Holistic Veterinary Medicine in Ann Arbor, MI
We think it’s important to give our pet patients as many treatment options as possible to suit their health needs. After all, your pet is unique, and a treatment that works for another pet may not work for them. This is why Ann Arbor Animal Hospital offers several different holistic treatments for dogs and cats: Chinese herbs, chiropractic, and acupuncture for dogs and cats. These modalities can be used alongside or as replacements for modern drugs and to treat various ailments.
Learn more about our holistic therapies below, or contact us at (734) 662-4474 for an appointment!
Chinese Herbal Therapy for Dogs & Cats
Chinese herbs serve as complementary or alternative treatments to Western medicine. They address a variety of ailments and can be used alongside or as replacements for conventional drugs.
Some common Chinese herbs for pets include:
Cat & Dog Chiropractic Services
Animal chiropractic addresses decreased mobility in joints and the spine, focusing on restoring motion and alleviating symptoms like pain, stiffness, and gait abnormalities. By adjusting the spine's alignment through low amplitude, high-velocity thrusts, chiropractic care can enhance neurological function and overall health. Conditions often treated include hip dysplasia, arthritis, disc disease, and chronic injuries. This therapy aims to maintain proper neurological transmissions, improve agility, and support the overall performance of animals.
Cat & Dog Acupuncture
At Ann Arbor Animal Hospital, Dr. Taryn Clark and Dr. Jessica Franklin, both trained at the Chi Institute, offer cat and dog acupuncture treatments. This ancient practice, documented as far back as the second century B.C., has gained recent popularity in veterinary medicine. It works by stimulating nerves, releasing endorphins, or restoring Qi flow, depending on the perspective.
Acupuncture is used for many conditions, including:
- Arthritis and joint issues
- Pain management post-surgery or from chronic conditions
- Support during cancer treatments
- Boosting the immune system
- Treating nerve dysfunction
Acupuncture is often sought after other treatments have failed or when drugs show undesirable side effects. Electroacupuncture, involving electric pulses through inserted needles, has demonstrated significant benefits in clinical studies, particularly in treating intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). About 85% of patients treated with acupuncture are older dogs suffering from musculoskeletal issues.