Pets in Harmony’s new veterinary rehabilitation center offers drug-free alternatives for pain relief [Cranberry Eagle]

Pets in Harmony’s new veterinary rehabilitation center offers drug-free alternatives for pain relief
By Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital
Published June 18, 2017 - Cranberry Eagle
 
Dr. Brian Silvis has treated thousands of patients over his career as a small animal veterinarian. While he agrees that medications have a place in treating painful conditions like osteoarthritis, joint injuries, and disc disease, he found that alternative therapies can reduce – or even eliminate – the need for long-term prescription medications.  With that, the Rehabilitation Center at Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital was born.

In December, veterinary technicians Meredith Wille and Ashley Eden will sit for their exams at the University of Tennessee to become Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners.  Through adapted human physical therapy techniques, they help patients benefit from reduced pain, faster recovery from injury, improvements to balance and coordination, increased strength and endurance, and positive psychological effects for both pet and owner.
 
The Rehabilitation Center at Pets in Harmony offers a variety of treatment modalities to promote healing without side effects.  Current options include a Class IV therapy laser, electrostimulation, warm ultrasound, cryotherapy, massage, physiotherapy, t-PEMF (electromagnetic) therapy, and a land treadmill.  Later this year, an underwater treadmill will be installed for low-impact exercise.
 
Pets of any age can benefit from physical rehabilitation.  Often, they are recovering from injuries or surgery, such as cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) repair.  Others are suffering from obesity, degenerative disease, or age-related changes that impair mobility and joint function.  Some participants are not injured at all – they are canine athletes preparing for competition through a strength and conditioning program.
 
Whatever their reason for entering the Rehabilitation Center, each patient receives personal attention.  Dr. Silvis, Meredith, and Ashley create a customized treatment plan specific to the pet’s individual needs, and provide pet owners with a prescribed program to follow at home, easily accessed through instructional videos online or with an app for iOS/Android devices.
 
Pets in Harmony accepts referrals from other local veterinarians, as long as the pet has had a recent examination within 3 months of entering the program.  Referring vets simply fill out a form on the Pets in Harmony website, and the rehabilitation team works closely with the patient’s regular doctor to ensure continuity of care.
 
In addition to the Rehabilitation Center, Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital also operates as a full-service hospital for dogs and cats with a combination of conventional and integrative medicine by Dr. Brian Silvis and Dr. Leanna Dohanich.  Exams are performed in-office or as a house call by appointment.  Diagnostics and general surgery are available in the clinic.
 
Pets in Harmony Veterinary Hospital is located at 120 Perry Highway, just north of Zelienople.
Call 724-473-4PET (4738) to make an appointment Monday – Saturday.
For more information, visit http://www.petsinharmonypa.com or follow us on Facebook at fb.com/petsinharmonypa.