What is veterinary rehabilitation?
-Veterinary rehabilitation is aimed at providing a non-invasive, multi-modal approach to pain management and injury healing/prevention. Much like human physical therapy, veterinary rehabilitation is used especially after injury or surgery to return your pet to full function as soon as possible. Veterinary rehabilitation is a relatively new field within veterinary medicine. Traditionally, pets that may have had an orthopedic surgery would be told to rest and restrict activity for 6-12 weeks or longer. By adding in rehabilitation exercises and modalities aimed at improving healing and reducing pain, your pet can regain full function sooner because muscle mass/strength will not be lost as quickly as if rehabilitation was not performed. Rehabilitation is also extremely beneficial for chronic conditions (such as degenerative joint disease or osteoarthritis) where muscle mass and strength may have been lost over time. Neurological conditions respond well to rehabilitation as therapy can help reteach the muscles how to move when the neurological connection may be disrupted or abnormal from illness or disease.
What does multi-modal treatment mean?
-Multi-modal is a shortened form for the phrase ‘multiple modalities’. This type of therapy incorporates different types of therapy to treat particular conditions. These therapies can be a mix of pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, exercise, acupuncture, or laser therapy. Since acupuncture is a typical component of most rehabilitation plans, it is introduced during the consultation. After the consult, treatment plans are developed and treatment packages are discussed for pricing.
What if my pet hates getting vaccines, how will acupuncture work?
-Acupuncture uses really fine needles that are smaller than needles used for vaccines or blood draws. (so small that you can fit the needle inside a vaccine needle). Most pets don’t even notice the needles being placed, especially if they are distracted by treats or a toy. In the event that your pet really does not tolerate any type of needle placement, Dr. Shelley can try laser-pressure (acupuncture with the therapeutic laser) or adjust the treatment plan so your pet will still gain the benefits of acupuncture.
If Dr. Shelley is performing an exam, why is a referral from my veterinarian needed?
-Dr. Shelley’s exams are used to confirm diagnoses from your regular veterinarian and to determine what treatments or exercises your pet will be best suited for. This exam does not replace the need for regular physical exams from your veterinarian. KVRA may also request certain diagnostics be performed by your regular veterinarian prior to starting treatment depending on your pet’s condition.
How soon will I know if the treatments are working?
- Depending on the type of condition your pet has, you may notice improvements after the first acupuncture or laser treatment or it may take several treatments for you to see a noticeable difference. Typically, the more chronic the condition, the more treatments will be needed. Your pet may also show signs of improvement immediately after the treatment, but most commonly it will take a few days. It is strongly recommended to have your pet rest for 24 hours after a treatment, regardless of how they are feeling. If your pet is feeling particularly well after treatment, he or she may overdo it and feel sore and stiff the next day. A little tiredness or lethargy after treatment is also normal, especially after the first treatment. This is due to release of lactic acid and changes that the body is experiencing after all the stimulation (if you’ve ever had a massage or acupuncture yourself, your masseuse or acupuncturist typically warns you of this feeling). Usually it passes after 24 hours or so. Please inform Dr. Shelley if it lasts longer than 24 hours.
Why are treatments sold in packages?
-For the best results, typically more than one session is needed to see a response. Human physical therapy patients don’t improve after a single session, so why should your pet? Dr. Shelley will provide a rough timeline for the number of sessions likely needed and frequency of session needed to be successful. With most conditions, there may be multiple sessions recommended in the first week or so and as your pet responds, the time between sessions may lengthen. Each pet responds differently, hence why treatment plans are customized based on your pets’ individual needs.
How much do treatments cost?
-Not every pet or condition are treated the same, so it is difficult to assess what your pet may need before a consult is performed. Dr. Shelley will provide a customized treatment plan and estimate after the first consult exam. Consults start at ~$170, including tax. This includes the house/farm call fee, comprehensive orthopedic and neurologic physical exam, as well as home exercise plan development (if indicated). Treatments such as acupuncture and laser therapy are also generally performed at the first visit for additional fees. These treatment recommendations are discussed with you prior to being performed. You can expect this first visit to be anywhere from ~$235-$335 depending on the size of your pet and what treatment options are selected.
Will my pet sit still for treatments?
-Depends on the pet and the treatment. Most pets learn quickly to sit still or the treatment is really relaxing and your pet might be snoozing through it. Distractions do help in the beginning (toys, treats-especially treats like filled Kongs that they need to work at to get the treat), especially for those who may take a little longer to feel comfortable. Alterations to the treatments can be made depending on your pet’s energy level, if needed.
How do I schedule appointments?
- You may call, text, or email to set up a consultation. Dr. Shelley will return your message between 8-5pm, Monday-Friday. The actual appointment times may vary depending on your schedule and Dr. Shelley’s availability. Depending on your pet’s condition and treatments being performed. Appointments may last anywhere between 30-60 minutes. Initial consultations may take as long as 90 minutes.
Will pet insurance cover my pet’s treatments?
-Yes! Some pet insurance companies will cover rehabilitation or acupuncture services. Check with your specific provider to see if this is an option.
Are there any discounts?
-Some discounts are given when treatment packages are purchased. Also, if multiple animals need treatment at the same house/barn, there is only one house/farm call fee applied per treatment session (a savings of $55!).
Does Dr. Shelley only treat dogs, cats, and horses?
-No, Acupuncture and laser therapy can be applied to pretty much any species. If you have an exotic pet, small mammal, or livestock animal, use the contact form to see what Dr. Shelley can do for your pet. Dr. Shelley has performed acupuncture and/or laser on rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens, cattle, and even a hedgehog! If it’s an animal she hasn’t treated before, she will be up to the challenge.
What is KVRA’s current COVID Policy?
Masking is optional and sessions can be performed indoors or outdoors.
If you or anyone in the same household is feeling ill, has been diagnosed with COVID, or has been recently exposed to COVID by a close contact, please call to reschedule your appointment to a later date. KVRA does not currently have any minimum cancellation times or fees if you do need to reschedule.
If you have any questions or concerns about KVRA’s COVID policy, please use our general contact form or call Dr. Shelley to discuss.
*Use our contact form on our contact page if you have questions that are not answered here.