Our Services

We provide a range of appointments tailored to your needs. Our initial holistic appointment offers an integrated plan, covering current and desired health, diet advice, seasonal skin care, dental advice, and referrals to a Naturopath for personalised plans.

Additionally, we offer wellness checks for all ages, focusing on relevant health checks for your family members.

For follow-up and standard appointments, you will be seen by an integrated vet. These appointments address general health concerns such as vomiting and diarrhoea, dental issues, rehabilitation, acupuncture, and laser therapy.

We provide veterinary surgeries that offer the option of including a specialist anaesthetist for patients who are sensitive to anaesthesia. Our integrated approach also allows us to perform acupuncture during surgery, ensuring comprehensive care.

Acupuncture can be beneficial for dogs with a variety of conditions:

Introducing Animal Acupuncture! Our Canine Acupuncture procedure is a safe and gentle style of ancient Chinese medicine that brings balance and harmony with beneficial effects for your dog’s overall health. Used for centuries, acupuncture provides holistic support for various conditions such as arthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, spinal problems, recovery from injury or surgery, cruciate rehabilitation, luxating patellas, hind limb weakness, paralysis, general mobility concerns, chronic gastrointestinal problems and urinary/faecal incontinence. Not only can it help to speed up the recovery process in dogs after injury or surgery but it can also support stress and anxiety. What’s more is that Animal Acupuncture helps support kidney disease as well.

Feline Acupuncture - common conditions

Animal acupuncture is a safe, effective way to provide natural pain relief for cats and other animals. Our acupuncture techniques help your feline friend manage their symptoms of arthritis, neck and back pain, muscle knots and stiffness, constipation, chronic digestive issues, kidney disease, and paralysis associated with trauma. These treatments are non-invasive and designed to improve your cat's mobility and quality of life substantially. Our experienced veterinary professionals carefully assess each case to customise treatments that suit the needs of each individual animal. The end result is often complete resolution or minimisation of the initial conditions presented as well as improved overall quality of life for years to come. From simple pain relief for old age all the way through complete rehabilitation from trauma, animal acupuncture offers an alternative solution tailored to each patient's needs.

Take advantage of the remarkable benefits of veterinary acupuncture in your pet's healthcare regimen. Acupuncture is designed to target the source of pain, illness, and disability by stimulating specific points along meridians, or pathways within the body. Our animal acupuncture treatments can help treat musculoskeletal issues and internal medical conditions such as digestive complaints and skin disorders. The treatments involve applying needles at specific points on the body to stimulate energy flow and bring balance while also relying on massage, stretching, fascial work, and lifestyle advice to create effective holistic care plans.

As a pet owner, you can reduce their reliance on medications with our safe treatment options with no adverse side effects that aim to recover their ability to return to normal functioning faster. Their performance will also improve—no matter if they’re a sporting or performance dog or just enjoy their regular walks—with the assistance of dedicated physical therapy sessions combined with acupuncture treatments. Ultimately, this can enhance your pet’s overall wellbeing.

Laser therapy for pets is a non-invasive and painless treatment that utilises focused beams of light to stimulate healing and provide pain relief. The therapeutic laser emits specific wavelengths of light that penetrate deep into the tissues, promoting cellular metabolism, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation. This treatment can be used to alleviate pain associated with various conditions, including arthritis, musculoskeletal injuries, post-surgical recovery, and wound healing. Laser therapy for pets is a safe and effective option that can improve the quality of life for our furry companions by accelerating healing, reducing discomfort, and enhancing overall well-being.

At our clinic, we offer vet to vet Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Our team of experienced TCM practitioners work closely with veterinarians from around the world to provide comprehensive solutions for pets in need of holistic care options. We strive to integrate modern veterinary medicine and traditional Chinese medicine techniques, providing a unique approach that considers the needs of both the patient and the pet owner.

What is Physical Rehabilitation?

Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy focuses on supporting the animal to recover from certain impairments and functional limitations on mobility using non-invasive techniques (acupuncture, photobiomodulation, therapeutic ultrasound, physical agents, massage, therapeutic exercises, aquatic therapy). It reduces pain and inflammation, reduces time of recovery and improves function of the affected region of the body. In addition, physical therapy helps prevent injury, impairments or functional limitations into the future.

