HOLISTIC AND PREVENTATIVE SERVICES

Acupuncture

Acupuncture involves the placement of needles along meridians of the animal’s body. The needles are placed in particular locations (acupoints) which all have a specific purpose and response. Acupuncture increases blood flow and decreases inflammation ­– which not only provides pain relief, but can also stimulate organ function. Acupuncture has been used for over 2000 years in China for the treatment and prevention of disease and is a modality that works well in combination with western veterinary medicine. It is typically non-painful and is very relaxing for the animal receiving the treatment.

Common conditions treated with acupuncture:

• Acute and chronic pain (osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, peripheral nerve trauma)
• Neurological conditions
• Asthma and other respiratory diseases
• Vomiting, diarrhea, inappetence
• Improve immune function
• Treatment of any chronic disease
• Allergies, acral lick dermatitis
• Fecal/urinary incontinence

Acupuncture can also be used in the prevention of disease or keeping pets energetically healthy.

Shockwave Therapy

The shockwave machine uses sound energy that causes microtrauma which then improves blood flow to promote self healing. The shockwave treatment is targeted to a specific joint/muscle/trigger point and is a very powerful, natural pain relieving modality. 

Below is a list of specifically studied benefits of shockwave:

• Stimulates new blood vessels to form
• Regulates inflammation
• Stimulates bone metabolism
• Releases growth factors
• Stimulates stem cells
• Antibacterial effects 

The most common conditions we use shockwave for at GoodLife include pain relief from arthritis and degenerative joint disease and for soft tissue injuries including patellar ligament desmitis and injuries of the shoulder. 

Chiropractic 

Chiropractic care in animals is very similar to chiropractic adjustments in people. Through chiropractic examination and treatment, each joint individually is palpated and range of motion is assessed. In joints that are hypomobile (don't move as much as they should), an adjustment is applied to restore the joint back to its normal range of motion. When joints are moving normally, blood flow and nerve conduction is not hindered which gives the body the ability to heal itself.

Common conditions treated with chiropractic:

• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Back and/or neck pain
• Spondylosis
• Intervertebral disc disease
• Maintenance of athletic performance and ability

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses light energy to stimulate cells to create more energy which allows cells to divide more frequently, thus tissues can heal faster and stronger. Laser therapy also stimulates cytokine release, thus causing dramatic decreases in pain perception. Laser therapy increases circulation, decreases inflammation, enhances tissue healing, and causes pain relief.

What can laser therapy be used for?

• Any acute or chronic painful condition (arthritis, back/neck pain etc.)
• Faster wound healing
• Ear infections
• Tendinopathies
• Burns
• Hip/elbow dysplasia
• Rehabilitation
• Muscle strains
• Post-operatively
• Post-traumatic injury

Canine Fitness

Canine Fitness sessions at Goodlife focus on whole-pet health by offering quality fitness focused training that is customized to the goals and needs of each dog individually. Strength, flexibility, mobility, balance, and physical and mental endurance are at the forefront of Canine Fitness sessions.

Underwater Treadmill

Underwater treadmill hydrotherapy sessions offer low-impact, high resistance movement for fitness and rehabilitation from injury. The UWT helps pets build and maintain muscle strength, supports cardiovascular health, and offers injury rehabilitation in an environment that doesn’t put added stress on the joints and tissues of the body.

The UWT is both a small pool and a treadmill. It allows easy walk-in access for the pet and our UWT therapist. The water level is customized to the pet’s comfort level and reason for use, and rarely goes above the pet’s shoulders. Once the pet is used to walking correctly in the UWT, adjustments are made to control the water level and speed, to ensure the pet is getting the most benefit from his/her sessions.

Benefits of Underwater Treadmill:

• Increases stamina

• Builds muscle strength and tone

• Eases pain from chronic conditions like joint diseases or arthritis

• Improves cardiovascular health

• Decreases risk of re-injury

• Assist with weight loss or maintenance

• Speeds injury recovery

• Hydrostatic pressure of the warm water helps relieve sore and swollen joints

Canine Rehabilitation

Dr. Katie has a Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner certification through the University of Tennessee. Through her training, she is able to make recommendations for exercise and rehabilitation for animals recovering from any type of injury or orthopedic surgery.

With the use of a custom exercise plan for your recovering animal, your pet is soon to be on the road to faster recovery and pain relief! 

Microbiome Restoration

Continuing the theme of preventative care, we are offering Microbiome Restoration. Did you know that 70% of the body's immune system lives in the gut? That means that if the gut bacteria are not healthy, our body is set up for the development of disease (think allergies, chronic diarrhea/vomiting, and yes, even cancer). We are able to test a fecal sample, look at the levels and presence of certain bacteria in the gut, and restore the microbiome through fecal microbiota transplants (FMT): AKA fecal enemas. Each case and each animal is different, not all treatment plans include FMT. If you are looking at ways to improve your dog's longevity, let's take a look at the gut!

Grooming

Grooming services are now available at GoodLife! We can’t wait to help your dog feel and look their best!

End-of-Life Services

Saying goodbye is never easy. GoodLife Integrative Veterinary Care also offers end-of-life services for your pet, including in-home euthanasia.