Integrative Medicine – What to Expect

As more people explore natural healing methods for themselves, they are also considering the options available for their pets. Integrative medicine combines the best of conventional medicine and complementary alternative therapies to help restore function, provide an increased capacity to prevent and treat disease and improve overall health and wellness. It can also enhance the speed of recovery and maintain the best quality of life for your pet. An integrative veterinarian studies conventional veterinary medicine but also recognizes the value of holistic medicine and realizes that both complement and support animal wellness.

This approach to veterinary medicine is designed to improve the likelihood of resolving an animal’s underlying disease condition, prevent or minimize adverse drug effects and maximize successful treatment outcomes to allow our patients to thrive. Our Integrative Medicine Department works closely with your primary veterinarian, our rehabilitation team and our other specialists to expand upon current treatment options and offer safe and effective treatment options for pain management, chronic disease and health maintenance for cats and dogs.

Initial consultation

Our Integrative Medicine Doctors create an individualized treatment plan that takes into account the whole picture of your pet. This includes observing how your pet moves, breathes and interacts with their environment. They also observe appropriate mental activity, signs of lameness, overall musculature, quality of coat and a patient’s symmetry. The physical examination continues with an evaluation of the eyes, ears, nose and mouth, including the cranial nerves. This appointment will last approximately 60 minutes.

Common conditions that are often treated or managed with holistic or integrative therapy:

  • Immune (allergies, chronic infections, autoimmune disease and cancer)
  • Musculoskeletal (osteoarthritis, tendon injuries, muscle spasm, hip and elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, trauma and post-op recovery)
  • Gastrointestinal/digestive (inflammatory bowel disease, vomiting, poor appetite, colitis, diarrhea, pancreatitis and constipation)
  • Internal medicine (kidney disease, liver disease, Cushing’s disease and thyroid conditions)
  • Skin (allergies, dermatitis, lick granuloma and parasites)
  • Geriatric support (cognitive decline, mobility issues, sleep changes and quality of life concerns)
  • Cardiac/heart (cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure)
  • Neurological (intervertebral disc disease, degenerative myelopathy, neuropathies, pain, vestibular disease and seizures)
  • Behavioral (separation anxiety, depression and cognitive decline)

Common treatments and therapy options may include:

  • Acupuncture (Dry Needle, Aquapuncture and Electroacupuncture)
  • Chiropractic
  • Herbal Medicine
  • Homeopathy
  • Class 4 Laser Therapy, Photobiomodulation
  • Aromatherapy
  • Flower Essences
  • Nutritional Management

Questions or concerns

For any non-urgent questions, please call or email the team directly at: rehab@vetspecialty.com. If you have any urgent medical concerns outside the Integrative Medicine Department’s
normal business hours, you can call our Emergency and Critical Care Department 24 hours a day (847.459.7535).

Payment options

Accepted payment options include cash, check, and credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express). Financing options are available through CareCredit for qualifying individuals. If you are interested in applying for CareCredit, please let a member of our team know or apply online at www.carecredit.com.

Prescription refills

To allow our staff to provide the in-depth care necessary for our patients, we require 48 hours notice for prescription refills. Per FDA regulations, dispensed medications may not be returned to VSC (CPG sec. 460.300).

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