Our Integrative Treatment Modalities for Pets in Mishawaka, IN

A branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture has been practiced for thousands of years and today continues to be used for the benefit of pets and people alike. The goal of acupuncture is to correct illness-causing energy imbalances within the body. Dr. Anderson is a skilled certified veterinary acupuncturist who will work with you and your pet to formulate the best acupuncture treatment plan.

The acupuncture procedure involves placing very thin needles at areas of the body called meridians, where blood vessels, nerves, and muscles intersect.

Acupuncture can be used to treat:

• Arthritis
• Joint injuries
• Back and neck pain
• Anxiety
• Lick granulomas
• Post-op recovery
• Orthopedic conditions like hip dysplasia
• Neuromuscular problems
• Metabolic diseases such as diabetes and kidney disease
• Palliative care

Your dog’s or cat’s body has its own, built-in cleansing systems that naturally remove any accumulated toxins in the following ways:

• Sweating (this is limited in dogs and cats)
• Exhalation during respiration
• Urination (given a properly-functioning liver and kidneys)
• Defecation (based on a well-functioning liver and GI system)

However, some pets require detoxification via medical intervention. This concept is not taught in conventional medicine; holistic vets rely upon various herbs, homeopathics, vitamins, supplements, and fluid administration to encourage additional detoxification throughout the body and allow for quicker healing.

Herbal therapy for dogs and cats involves using herbs for medicinal purposes. Here at PIVC, we use centuries-old herbal formulations originating from China and Japan. Herbal therapy often involves the use of the entire plant, not just a single part, as with many Western medications. Each herb or combination of herbs nourishes the body in a different way, and can support:

• Organ function
• Digestive health
• Immune system
• Muscle health
• Pain relief
• And much more

If herbal therapy is recommended for your pet, Dr. Anderson will work with you to develop a unique treatment plan tailored to meet their needs.

We use our Class IV laser in-clinic to provide pain relief for acute and chronic conditions, and to help speed up healing post-surgery. It can treat any inflammation, pain, or acute trauma and any chronic conditions that cause pain, stiffness, and loss of mobility. Our laser is a drug-free, non-invasive form of treatment that can radically increase circulation, which reduces pain by stimulating endorphin release, and radically excite the energy carrier in the cell (ATP) to heal cells in 1/3 to 1/2 the usual healing time.

The laser only acts on abnormal cells, so it is not possible to overtreat with laser therapy. Laser treatments are cumulative, with one treatment building upon another. Generally, we provide a series of treatments for maximum effect.

A magnesphere immerses the entire body in a uniform, natural magnetic field. Similar to an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), this field affects the body at the molecular level. By stimulating the Vagus nerve, our precise fields produce a balancing effect on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS). This results in an enhanced feeling of relaxation, which may lead to a decrease in the emotional and physiological effects of stress. Because chronic stress interferes with the body’s ability to fight off disease (which can exacerbate symptoms), we use this form of treatment to “jump start” the body into a healing, detoxifying and digestive state to support other modalities.

Minor autohemotherapy involves drawing blood from your pet, mixing it with ozone, and injecting it into the muscle. Major autohemotherapy involves placing an IV catheter in your pet, withdrawing a certain amount of blood, and administering a combination of ozone and oxygen into the blood under pressure. These treatments have healing capabilities and anti-inflammatory effects. They can also increase your pet’s energy and circulation.

Nutraceuticals are dietary supplements containing highly beneficial (but not essential) nutrients. Examples of nutraceuticals include:

• Omega-3 fatty acids - for treating inflammatory conditions
• Antioxidants – can help to prevent cancer

Nutraceuticals can be a valuable supplement in the treatment and prevention of disease. They can also be used to supplement traditional medications. In some cases, they may even be used on their own to manage a disease. Some nutraceuticals have fewer side effects than other, more conventional medications, and they possess unique chemical actions not available in pharmaceuticals. For example, the milk thistle can be used to protect liver cells from damage.

Food therapy is the art and science of using selected food ingredients to feed an individual pet based on their age, species, breed, personality, and current disease process. We often use food therapy in conjunction with herbal therapy and acupuncture to treat specific health conditions, or prevent disease.