Integrative and Holistic Veterinary Services at Canobie Lake Vet
Our integrative approach to healthcare incorporates all of the different body systems as well as environmental and nutritional influences to evaluate your pet’s health concern. This form of practice involves a more in-depth investigation in an attempt to determine and influence the underlying cause of an illness. Historically, there have been multiple medical approaches that utilized a holistic mindset including Homeopathy, Eastern or Chinese Medicine, and Osteopathy. Due to the detailed and wholistic nature of this approach, it is offered apart from a traditional exam, and instead is a separate consultation.
At Canobie Lake we embrace a wide array of options for achieving healthy outcomes. We have doctors certified in acupuncture which involves learning a Chinese Medicine approach to care. We also have doctors who are certified in Medical Manual Manipulation, Canine Rehabilitation as well as Pain Management.
We also offer therapies such as Ozone and Molecular Hydrogen to encourage deep healing at the cellular level. Finally, some of our doctors also have a deep interest in functional medicine where they look at how the body is working on a molecular level so that all the body processes can work optimally.
These modalities are paired with traditional Allopathic or Western medicine- what most people think of as Standard Care- to provide a truly integrative approach in addressing the needs of your pet.
When should you use an integrative or holistic approach for your pet?
- This is how you treat yourself, so my pet should have the same opportunity
- Your pet has a chronic illness and you are tired of giving so many medications with side effects
- You have been told there are no other options and your pet is not healing
- Your pet has one of these conditions and does not seem happy
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- Isn’t moving well and seems painful
- Has been diagnosed with osteoarthritis
- Has chronic diarrhea or vomiting
- Has chronic skin issues and is itchy or uncomfortable
- Has been diagnosed with cancer and I don’t want to do chemotherapy/radiation
- Is having chronic weight loss
- Is having chronic weight gain
- Has very low energy and seems depressed
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Give us a call to today to schedule a consultation!
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an Eastern Medicine methodology which uses needles or injections to stimulate nerve and energy pathways that are located in very specific points in and under the skin. While there is written theory upon which Acupuncture is practiced that dates back to 700BC, this modality is still relatively new in the West. Richard Nixon is known for exposing the Western world to Acupuncture during his trip to China, and now Acupuncture is accepted for its role in alleviating pain as well as strengthening weakened organs. In Veterinary Medicine the study of Acupuncture includes the memorization of over a hundred specific anatomical points on the body, and how each point affects the physiology both individually, and in conjunction with the stimulation of other points simultaneously in order to develop a treatment plan.
Acupuncture is an Eastern Medicine methodology which uses needles or injections to stimulate nerve and energy pathways that are located in very specific points in and under the skin.
- Arthritis and lameness
- Muscle weakness
- Intervertebral back disease and neurologic disorders
- Senility and Cognitive decline
- Inflammatory Bowel disease and GI issues
- Allergies
- Elevated organ blood enzymes and internal medicine concerns
Acupuncture is rarely a fast cure or a stand alone treatment. Call to schedule an acupuncture consultation to develop an individualized treatment plan and determine how this modality can best be utilized for your pets concerns and well-being.
Ozone Therapy
At Canobie Lake Veterinary Hospital we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible benefits of ozone therapy for your beloved pets. Our ozone therapy treatments offer a safe, effective, and natural approach to enhancing your pet’s well-being and vitality. Learn more about how ozone therapy can help your furry friends thrive!
We have all heard the term “ozone” used to describe times when the air pollution levels are high, or in reference to a mysterious hole up in the atmosphere. Ozone is chemically three oxygen atoms bound together in a molecule – 03. Normal oxygen only has two atoms. This third atom of Oxygen makes the molecule very reactive. High up in the atmosphere this reactivity helps to keep radiation from the sun off of the planet’s surface. That helps to protect life on earth. Ozone also results from reactions of combustion engine exhaust with regular oxygen and sunlight. When surface levels of Ozone are too high they can contribute to irritation of the lungs. Even in medical use, Ozone is used in ways that keep it away from lung tissues.
In very small quantities, Ozone stimulates the pathways in the body that help to make antioxidants, balance cell signaling proteins, and influence the immune system. These pathways are very important for helping to heal and repair damaged cells. Ozone also metabolizes into molecules that the body can use to directly kill pathogens such as bacteria and viruses.
Ozone is a very powerful molecule and we use it in tiny microgram concentrations mixed in with medical grade oxygen. Treatment times can be as short as 15 minutes or as long as an hour and treatment intervals can be a couple of days apart, to weeks apart. The most common conditions in which ozone therapy may be helpful are:
- Cancer
- Non-healing or infected wounds
- Chronic inflammatory conditions
- Degenerative illnesses
- Skin and Ear infections/irritations
- Ocular conditions
If your pet has a condition and you would like to know if Ozone Therapy is an option for their care, please call to schedule a medical evaluation.
