At Belton Animal Clinic & Exotic Care Center, we are trained in traditional Chinese herbal therapies. These help alleviate and manage both acute and chronic conditions and balance the whole body for the best chance to respond to issues and support the immune system during the process. Herbal formulas are combinations of 6-12 herbs and can be used to help with pain, arthritis, cancer, bladder stones, cystitis, skin conditions, ear infections, as well as chronic issues such as kidney disease, Cushing’s disease and support for diabetes.
Cold laser therapy is utilized in human physical therapy and rehabilitation and is also a useful tool for treating our veterinary patients. The word “laser” is an acronym for “light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation.” Cold laser therapy incorporates a low-level radiation output, produced as a concise, targeted transmission that allows for minimal reflection and scattering while maximizing energy absorption at a specific depth. The energy is not the same as from the surgery laser which cuts and burns; thus the name “cold” laser.
By using what is known as photobiostimulation, the energy (in the form of photons) from the laser is transmitted to the cells of injured tissue. By increasing cellular activity (photons stimulate mitochondria to accelerate the production of ATP), the energy promotes healing. Local blood circulation is also stimulated, providing necessary nutrients to and bolstering the immune system in the affected area. Other physiological effects of laser therapy include the stimulation of fibroblast and collagen production (necessary for generating new connective tissue for wound healing), production of endorphins (natural pain killers), acceleration of the inflammatory process, and increased angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels) and lymphatic drainage. All of these things help to decrease pain and inflammation and to speed healing of injured and inflamed tissues.
This therapy can be used for any “itis” condition such as otitis (ear infection), pancreatitis, arthritis, and cystitis (bladder infection), as well as to help to heal fractures and to stimulate wound healing. Frequency of treatment depends upon the condition being treated and whether the issue is acute or chronic in nature. The effect of cold laser therapy is cumulative, with each treatment building upon the last. A patient with lumbosacral degenerative joint disease (discopondylosis), for example, might receive treatments as follows: two per week for one to two weeks; one per week for several weeks; several monthly treatments; and then only once every three to four months or as needed to keep the patient comfortable. Every patient and every case is different, and just like with people, overuse of muscles and joints, or newer acute injury might require a temporary increase in frequency. For wound healing, the frequency is determined by the healing response. Generally, wounds require two to three cold laser treatments per week for several weeks.
Dr. Bradley Bays completed training and certification for Veterinary Medical Manipulation (animal chiropractic), which is a well tolerated and non-invasive way to help animals that are in pain and discomfort. Gentle traction and range of motion, as well as joint mobilization techniques and specific adjustments in areas of restriction (lack of mobility), are performed to help patients to restore increased joint motion and musculoskeletal movement, as well as provide neurological stimulation that is needed. Like in people, this therapy not only helps older patients with arthritis and mobility issues, but also helps to maintain good health and immune function in younger animals and those used for agility, performance and sporting.
At Belton Animal Clinic & Exotic Care Center, we realize many pets showing signs of aggression, or no longer want to be handled, do so because of undiagnosed pain and restriction. Since we started to incorporate this modality for our patients, along with other alternative therapies and traditional western medicine, we have given second chances to many pets suffering from mobility and pain issues. Some of those pets even came in for euthanasia, but instead returned home with renewed health and quality of life that their pet parents never dreamed was possible.
All of the above alternative therapies have been used in our exotic animal patients, including birds, reptiles; and small mammal including rabbits, guinea pigs, rats and ferrets. Belton Animal Clinic & Exotic Care Center is one of a few clinics in the United States that uses these modalities to help our exotic animal patients. We have treated rats for respiratory issues, mobility and arthritis issues, feather picking in birds, managed patients with cancer and supported those with chronic medical conditions.
We are always looking for modalities and therapies that help all of our patients with pain, anxiety and chronic medical issues, and to help to maintain quality of life and well-being.
Services we provide:
“Bo, my granddog was diagnosed with lymphoma on 12/27. I was told he had maybe 30 days, I could not accept that. I called Belton Animal Clinic on Sat. 12/29 and talked to them about an appt. for that day, they were booked. Dr. Bradley-Bays took the time to talk to me right then and work me in that day. She could tell how upset and confused I was by the diagnosis I was given. Her compassion and understanding helped me so much that day. Since then we have been going in for aqua acupuncture and canine manipulation. Bo is doing much better and we are hopeful that we are giving him more time, as the lymph nodes have shrunk. The staff always goes above and beyond for us every week. They show compassion and patience with me, as I have never dealt with this type of situation before. You can tell it is not just a job for them.”
-Libbi G
Located off of I-49 via Arnold Ave. Directly between LifeQuest Church and Odens BBQ.
Phone: 816.331.3120
Email: info@beltonanimal.com
