Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
Questions
TheraVet is a referral only rehabilitation facility, not a traditional Veterinary practice.
We focus on alternative and complementary medicine, including acupuncture, chiropractic and physical therapy.
The care your animal receives at TheraVet often compliments your referring Veterinarians care plan.
It involves an extensive examination, and treatment focused on the health of the whole animal.
The cost for therapy is widely variable and depends upon your dog's course of treatment and its specific needs. An introductory examination ranges from $90 to $220. This exam entails a review of your pet's history and previous diagnostics, an extensive examination, and formation of an individualized therapy plan created/recommended by Dr. Browne.
Acupuncture is a powerful modality that has been used in human and Veterinary medicine for thousands of years. TheraVet mainly uses acupuncture as a pain relieving modality for older pets suffering from arthritis. However, it can be used to increase the recovery rate and resistance to disease. Many ailments can be treated with acupuncture. Please see the Canine & Feline Services page for more information.
No. TheraVet does not have a surgical suite, but we actively care for pre and post surgical pets that are or will be starting the recovery/rehabilitation process. We work closely with many of the local surgeons and can help you with recommendations if needed.
No. Treatment does not generally hurt your pet. With any kind of physically active rehabilitative therapy, there may be some slight discomfort after treatment, but treatment is always done in a gentle, step-by-step, "awareness of the pet" method. The majority of the pets who come to TheraVet experience very calm and productive rehabilitative care; they are almost always excited to return..
The amount of time your pet needs help will depend on you and your pet. Each animal is an individual and their response to therapy will be different. Your pet may progress very quickly or somewhat slower. The speed of the recovery process depends on several factors including frequency of visits, the type of injury/illness, how often treatment is warranted, how much home therapy you can perform and how committed you are to bringing your pet in once the care plan is developed.
The UWTM helps to strengthen an animals muscles, aids in increasing flexibility, and mobility and helps an animal learn to balance and walk again via the buoyancy created by the water. Using the water, the dog/cat is able to move freely and have the needed assistance (floatation and/or human-held-support) to speed their recovery process. The UWTM can also be used for conditioning and weight loss.
Our HakoMed Whirlpool is a modality that combines the therapeutic effects of warm water, massage and high frequency electrical stimulation to provide immediate pain relief and muscle relaxation. The HakoMed is used for dogs who are struggling with joint pain, and stiffness; especially older dogs dealing with arthritis. It can also be useful to aid in muscle relaxation and give immediate pain relief for animals that cannot find relief via conventional therapies. It is often used in conjunction with the UWTM for relaxation and pain relief after a workout.
Please see the Canine & Feline Services page for more information on these modalities.
PST refers to Pulsed Signal Therapy. This is a very unique modality which helps your pet rebuild cartilage in joints damaged by arthritic changes. It is also beneficial to speed bone, tendon and ligament healing.
PST generates an electrical signal which simulates your pet's 'normal' electro-chemical signature as seen in an active joint. This signal is what tells the body that the joint is in use and is in need of maintenance. The PST mimics the body's normal electro-chemical signature, in essence fooling the body into repairing the joint. Cartilage regeneration is one of the main positive effects.
PST has long term effectiveness which can provide positive benefits for months/years. Please see the Canine & Feline Services page for more information on this modality.
Normally, we reserve day and overnight boarding facilities for pets that are involved in active therapy. Boarding stays are excellent opportunities to accomplish more intensive therapy regimens and longer programs such as a PST Series (see the Canine & Feline Services page for more information on the PST). Depending upon our time and availability we can make exceptions.
The exam your primary care Veterinarian provides focuses on your pet's general health, their yearly regular care, and symptoms of underlying problems. TheraVet's exam incorporates that information, but focuses on a specific concern or area of need and how it affects the dog's whole system. The exam is very detailed, lasting anywhere from 1 to 2 hours. It encompasses a systematic review of your pet's muscles, joints, neurological system, conformation and gait. It is usually focused on your pet's primary concern but will also investigate related compensatory issues.
You and your pet are always welcome to come back and visit. If you find the need for your pet to return for a different type of treatment--by all means contact us--we would welcome you back!
Our individualized therapy plans for your pet encompass a team effort; therefore you will play an active role in determining your pet's response to therapy. We will monitor your pet's progress with video, joint range of motion measurements, muscle mass measurements and hands on and observational changes by Dr. Browne during weekly progress exams. However, at home, you will observe your pet where they are most comfortable. While your pet is receiving therapy at TheraVet, you are regularly asked "How is your pet doing? How are things going?" We ask about changes etc. You as the owner are a major part of the rehabilitation process and can provide much needed feedback on your pets condition.
Yes, we encourage owner involvement in the therapy process. It depends on how much time you have available and your level of comfort in working with your pet at home. We can provide you with home exercises, therapy and massage techniques that will help your pet. We often incorporate a multi modal approach to your pet's healthcare; meaning that we like to incorporate nutrition, supplementation, home and in clinic therapy.
We operate by appointment only. Our normal hours are Monday thru Friday 7:30 am to 6:00 pm and Saturdays 8:00 am to 1:00pm. Since Dr. Browne and her husband live on the premises these hours are often flexible. We are closed most major holidays. It is usually best to call ahead to make sure someone will be available to accommodate your visit.
It is important to obtain a medical history for your pet to help us develop a complete therapy plan. We also like to keep your primary Veterinarian updated on what therapy plan we will be initiating for your pet and the progress of the therapy, so they can continue to use traditional medicine to support our plan. A referral form can be downloaded from the Contact page.
Yes, we carry slings, heat packs and supplements. We also can help with selection, measurement, and fitting for various other mobility assistance products such as braces, prosthetics and carts.
Of course, we encourage owner involvement in their pet's therapy. We offer individual appointments where owners are asked to stay and participate or daily drop off therapy. Daily drop off therapy allows us to perform two to three sessions of therapy on your pet throughout the day. This gives us ample time to observe how your pet responds to therapy and allows Dr. Browne a chance to evaluate your pet's progress.
Well, take two animal loving people, who have a passion to care for pets, and who wanted to create and offer a unique holistic setting for rehabilitation, chiropractic, acupuncture, conditioning/strength training, and you get TheraVet! TheraVet is where pets learn to Walk, Run and Play Strong!!!
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