Hydrogen Therapy
Molecular Hydrogen is a fascinating molecule that has huge medical potential. It is very new to American healthcare, but has been used overseas for a decade or longer. In fact, the earliest report of using Hydrogen gas in medicine was in America based on a paper published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in June 1888. Hydrogen therapy became more popular again in the early 2000s when it was discovered that the beneficial effects of “alkaline water” were not due to the pH of the water, but in fact due to the hydrogen content. There is a growing body of research showing beneficial effects of inhaled or ingested daily hydrogen related to reducing inflammation, stimulating mitochondria, and supporting a healthy immune system.
Hydrogen therapy is using purified hydrogren gas or hydrogenated saline and administering it as a gas or a liquid to the patient. For example, we have found that delivering pure hydrogen gas to patients that are having trouble breathing not only helps them breath better for it also decreases inflammation because hydrogen possesses remarkable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is used in many treatment protocols to help reduce inflammation and help the pet’s body heal faster.
At Canobie we utilize hydrogen as a supportive treatment in cases of:
- Cancer
- Chronic inflammation
- Debilitating conditions
- Age related concerns
If your pet has a condition and you would like to know if Hydrogen is an option for their care, please call to schedule a medical evaluation.
Vitamin Testing
Through vitamin testing we have been able to optimize pet health and even cure pets of ailments because certain vitamin levels have been low. Vitamins are needed to run bodily processes. Without them, the physiology of the body does not work and pets get sick. We test for these crucial vitamins and if low (or high) we make appropriate recommendations to get them back into balance.
Vitamin testing is a blood test that is sent to a laboratory to determine if your pet has proper levels of vitamin we are concerned about. There are many vitamins we test for, the most common ones are Vitamin D, Vitamin B 12 (Cobalamin), Vitamin B9 (Folate), and Magnesium.
Vitamin testing can:
- Identify and treat deficiencies
- Prevent deficiencies and prevent disease
- Manage chronic health conditions (or even eliminate them!)
- Optimize health and well-being
If you think your pet can benefit from Vitamin Testing, please call to schedule a medical evaluation.
Mineral Analysis
Minerals are inorganic substances that are essential for various physiological functions in the body. They are categorized into two main groups based on the amounts required by the body: macro-minerals and trace minerals.
When we test, we use fur, we discover many things about your pet. The three areas we look at are:
- Nutritional Deficiencies
Mineral analysis shows us the long term diet status of your pet. Where it is lacking or where there is too much mineral causing a problem.
- Environmental Exposure
Our pets can be exposed to everything we are but we don’t tend to eat everything we see, but dogs do and even some cats! Long term ingestion and exposure to environmental elements can affect digestion, brain function and overall well-being.
- Toxic Accumulation
Long term accumulation of toxic minerals, like Lead, Arsenic, Cadmium and Mercury, can cause disease in the body. We never know if our pets are exposed and testing will tell us!
By taking an in-depth approach and look at the mineral analysis of your pet we can optimize its health, treat toxicities and help your pet live a more comfortable and rewarding life.
If you think your pet can benefit from a Mineral Analysis, please call to schedule a medical evaluation.
Microbiome Testing
The microbiome is a collection of microorganisms (bacteria, viruses and fungi) that inhabit various parts of your pet’s body. It is a dynamic and complex ecosystem that profoundly influences your pet’s health and well-being. Maintaining a healthy balance of microorganisms is essential for optimal physiological function and may have implications for preventing and treating a wide range of diseases.
At Canobie, we test the microbiome and do a tailored treatment approach to help make it healthy. By doing so, we treat diseases and make your pet feel better. Currently we test only dog and cat microbiomes.
Microbiome testing in pets involves analyzing the composition and diversity of microorganisms (mainly bacteria) that reside in a pet’s gut or other body sites. This type of testing helps to understand the pet’s health, nutrition, and potential disease conditions by examining their microbiome.
These are the areas we can help with microbiome testing:
- Digestion and Nutrient Absorption
- Immune System Regulation (yes, we are helping autoimmune problems!)
- Metabolism and Weight Regulation
- Protection Against Pathogens
- Synthesis of Vitamins and Short-Chain Fatty Acids
- Brain-Gut Axis: helps mood regulation, stress response, and even cognitive function.
- Development and Maturation
- Drug Metabolism
If you think your pet can benefit from Microbiome Testing, please call to schedule a medical evaluation.
