Your Pet’s Health is in Your Hands Loving Hands Your Pet’s Health is in Your Hands

Assessment Acupuncture

Kinesiology The study of the principles of mechanics and anatomy in relation to movement. Uses muscle testing to assess the body’s energy and then applies various techniques to facilitate healthy flow of Chi throughout the affected portions of the body. Can be used to identify a particular organ which might contribute to sources of imbalance.

If the energy to a particular point is blocked resulting in loss of energy, the animal will tend to relax or lose strength in the designated limb or reflex area due to the weakening of the associated muscle. This area associated with the point needs attention. Muscle testing is to determine the quality of the muscle response, not to determine strength.

Once areas of concern are established, appropriate treatment can be given.

Complementary medicine A term often used interchangeably with holistic medicine, refers to nonconventional treatments for a variety of problems. Holistic medicine combines conventional veterinary medicine with one or more complementary therapies. Consider the animal’s entire well-being, not just individual symptoms or conditions. 31 percent of pet owners have used some form of complementary medicine on their pets.

Acupressure An ancient Chinese healing art that uses the fingers to press key points on the surface of the skin. Gentle and noninvasive procedure No side effects from medications. Can treat acute as well as chronic problems. Uses the same points as acupuncture.

Benefits Stimulates the body’s immune system to self heal. Relieves muscular tension. Promotes the release of endorphins – neurochemicals that relieve pain. Increases the nutrient supply to muscles by promoting cellular exchange. Prevents the buildup of harmful fatigue products, metabolic wastes and lactic acid. Improves muscle tone and can relieve painful muscle spasms.

What is Veterinary Acupuncture? the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain

Benefits For small animals musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, or traumatic nerve injury Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma Skin problems such as lick granulomas and allergic dermatitis Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea Selected reproductive problems

Benefits For large animals Musculoskeletal problems such as sore backs or downer cow syndrome Neurological problems such as facial paralysis Skin problems such as allergic dermatitis Respiratory problems such as heaves and “bleeders” Gastrointestinal problems such as nonsurgical colic Selected reproductive problems

regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury animals are involved in any athletic endeavor, such as racing, jumping, or showing, acupuncture can help them keep in top physical condition.

Meridians Chi (life energy) flows through the body in pathways known as meridians. Pathways carry messages from the acupressure points to specific organs or parts of the body. Twelve meridians in the body. Pressure is applied to the surface of the skin along a meridian or a combination to achieve a goal.

Massage Therapy Pet owners are aware of their animals love of being petted. Stroking an animal, just for a brief time, can calm an anxious pet or make an animal so comfortable that they will instantly fall asleep in your lap. The relaxing effect that petting has on animals is the basis behind animal massage therapy.

An organized sequence of strokes designed specifically for the animal and its anatomy and physiology – skilled, balanced, focused, deliberate touching, not random petting. It is non-invasive complementary therapy, involving no extreme ranges of motion or deep tissue work. Massage Therapy

Systematically applied touch for the purpose of relaxation, stress reduction, and improved well-being. Manipulates the soft tissues of the body.

A part of the preventative health care of your animal to maintain and improve the health, well-being, and longevity of the animal. Help to maintain the balance of mind, body and spirit.

Animals will self-massage by licking, grooming or rolling on the ground. Massage is not physical therapy or a substitute for veterinary care.

Certified practitioner Animal massage is performed by a certified practitioner of animal massage, who is specifically trained in animal anatomy, animal movement and animal observation. Your pets first animal massage will typically begin with a pet-masseuse consultation.

During this visit the therapist and your pet will get to know one another, so that your pets response can be gauged

The practitioner will also examine your pets gait, the way they move, as well as their demeanor, emotional state and body language. According to this initial consultation, the masseuse will choose a type of massage that is suitable for your pet and their conditions.

The average animal massage session lasts about 30 minutes, but this can vary. While some animals are more anxious than others; many pets absolutely love being massaged and are willing to lie still for an entire hour-long session.

Again, depending on the size of your pet, the therapist may have them lie down as with cats and dogs or remain standing as with horses (called Equimassage).

During the massage, the therapist will apply strokes in different pressures to your pets body. The pressure of the stroke will be less than that applied to a human, and obviously small dogs will be massaged with a lighter pressure (about 5-grams) compared to a larger dog.

Benefits Increases circulation Releases tension Relaxes muscles Increases range of motion Stimulates both mentally and physically Aids in the removal of metabolic wastes Provides a form of exercise Reduces swelling Reduces arthritis pain Works to break down adhesions and can prevent them from forming Reduces pain from joint problems

Alleviate muscle spasms Improve muscle tone Improves mobility Speed up recovery from injuries Geriatric years care Improves the bond between you and your pet

When to Use Throughout the lifetime of the animal Puppies: Large breed puppies greatly benefit from the massage of the limbs as it increases circulation to joints and rapidly growing tissues Sporting: Pre-event massage warms up dogs by increasing blood flow. Post-event loosens up muscles and joints and prevents stiffness Elderly: Relieves muscular cramps, early morning stiffness, arthritis and some skin conditions. Stimulates circulation to body, increases blood flow and waste removal.

Prior to surgery* After surgery* During medication* Gentle massage 1 – 2 days post surgery can help release anesthesia from the body. Two weeks after surgery deeper massage will promote healing. During medication* *with approval of veterinarian

Therapeutic Touch a combination of specific touches, lifts, and movement exercises to help release tension and increase body awareness. Moving the physical energy of an animal without actually touching the surface of the body. Place hands two to six inches away from the body of the animal and with rhythmic and slow-hand motions, assess the presence and flow of the energy. To determine blockages.

Hands are then moved in specific ways to break up congestion and encourage normal flow of energy. Can decrease anxiety, reduce pain and ease problems associated with dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system which governs involuntary actions of the body. Session lasts 20 – 25 minutes.

Benefits Can alter enzyme activity. Increase hemoglobin levels. Reduce fever and inflammation. Accelerate the healing of wounds. Relieve pain. Reduce stress and anxiety.