Complementary Therapies

Dermatology

Skin problems are quite common in dogs are cats. The sooner a skin problem is detected and diagnosed, the greater the chances of a full recovery. Skin problems may be caused by a variety of factors, including hormonal disorders, allergies, infections, and parasites such as fleas and mites.

If you notice your dog or cat scratching excessively or observe any scabs, redness, inflammation, lumps, or bare patches in the fur, you should arrange an appointment with your veterinarian. Our veterinarians can often diagnose skin problems simply by looking at your pet’s skin and coat. If we cannot come to a diagnosis through examination alone, we may run blood work or perform a urinalysis, skin scraping, or biopsy to determine the cause of the problem.

Cardiology

Heart problems can affect pets of any type at any age. While heart disease is usually a life-threatening condition, early detection and proper treatment can keep your pet by your side for years to come. If caught soon enough, some forms of heart disease can be entirely reversed.

Signs of heart disease include breathing rapidly or coughing, loss of appetite, exhaustion, weakness, and trouble exercising. If you notice any of these signs, call us immediately. We can detect many heart problems during a physical exam. Additional tests, including electrocardiogram (ECG), x-ray, and ultrasound, help us accurately diagnose the cause of heart disease.

Tonometry

Glaucoma and other problems with intraocular pressure can cause permanent vision loss and even blindness. Tonometry allows us to test your dog or cat’s eyes for excess pressure, a warning sign of glaucoma. The test is simple, painless, and does not require sedation, but can save your pet from permanent eye damage.

Any pet that has suffered an eye injury should have this test performed. In addition, if you notice dilated pupils, clouding of the cornea, red or bloodshot eyes, one eye protruding or appearing larger than the other, squinting, or tearing, you should contact your veterinarian immediately. We can perform a tonometry test and proceed with appropriate treatment.

Endocrinology

Endocrinology refers to the study of the endocrine system, a group of tissues – mostly glands – that release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones perform a range of roles, regulating the body’s metabolism, growth, development, and reproduction. When one of these hormonal balances is disturbed, it results in an endocrine disorder. The most common endocrine disorders in dogs and cats are:

• Diabetes mellitus: caused by a deficiency in or resistance to insulin
• Hypothyroidism: low levels of thyroid (common in dogs)
• Hyperthyroidism: high levels of thyroid (common in cats)
• Cushing’s disease: high levels of cortisol

Diagnosing endocrine diseases as early as possible is very important. These conditions are much more manageable when proper treatment is begun early. Contact us if you notice your pet panting excessively, skin issues like hair loss or a dull coat, or changes in behavior, energy level, appetite, weight, or urination.

Acupuncture

The physiological effects (how the body responds) to acupuncture are created through a series of interactions among the nervous system, endocrine system and the immune system. Acupuncture helps to open the flow of energy along the body’s natural meridians to decrease pain, as well as to increase the pain threshold. By restoring normal energy flow, the organs are able to work more effectively, allowing the patient’s body to function better as a whole.