Class IV Laser Therapy
Class IV Laser TherapyClass IV laser therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment modality that harnesses the power of light energy to stimulate healing at the cellular level. This advanced therapy offers a multitude of benefits for pets of all ages and conditions. From reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis and musculoskeletal injuries to accelerating wound healing and post-surgical recovery, Class IV laser therapy provides safe and effective relief for a variety of ailments. Moreover, this cutting-edge treatment promotes increased circulation, tissue regeneration, and immune system function, ultimately enhancing your pet’s overall quality of life.
Class IV Laser Therapy, also known as High-Intensity Laser Therapy (HILT), is a non-invasive treatment used to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing in pets. This therapy involves using a high-powered laser to deliver light energy into tissues, which stimulates cellular activity and enhances the body’s natural healing processes.
- Pain Management: Effective for managing chronic pain conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease.
- Inflammation: Reduces inflammation associated with conditions like tendonitis, bursitis, and gingivitis.
- Wound Healing: Speeds up the healing of wounds, surgical incisions, and ulcers.
- Musculoskeletal Injuries: Helps in the recovery from sprains, strains, and other soft tissue injuries.
- Post-Surgical Recovery: Enhances recovery after surgeries by reducing pain and swelling and promoting tissue repair.
- Non-Invasive: Offers a pain-free treatment option without the need for surgery or medication.
- Fast and Effective: Provides quick relief from pain and inflammation, often noticeable after just a few sessions.
- Enhances Healing: Accelerates the healing process of various injuries and conditions.
- Versatile: Can be used on a wide range of conditions and body parts.
Our skilled veterinarians at Canobie Lake Veterinary Hospital are dedicated to providing personalized laser therapy treatments tailored to your pet’s specific needs. Experience the transformative power of Class IV laser therapy and help your pet live their best life with us. Schedule an evaluation today!
Wellvu Thermal Imaging
Wellvu Thermal ImagingSubtle changes in your pet’s movement are often imperceptible to the eye. Often pets hide pain until their disease state is progressed and needs more aggressive treatment. Thermal screenings can provide valuable information that your veterinarian can’t get from observing your pet.
Contact us today to schedule your thermal wellness screening!
Fast, non-invasive thermal screenings give your veterinarian valuable information about your pet’s wellness that they can’t get any other way.
- Quickly detect unseen pain
- Treat hidden conditions earlier
- Improved treatment outcomes
- Keep your pet feeling great
Thermal screenings help with early disease detection
During thermal screenings we focus on several areas of the body that often reveal early signs of disease:
- Hips: Early detection of dysplasia prevents more costly intervention when the disease state is advanced.
- Elbows: Conditions such as elbow arthritis benefit from early treatment and life-long management.
- Back: Back pain is often missed and is a major contributor to quality of life and referred pain to other body parts.
Thermal imaging measures radiated energy from your pet’s skin. Differences in radiated energy can indicate problems in your pet’s body. Hotter areas depict increases in circulation and cooler areas show decreases in circulation. These changes can assist your veterinarian in early detection and location of disease symptoms in your pet.
How does my pet get screened?
Your pet will stand in a comfortable position while your veterinarian quickly captures thermal images from different angles to visualize your pet’s entire body. Image capture is quiet, making it a great wellness screening tool for pets with anxiety. No fur clipping is needed for accurate screening.
Be sure to watch the video below to learn more! Contact us today to schedule your thermal wellness screening
Contact us today to schedule your thermal wellness screening!
Meet Dr. Ayse Washington!
Ayse Washington comes Canobie Lake Veterinary hospital after graduating from Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine in 1999 and working with patients in various states along the east coast, west coast, and the rocky mountains. She holds certifications in Rehabilitation and Spinal Manipulation. Dr. Washington also incorporates Chinese Medicine into her practice.
Dr. Washington brings a holistic approach to veterinary medicine. Holistic medicine aims to treat the patient using both conventional and alternative therapies. It takes into account the whole picture of the pet, including their history, environment, relationships, and nutrition. Dr. Washington firmly believes that optimal nutrition, when given in the proper form, provides the building blocks that the body needs to heal from the inside.
Dr. Washington has a special interest in chronic conditions and geriatric pets. Holistic medicine is beneficial in these cases because it addresses the underlying causes of disease, and works to support the body’s own healing processes to restore the pet’s vibrancy, energy, and strength. It is a great option for those looking to take the next step in the long-term management of their pet’s health.
When she is not working on cases, Dr. Washington enjoys the outdoors, reading, and spending time with her husband.
