Karen L. Ave, DVM, PT, CVA,CCRP, CVC Veterinary Acupuncture & Alternative Therapies Alternative and Complementary Veterinary Therapies are those modalities not used in traditional Western medicine. These therapies focus on the the "whole" pet not just the symptoms we often describe as "disease" This form of healing comes from the belief that the body has an inborn ablitly to balance and heal itself.  In some cases obstacles to healing and balance must be removed and the proper nutrients and enviroment provided to restore good health.There are many alternative modalities available; some of which are well established and recognized by many Veterinary Associations and others, which are just emerging and not as readily accepted by the Veterinary community. Below are listed the alternative modalities Dr. Karen Ave,  most commonly uses Acupuncture  began more than 4000 years ago in China to treat both people and animals.  It is a therapy where selected points on the body are stimulated by various methods (the most common being small thin needles) in order to balance the "Qi" or energy of the body. When the flow of energy/ Qi in the body is blocked many effects can be seen such as pain, hormonal imbalances and other symptoms of diseases. It is often used when conventional therapies are not working or are having undesirable side effects and when surgery is not a feasible option.  It can also be used to keep the body in proper balance to help prevent problems. The response to acupuncture and the number and frequency of treatments varies with many factors such as the severity of the condition, the age of the animal, the length  of time of the condition and others.Acupuncture can be used to treat numerous condition. Some of the conditions that may respond to acupuncture are: Musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, intervertebral disc disease Dermatological conditions such as chronic ear infections and chronic allergic dermatitis Respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic viral infections Neurological conditions such as traumatic nerve injury and epilepsy Gastrointestinal conditions such as chronic diarrhea and constipation. Urogenital conditions such as chronic urinary infections, bladder stones or incontinence       Chiropractic  literally means to practice with the hands. Treatment is based on manual manipulation of the spineand extremities.  Chiropractic focuses on the interactions between the neurological mechanisms of the body and the biomechanics of the spine. Altered biomechanics of the spine can affect neurological function of the body as the nerves pass through and result in disease and/or pain.  As with acupuncture this therapy is directed at restoring the proper balance and alignment of the spine and extremities to allow the body to heal itself. Gentle manipulations or adjustments of the vertebral column or extremities are done by hand to restore normal alignment and motion and thereby allow for normal functioning of the nervous system. Chiropractic can be used to treat many of the same conditions listed for acupuncture. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation is used to help decrease healing time and enable maximal return to function after and injury or illness and involves three main areas of treatment: Physical modalities such as heat and/or cold therapy, neuromuscular electrostimulation, TENS,   ultrasound Manual/Hands-on techniques such as massage, joint mobilization, and stretching Therapeutic Exercises for strengthening, conditioning and balance and coordination. It can be helpful for many conditions such as post orthopedic and neurological surgery, arthritis, general deconditioning and geriatrics. HOW DO I GET STARTED? Contact Dr. Karen Ave, directly to begin care. If additional diagnostics such as radiographs or bloodwork are necessary, you will be referred back to your regular veterinarian for these tests. Appointments are available in Carrollton Monday-Thursday.  The information for scheduling at the clinic is listed below:   Farmers Branch  Office Appointments available on Monday to Thursday will be seen at Dr. Ave's new  office at  4362 Spring Valley Road Farmers Branch, Texas 75244 Please call 972-478-5791 to schedule. Fax 972-360-9181     WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE FIRST VISIT? First treatments are approximately 60 minutes in length and a full history, physical assessment and treatment are done during this time. An alternative medicine exam looks different and involves acupuncture point analysis as well as tongue and pulse diagnosis and a chiropractic evaluation. A treatment will be done following evaluation and will include acupuncture, chiropractic, post-visit instructions,  and possible herbal prescriptions and nutritional advice. Follow-up exams will usually last 30 minutes. The frequency of follow-up visits will vary based on the condition(s) being treated, but they are usually weekly to start and are decreased  after 2-4 weeks.   About Dr. Karen Ave - After practicing orthopedic sports medicine physical therapy for 6 years, she returned to school to get her veterinary degree from Texas A&M University in 1995. Due to the strong interest in physical rehabilitation and alternative medicine she developed working in human medicine, Dr. Ave worked toward and achieved veterinary certification in; Acupuncture, through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society Chiropractic,  through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association Physical Rehabilitation, through University of Tennessee Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner program       Links National/International Organizations International Veterinary Acupuncture Association  www.ivas.org American Veterinary Chiropractic Association         www.animalchiropractic.org  American Association of Holistic Veterinary Medicine     www.ahvma.org Nutritional Supplements Whole-istic Solutions                       www.whole-isticsolutions.com Standard Process                             www.standardprocess.com Las Colinas Pharmacy                     www.lascolinaspharmacy.com Abrams Royal Pharmacy                www.abramsroyalpharmacy.com Parker Health Solutions                  www.parkerhealthsolutions.com Sources for Canine/Feline Diets Sourjouner's Europa              www.sojos.com Long Life Dog Food                www.longlifedogfood.com Bone-affide Nutrition            www.boneaffiednutrition.com MetroPet Services                 www.metropetservices.com Canine Commissary               www.caninecommissary.net The Perfect Dog Barkery      www.theperfectdogbarkery.com Pets Plus                                  www.petsplususa.com Cat Diets                                  www.catinfo.org To learn more about….   www.drpitcairn.com www.farmoredogfood.com www.barfworld.com www.rawmeatybones.com www.felinefuture.com www.drschoen.com www.holisticmed.com/www/veterinary.html www.naturalholistic.com/handouts/7_2000.htm www.feelbach.com - Emotional profile for Pet Bach  Flower Remedy Harness, Booties ECT… www.ttouch.com - Figure 8 Harness for dogs with cervical and back issues www.ruffwear.com - Harnesses and booties( Sizes up to Great Danes) www.therapaw.com www.dogbootsactive.com www.handicappedpets.com  ( Harness for Dogs with Weak Hind Limbs and strong Fore Limbs) www.twistep.com  ( Mounted step for SUV to help dogs step up/down from vehicle) www.solvit.com  ( Ramps and other mobility devices for pets with limited mobility) Other Information www.dogpack.com www.petmassage.com www.utc.edu/Faculty/David-Levine   Recommended Reading Fresh Food and Acient Wisdom by Ihor Basko Natural Health for Dogs and Cats by Dr. Pitcairn Natural Cat Care by Celeste Yarnell Natural Dog Care by Celeste Yarnell The New Natural Cat by Anita Frazier The Holistic Puppy by Diane Stein The Encyclopedia of Holistic Pet Care by C.J. Pouitin