Physical Rehabilitation:

-Eliminates the cause of dysfunction

-Improves the clinical signs of disease

-Alleviates pain and reduces inflammation

-Prevents and minimises atrophy of muscles, cartilage, tendon, bone and ligaments.

-Enhances general and specific cardiovascular fitness

Rehabilitation supports the animal in the most optimal way to improve post-operative patient care and enhance recovery. Most likely people think of an animal with a broken leg or an animal that has just been through a massive surgery as requiring rehabilitation. A Rehabilitation plan is indispensable in this animal’s recovery and return to full function. In addition, wellness and preventative medicine, such as physical rehabilitation offers the ability for weight reduction and maintenance of muscle strength, flexibility and cardiovascular fitness.

"The aim of rehabilitation is to return the animal to the highest possible level of function, independence and quality of life and where the welfare of the animal is paramount.” This return of function may differ depending on whether the animal is a pet, working or sporting animal.

Rehabilitation always starts with a full assessment of each individual animal. We look at the needs of that animal and this is different for each animal and in every situation. As a result, a plan of action is needed that focuses on an animal and its personal situation. This is the best way to achieve the best management of an individual’s health.

How does it work?

Depending on the problem of the animal we try to set one or more goals. Adjustments are made to achieve these goals as we go. For example, these adjustments may be made in nutrition, exercises, supplements, duration of therapies.

By making adjustments systematically (with measurable quantitative assessments), realistic results are easily achieved. It is expected that humans (owner and physical therapist) will lend a hand, as the animal is dependent on us and our willingness to implement these adjustments.

The Healing Power of Massage: A Pawsitive Approach to Dog Rehabilitation

As loving pet owners, we understand that our canine companions may face various health challenges throughout their lives. When a dog undergoes rehabilitation due to injury, surgery, or mobility issues, ensuring their comfort and speedy recovery becomes our top priority. While traditional treatments play a crucial role, there's one powerful, holistic approach that can significantly enhance the healing process - canine massage therapy.

The Benefits of Canine Massage during Rehabilitation:

Pain Relief and Relaxation:

Just like humans, dogs can experience pain, tension, and stress during the rehabilitation process. A gentle and skilled massage can alleviate muscle stiffness, release tension, and soothe sore joints. As the massage therapist works on specific pressure points, it triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers, promoting a sense of relaxation and comfort for your furry friend.

Improved Circulation and Flexibility:

Massage stimulates blood flow to the affected areas, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients essential for tissue repair. Increased circulation also helps reduce inflammation and swelling, promoting faster healing. Moreover, regular massages can enhance your dog's flexibility and range of motion, essential for regaining mobility and function.

Enhanced Muscle Strength and Rehabilitation Outcomes:

During the recovery process, dogs may experience muscle atrophy due to inactivity or limited movement. Massage therapy can help maintain and rebuild muscle strength, allowing them to regain mobility faster. The combination of massage with traditional rehabilitation techniques can lead to more successful and efficient outcomes.

Strengthened Bond and Emotional Well-being:

Dogs are highly intuitive creatures who thrive on positive touch and interaction with their human companions. Engaging in massage sessions during rehabilitation not only nurtures the bond between you and your pet but also boosts their emotional well-being. The calming effects of massage can help reduce anxiety and stress, creating a positive environment that supports their healing journey.

Individualised Care and Monitoring:

Every dog's rehabilitation needs are unique. With massage therapy, you provide your dog with individualized attention and care tailored to their specific condition and progress. A skilled massage therapist can assess your dog's responses, adjust techniques accordingly, and keep track of their improvement throughout the rehabilitation process.

As responsible pet owners, we want nothing more than to see our beloved dogs recover swiftly and comfortably from health setbacks. Integrating canine massage therapy into their rehabilitation plan can be a game-changer, offering a host of benefits that complement traditional treatments. From pain relief and improved circulation to strengthened emotional well-being and strengthened bonds, massage therapy nurtures both the body and the spirit of our furry friends. So, let the healing power of massage

OVARY-SPARING SPEY (HYSTERECTOMY)

What is an Ovary Sparing Spey?

A traditional spey (the term used for neutering a female dog) surgery can be done two ways – by removing a dog’s ovaries (ovariectomy) using laparoscopy OR removing the ovaries and uterus (ovariohysterectomy) via laparotomy procedure.

Due to veterinary medicine advances, a traditional spey is now not the only choice you have when it comes to making sure your dog can’t get pregnant.

