the leg joints and skull, strengthening or stretching muscles, and post-manipulation exercise. Most animals show no signs of pain or discomfort during therapy.

Chiropractors evaluate the function and structure of the spine, extremities, and skull. Based on their examination and the pet’s clinical history, they then adjust any subluxations (vertebrae and joints that are out of alignment or abnormally positioned). Subluxations are manipulated back into a normal position by using a short “thrust” that is applied very specifically in the correct direction. Because of the expertise required for this technique, chiropractic therapy should only be performed by a qualified doctor.

We use veterinary chiropractic in conjunction with traditional therapies to give your pet the best possible outcome. To discuss whether your pet is a candidate for chiropractic therapy, please call our clinic and set up an appointment with our experienced veterinarian.

Acupuncture can be used to help improve or cure problems your pet might have, including those related to the musculoskeletal, reproductive, neurological, or gastrointestinal systems. Acupuncture can also be used to manage pain and hasten recovery after surgery.

Acupuncture, which originated in China, has been used as a therapeutic treatment option for thousands of years. According to traditional Chinese medicine, the body is composed of several pathways called “meridians,” along which energy flows. When disease is present, energy is interrupted, or unbalanced. Stimulating acupuncture points along the meridians can restore energy flow, resulting in improved or cured health problems.

Because the needles used in acupuncture are extremely thin, they cause minimal or no pain and are generally well tolerated by pets. However, incorrect placement of the needle or inadequate sterilization can result in pain or complications, which is why you should only have a qualified practitioner perform acupuncture on your pet.

To determine if your pet’s condition(s) may be responsive to this treatment modality, please set up an exam with one of our veterinarians.