Acupuncture
Veterinary acupuncture uses the ancient theories of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to complement conventional diagnosis and treatment of veterinary medical conditions. Conventional medicine effectively addresses acute traumatic illness but is limited in its approach to chronic problems. TCM recognizes patterns of disease and imbalance that conventional medicine does not. Acupuncture therapy can help to correct imbalances in the body BEFORE they become symptomatic disease. Veterinary acupuncturists are Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) who have received considerable specialized training. Veterinary acupuncture is considered a valid modality and an integral part of veterinary medicine by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society is recognized as the leader and sets the standard for training and certification of veterinary acupuncturists. Make sure that you choose a veterinary acupuncturist that is IVAS certified. To read more about veterinary acupuncture go to www.ivas.org or www.aava.org.

Chiropractic
Chiropractic philosophy is based on the relationship of the spinal column to the nervous system and the role of the spinal column in biomechanics and movement. Chiropractic care uses a drugless, noninvasive approach that offers many benefits for the health and performance of animals. In a chiropractic examination the subtleties of patient posture, gait, and behavior must be considered. Quadripeds (four-legged animals) hide lameness well. We often do not recognize a lameness until there is an obvious limp. Chiropractic evaluation and treatment should be provided only by specifically trained individuals. The American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) is the organization responsible for the certification of graduate veterinarians (DVM) and chiropractors (DC). Make sure you choose an animal chiropractor that is AVCA certified. To read more about animal chiropractic go to www.avcadoctors.com.

Integrated Medicine/Pretreatment Workups
Early recognition of potential problems or pain issues help prevent injury and subsequent layoff time for animal athletes. Before pursuing treatment at Animal Options, diagnostic lab tests and X-rays may be performed by your animal's regular veterinarian. Acupuncture and chiropractic treatments can be used in conjunction and integrated with ongoing therapies prescribed by your animal's regular veterinarian.