A Higher Standard of Pain Management

Because their life is precious.

Know Health

Any type of pain significantly impacts your pet’s quality of life. Untreated or undertreated pain can affect mobility, behavior, appetite, personality and quality of rest. We utilize modalities such as acupuncture and therapeutic LASER with creative combinations of medications and supplements to bring our patients well deserved comfort. We work aggressively to help you understand the source and type of your pet’s pain while educating your family on options for relieving it.

we are not “OK” with pain. You and your pet should not have to tolerate or accept untreated pain. There is almost ALWAYS an option available, we will help you find it. We will utilize multiple modalities and think outside of the box to develop and adjust your pet’s pain management protocol.

No Pain

Acupuncture

Although the practice of acupuncture is centuries old only recently have veterinarians started to embrace it as an option to affect physiologic change. By inserting small needles into specific locations we can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, treat muscle spasms and trigger the body to release hormones that relieve pain. Dr. Snyder will take the time to introduce acupuncture slowly to your pet and evaluate their response. Relaxation and relief can be profound, every pet will respond differently. If well tolerated we will treat painful areas and myofascial trigger points contributing to discomfort. The addition of a small electric current passing between the needles can augment the success of acupuncture as an effective therapy for pain.
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Low Light Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Our Class 4 therapeutic LASER is an integral part of most pain management therapy plans. Warmth and energy improve blood flow, enhance mobility and promote repair of tissues. LLLT is non-invasive, safe, comfortable and provides an option for immediate treatment of pain. You can expect 8 treatments over the first month and then decreasing to monthly maintenance. Click here for LASER FAQ

From www.lightcure.com - “The Companion therapy laser system sends photons, or packets of light energy, deep into tissue without damaging it. These photons are absorbed within the mitochondria of the cells and induce a chemical change called “photo-bio-modulation”. This light energy then inspires production of ATP in the cell. ATP is the fuel, or energy, cells need for repair and rejuvenation. Impaired or injured cells do not make this fuel at an optimal rate. Increased ATP production leads to healthier cells, healthier tissue, and healthier animals”
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Manual Therapy / Massage

Massage and manual therapy can be one of the safest and most effective ways to relieve pain in your pet. Utilizing our hands to identify discomfort by feeling and exploring tight muscles and joints should be the cornerstone of a pain management plan. We cannot neglect the health of soft tissues and must respect the role they play in mobility, aging and injury. Owners can learn basic techniques and participate in their pets care at home.
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Stretching (passive and active)

Pets with acute pain associated with injury or surgery may initially need rest and exercise restriction. Passive range of motion, passive stretching and later more advanced active stretches can play a critical role in recovery. Mobile joints willing and able to bear weight are comfortable joints. Supple and flexible muscles are comfortable muscles.
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Therapeutic Exercise

Small, weak and atrophied muscles are painful muscles. After we feel pain is well controlled many pets are candidates for therapeutic exercise and home exercise plans. Comfortable movement and enhanced mobility are often mutual goals and ways to monitor for improvement. Regaining balance, improving core strength and mental stimulation are benefits of exercise that continue to pay dividends for our pets with chronic pain.
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Weight Management

In some situations the most beneficial and cost-effective way to treat chronic orthopedic pain is with controlled and closely managed weight loss. Identifying an ideal body condition and developing a plan to achieve can result in enhanced quality of life.
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Pharmaceutical Intervention

Our painful patients almost always need some form of medication at the onset of their management plan. We work carefully with you and your family veterinarian to ensure all options have been explored, side effects are managed and monitored and you understand what medications your pet is taking.
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Supplements and Nutrition

Glucosamine is just the beginning when discussing a supplement plan for your chronically painful pet. Let us help you navigate the confusing road of nutrition and supplements. We look to supplements as safe options to augment our other treatments but they can be costly and misrepresented by advertising. We can help you lay the foundation for balanced nutrition and provide you with tools for making these choices.
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