Integrative Medicine
Integrative Medicine
Integrative Veterinary Medicine in Scottsdale, AZ
At Kaibab Animal Hospital, we recognize the unique benefits that integrative veterinary medicine brings to pet health care. By combining traditional Western medical practices with alternative therapies, we provide a comprehensive approach that addresses both the symptoms and underlying causes of various health issues.
What is an Integrative Veterinarian?
Integrative veterinarians are licensed professionals who combine the practices of conventional veterinary medicine with integrative approaches to provide a well-rounded treatment plan for pets. Our comprehensive care blends traditional and alternative treatments to prevent and treat illness, aiming to optimize the health and well-being of animals. By assessing the whole pet, including lifestyle and environmental factors, integrative veterinarians tailor treatments to individual needs, promoting better health outcomes.
Problems That Alternative Veterinary Medicine Can Address
Neck and Back Pain: We manage various forms of neck and back pain, including:
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- Arthritis, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease (hip dysplasia)
- Lumbosacral disease, spondylosis, and spinal osteoarthritis
- Nerve root signature symptoms
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Knee Pain: Conditions like cranial cruciate ligament ruptures (similar to ACL ruptures in humans) and medial luxating patella are treated through both surgical and non-surgical methods.
Eye Issues: We address problems such as corneal ulcers with both conventional medicine and supportive alternative therapies to promote healing.
Urinary and Fecal Incontinence: Integrative methods can be particularly effective in managing these conditions, improving the quality of life for pets and their owners.
Gastrointestinal (GI) Diseases: Our whole body approach supports the treatment of:
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- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Pancreatitis
- Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI)
Allergies: Both food and environmental allergies (atopy) can be managed more effectively by addressing underlying issues such as leaky gut syndrome through dietary changes, supplements, and other complementary measures.
Neurologic Disorders:
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- Seizures
- Vestibular disease
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Ataxia
- Degenerative Myelopathy
Support for Neoplastic (Cancer) Conditions: While not a cure, integrative medicine serves as a valuable complement in cancer treatment plans, focusing on enhancing quality of life and symptom management.
Compensatory Issues from Injuries: Whether recent and acute or old and chronic, injuries often lead to compensatory problems. Our treatments help alleviate the secondary effects of these injuries, restoring balance and function.
Integrative Medicine Treatments at Kaibab Animal Hospital
At Kaibab Animal Hospital, integrative treatments are part of our commitment to providing comprehensive veterinary services.
Acupuncture and Spinal Manipulation
Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific acu-points to stimulate local and regional nerves to improve blood flow, promote endogenous pain relief, and modulate the immune system, and more. Spinal manipulation, often referred to as veterinary chiropractic, addresses areas of hypomobility (lack of motion) and restriction, which restores motion, blood flow, and improves neurologic function to promote healing.
Nutraceuticals and Herbals
We utilize natural whole food supplements and herbal remedies to support the health and well-being of pets. These treatments can enhance nutrition, support optimal organ function, reduce inflammation, and aid in the management of chronic conditions. Each herbal and nutraceutical regimen is carefully selected based on the individual pet’s health needs and restrictions.
Core Vaccine Titers
We offer core vaccine titers to document immunity levels and to avoid over vaccination risks. Vaccines are a vital and important tool, but a well informed decision can be made when it comes to administering a vaccine booster plan. This allows us to recommend vaccines only when necessary, minimizing the risk of associated health issues.
Cold Laser Therapy
This non-invasive treatment uses low-level therapeutic light wavelengths to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. It’s particularly effective for treating injuries, reducing inflammation and pain, and speeding up healing and recovery from surgery.
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of a pet’s own platelets into injured areas to promote rapid healing. It’s beneficial for treating joint disease (especially CCL injuries), tendon injuries, corneal ulcers, and other chronic conditions by enhancing the body’s natural healing processes.
Discover Our Dedicated Team
What Does an Integrative Vet Appointment Look Like?
Initial Consultation: Our team takes the time to listen and understand your concerns, ensuring that we capture the full picture of your pet’s health and lifestyle.
Physical Examination: Following the consultation, we conduct a full physical examination of your pet. This examination is more in-depth than standard check-ups and includes assessing your pet’s posture, movement, and overall behavior.
Treatment Plan Discussion: Our veterinarians will discuss a treatment plan based on your pet’s specific needs. This plan might include a combination of diagnostics, as well as conventional treatments, such as medications or surgery, alongside integrative therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, or nutritional advice.
Therapeutic Treatments: If appropriate, some initial treatments may be administered during the first visit. This could be anything from a nutritional supplement to an acupuncture session aimed at starting the healing process right away.
Follow-Up and Ongoing Care: Before you leave, we’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to assess your pet’s progress and make any necessary adjustments to the treatment plan. We also provide guidance on what to watch for at home and how to best support your pet’s health between visits.
Schedule an Integrative Veterinary Appointment in Scottsdale, AZ
If you’re ready to explore how integrative veterinary medicine can enhance your pet’s life, we invite you to schedule a consultation at Kaibab Animal Hospital in Scottsdale, AZ. Our team is dedicated to constantly improving and learning new ways to treat your pets. Through alternative vet care we are able to provide comprehensive support for your companion.