Another option is what is called an Ovary Sparing Spey (OSS), which involves removal of the uterus and cervix while leaving one or both ovaries.

All three of these procedures will make sure your dog cannot reproduce, resulting in an unplanned litter.

The first two – ovariohysterectomy and ovariectomy – remove the female dog’s reproductive, and some growth hormones.

The third – OSS – leaves the dog’s hormones in their “natural” state.

Why Do an Ovary Sparing Spey Instead of a Traditional Spay?

A female dog’s ovaries are the primary way the body produces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone.

When the primary way for a dog to produce oestrogen is stopped, a dog essentially goes into menopause.

There can be several negative consequences to a dog growing up from an early age without these hormones.

Advantages of Ovary Sparing Spey for Dogs:

It has become increasingly obvious that many orthopaedic developmental issues (including hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate rupture, and disk herniations) and many cancers (including lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, transitional cell carcinoma, & mast cell cancer) can be greatly reduced by leaving the essential gonadal hormones in the body of our pets.

Reduced nuisance bleeding during heats (although small amount of mucoid discharge may still occur).You may wish to use Chlorophyll supplements to reduce the odour of heat cycles.

There is additional evidence that neutering may be responsible for some behavioural issues, rather than preventing them, as we have always assumed in the past. This includes some aggression and anxiety issues, such as fear of storms. There are no behavioural changes with an OSS procedure (besides natural “on heat” signs).

Dogs cannot get pregnant while retaining their natural reproductive hormones.

Significantly reduced risk of Urinary Incontinence (hormonal Spey incontinence)

The number one cause of metabolic diseases, obesity, is clearly linked to spaying (up to 50% of speyed dogs are obese).

An owner has the option of having a traditional spey performed later if they wish.

Disadvantages of an Ovary Sparing Spey for Dogs:

The risk of breast or mammary cancer is higher in dogs that retain their ovaries.

Ovarian cancer, though very rare, is possible in dogs with ovaries present.

‘Stump pyometra’, a life-threatening infection may occur in dogs with incomplete or incorrect surgical speys.

A female dog still undergoes a “heat cycle” and experiences hormonal changes which affect the behaviour and attractiveness to male dogs (fighting and attempts to mount)

There may be some discharge associated with heat cycles (non-bleeding).

Dog Day-care centres may not accept female dogs while in their heat cycle.

Dogs manufacture their own vitamin C and don’t need it added to their food. Oral vitamin C can be used to manage stress, as support for working dogs, for degenerative joint disease and for some types of respiratory infections. Very high doses of vitamin C, higher than can be tolerated orally, are used to help dogs with cancer.

Intravenous vitamin C has been shown to both improve quality of life and also the response to treatment in human cancer patients. The Nobel Prize laureate, Linus Pauling, first hypothesised a role for high doses of vitamin C in the treatment of cancer, back in the early 1970s.

Emerging evidence shows that Intravenous vitamin C has cancer cell-killing effects, as well as immunological effects. It can work synergistically with chemotherapy, to improve treatment outcomes, as well as mitigate side effects.

Although there is less research in dogs, high-dose sodium ascorbate in vitro decreased survival in osteosarcoma cell lines. There have also been studies establishing safety in dogs. We have been using intravenous vitamin C treatments in dogs for cancer support at All Natural Vet Care for over 15 years and have found it to be safe and well tolerated.

One of our integrative Vets can assess the suitability of this treatment for your dog. Sometimes we may need to run blood or urine tests, before recommending treatment.

Pharmacological ascorbate is given via an intravenous catheter. The time taken for the infusion can be up to 2 hours. Ideally, we have dogs with their owners relaxing comfortably in a room together, where the patient is checked regularly by our staff. The total number, and frequency of treatments will depend on the disease being treated, and any other treatments eg chemotherapy given concurrently.

The most common effects after treatment are increased thirst, and your dog will need a toilet break before travelling home. They may be tired that night but often have more energy than normal in the few days after treatment.

If you would like to learn more, then please contact the team at All Natural Vet Care. Please note, a holistic consultation is required before we can deliver IV Vitamin C as not every patient is a suitable candidate, this is a great opportunity to discuss other evidence-based Integrative Oncology options which may include repurposed drug therapy, herbal medicine, acupuncture, targeted food therapies; such as modified keto diets and also the role of complementary medicine to support conventional therapies such as chemo or radiotherapy.