At Full Circle Veterinary Alternatives, we have a full rehabilitation team including veterinarians and veterinary technicians that have advanced training and are Certified in Canine Rehabilitation.
Our veterinarians are also trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture and offer Chinese herbal therapy. They are also certified in either Chiropractic care, Bowen™ or Tui-Na therapy.
WHAT TO EXPECT WITH OUR REHABILITATION TEAM:
Your initial consultation will be scheduled for 1.5 hours and a thorough orthopedic or neurologic exam will be performed based on your pets needs. We will assess your pet’s entire body to ensure that their rehabilitation program addresses both your primary complaint and any other concurrent issues that may be affecting your pet’s mobility. As this will be a longer examination, please feel free to bring your pet’s favorite treats to reward their cooperation, or even their favorite blanket or mat to rest on. If Acupuncture or Chiropractic care is recommended, the first treatment will often be performed at this initial visit.
Now your pet can start their rehabilitation journey! Based on your pet’s evaluation your rehabilitation veterinarian will recommend starting either acupuncture, herbals, chiropractic care, sessions with our certified rehabilitation technicians, or a combination of these treatments.
Acupuncture treatments are performed by our doctors. Acupuncture is very beneficial to patients with neurologic conditions. It can aid with pain management and to help their neurological system to heal. It is also very beneficial for patients with orthopedic conditions like osteoarthritis to help with pain and discomfort. A series of 3-4 weekly sessions will be scheduled initially and then the length of time between treatments will be increased based on the patient’s response. Most patients will continue receiving treatments once every 4-6 weeks. Appointments are scheduled for 45 minutes. Our staff will recommend tentatively booking the first set of weekly sessions when we schedule your initial consult. This enables ease of scheduling and ensures your pet’s initial series of treatments can occur weekly.
Chiropractic appointments are performed by one of our doctors. Maintaining proper structural alignment and motion along the vertebral column allows optimal function of the muscles, nerves, and tissues. This in turn can relieve pain, support the joints, and result in improved mobility, stance and flexibility. A series of 3-4 weekly sessions will be scheduled initially and then the length of time between treatments will be increased based on the patient’s response. Appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes. Our staff will recommend booking the first set of weekly sessions when we schedule your initial consult. This enables ease of scheduling and ensures your pet’s initial series of treatments can occur weekly.
Rehabilitation technician appointments are carried out by our certified rehabilitation technicians. They will administer the treatments as prescribed by your rehab veterinarian. Regular progress examinations with the rehab veterinarian are required at set intervals to ensure that your pet is progressing as expected and that adjustments do not need to be made to the program. These reviews are required for your pet to continue receiving treatment with the rehab technicians.
Rehabilitation sessions could include:
- LASER therapy to help with pain and inflammation
- neuromuscular stimulation (NMES+TENS)
- Pulsed Electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and;
- manual therapies such as massage, stretching and joint compressions
Rehabilitation may also include the use of our Underwater Treadmill (UWTM) as a low impact activity that helps with strengthening and gait training if appropriate for the individual pet. Therapeutic exercises targeted towards increasing weight bearing, strengthening and body awareness will also be initiated based on the individual pet's needs and a personalized home program will be developed for you to do with your pet at home if you are able.
Sessions are booked at least once weekly for the first 5 weeks and then the time between treatments may be adjusted depending on the individual pet’s needs, progression and condition.
Sessions are booked for either 30 min, 45 min or 1 hour based on each individual pet’s needs. If pets are going in the UWTM, then sessions will be scheduled for at least 45 minutes.
All rehabilitation programs will be tailored to each individual pet with treatment geared toward obtaining the goals set by you and your rehabilitation veterinarian.
Please fill out the detailed questionnaire below as this will be reviewed by your rehabilitation veterinarian prior to your initial consult and will help them to prepare for the initial visit.