By Guest Writer: Michael Barbella
ROBBINSVILLE VETERINARY SPECIALTY CENTER GETS TO THE POINT WITH THE EXPANSION OF PET ACUPUNCTURE, AND PHYSICAL THERAPY
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ June 24, 2011 – NorthStar VETS Emergency and Trauma Center combines traditional medical practices with state of the art rehabilitation techniques, including acupuncture therapy and an underwater treadmill.
Dr. Rosalie LoScrudato heads the physical rehabilitation program at the hospital. Certified in Acupuncture from the Chi Institute, she is helping pet owners to find new ways to rehabilitate their animals.
Dr. Pamela Levin will be joining the NorthStar VETS Hospital in July to work on the rehabilitation program. Dr. Levin’s areas of interest include improving patient’s quality of life though pain management, therapeutic exercise, and noninvasive alternative therapies. She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association, New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association, American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians, and the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.
Some of the therapies currently available at NorthStar VETS include the underwater treadmill, an otherwise normal looking treadmill enclosed in acrylic glass. The treadmill allows dogs to strengthen and stretch muscles without putting too much weight on their limbs. The hospital also has ultrasound therapy for transmitting sound waves for pain relief, laser therapy for circulation and increased blood flow, and acupuncture for treatment of a variety of ailments.
Acupuncture is known to produce good results in animals with musculoskeletal and neurological disorders, and it can be an affordable alternative to more costly procedures. These alternative therapies are effective in conjunction with traditional veterinary treatments like surgery and medication, but they can also be a great substitute for pets that aren’t eligible for surgery.
"We have a lot of elderly patients that just aren’t good surgery candidates and there are quite a few things we can do acupuncture and therapy-wise," Dr. Levin said. "There are a lot of little things that we can do to improve a pet’s quality of life."
Niki, a seven year old German Shepherd, underwent an acupuncture session on Monday followed by a short walk in the underwater treadmill to help treat a disorder in her hind legs. Niki has been suffering from problems in her legs for about 4 years. She gets treated at NorthStar Vets every other week and this is her sixth visit.
"The acupuncture has definitely helped and after about a week or two, you can tell she is ready to come back," said Niki’s owner, Sally Digirolamo.
"My goal is to continue to expand the rehabilitation program. I want to be able to offer clients alternatives, help animals return to function faster, and to educate the owners about the benefits of rehabilitation," Dr. Levin said.
She hopes to expand the physical therapy program and NorthStar VETS to include sports medicine for sport and working dogs. The goal of the program is to rehabilitate injured dogs and to keep healthy dogs in shape so they don’t injure themselves while doing strenuous activity. She hopes to convert the unfinished basement of the building for sports activities, including an indoor pool where the dogs can swim.
Dr. Levin also advocates home exercise treatments for pet owners. Clients can do simple therapies with their pets including heat and ice therapy, walking, and message therapy.
About NorthStar VETS: NorthStar VETS knows how important your companion is. In case of an emergency it is reassuring to know where you can get 24/7/365 help. NorthStar VETS is a superior quality veterinary specialty and referral hospital conveniently located at 315 Robbinsville-Allentown Rd., Robbinsville, NJ. At NorthStar VETS’ the sky is the limit as we provide patients with the finest veterinary specialists, modernized technology, exceptional customer service, and optimal health care. To learn more about NorthStar VETS’ full range of specialty veterinary expertise, please call 609-259-8300 or visit us www.northstarvets.com
