The origin of the term “disease” means a “lack of ease,” and refers to discomfort, distress, or trouble. At Burlington Veterinary Center, we evaluate your pet’s health using conventional medical diagnostics and treatment, as well as looking for overall body imbalances that would benefit from alternative therapies. The goal of conventional western medicine and alternative therapies is the same—to promote health and treat disease. Alternative therapies that we offer, including laser therapy, acupuncture, and Chinese herbal medicine, can be used synergistically with conventional western medicine, or as an individualised treatment plan for your pet.

What is laser therapy and how can it help my pet?

The term “laser” is an abbreviation for “light amplification of stimulated emission of radiation.” We use a Class IV therapeutic laser that emits light waves to alter cellular physiology through a process called photobiomodulation. The cellular reactions from laser therapy promote growth and healing by stimulating endorphin release, increasing blood flow, relaxing muscles, and decreasing inflammation. Conditions that can benefit from laser therapy include:

  • Post-surgical incisions and wound healing 
  • Arthritis and musculoskeletal pain
  • Neurologic damage or degeneration
  • Pain from traumatic tendon and ligament injuries
  • Skin diseases such as hot spots, lick granulomas, or feline acne
  • Dental disease
  • Ear infections

Laser therapy is comfortable and painless for our patients. The laser probe is directed at specific body areas for short durations, and your pet feels a gentle, soothing warmth or tingling sensation. Your pet may become more relaxed during a laser therapy session as pain and inflammation decreases. Laser therapy can have an immediate effect, or your pet may require multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.

What is acupuncture and how can it help my pet?

Although acupuncture has been used for thousands of years, medical research has shown that acupuncture points have an increased density of nerve bundles, lymphatic flow, blood vessels, and inflammatory mediators. In eastern medicine, acupuncture addresses deep imbalances of the life force, or “Qi,” by altering the body’s energy and blood flow into healthier patterns. The body has hundreds of possible acupuncture points, which lie on “meridians,” or invisible energy channels between the points. Acupuncture can be especially helpful for the following conditions: 

  • Arthritis and musculoskeletal pain
  • Neurologic damage or degeneration
  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Respiratory disorders
  • Chronic skin and ear problems
  • Anxiety or behavior problems
  • Endocrine or organ dysfunction
  • Side effects from chemotherapy or other medications

An acupuncture session is often a positive experience for our patients, who seem to enjoy coming back for additional treatments. During a session, we work with your pet to ensure their comfort as we insert fine needles into specific acupuncture points. After an acupuncture session, your pet may feel more relaxed or become more playful. A treatment can immediately improve your pet’s symptoms, although the body usually needs a few days to recalibrate, and multiple treatments may be required for the best results.

What is Chinese herbal medicine and how can it help my pet?

Chinese herbal medicine also dates back thousands of years, and is another way to help your pet’s body heal itself from internal imbalances affecting their health. We use herbal products prepared with modern technology, but their origins are still from the natural world of branches, stems, roots, seeds, flowers, and leaves from plants and trees. We often use Chinese herbs in conjunction with acupuncture for the greatest effect, and they can be especially useful for the following conditions:

  • Gastrointestinal disorders
  • Respiratory and cardiovascular disorders
  • Chronic skin and ear problems
  • Anxiety or behavioral problems
  • Endocrine or organ dysfunction
  • Infectious diseases
  • Reproductive disorders
  • Immune system disorders
  • Cancer
  • Side effects from chemotherapy or other medications

After a thorough history and examination, we will prescribe a specific Chinese herbal formulation for your pet’s health condition. Chinese herbal medicines can be administered in a powdered form, capsules, or liquid tincture, and most pets tolerate them well. Herbal treatment can be short- or long-term, depending on the condition being treated and whether it is acute or chronic.

At Burlington Veterinary Center, we believe that the body, mind, and spirit are essential for overall health. We use alternative therapies to complement our strong foundation in conventional western medicine, to provide the greatest benefit to our patients. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions about how alternative therapies can help improve your pet’s health and well-being.