Dr. Rose Alkoff-Drost and Dr. Tracey Griffin, Pacific Animal Wellness Services
Classroom #1 (RCMP Barn)
12:15am - A brief lecture outlining the benefits of rehabilitation, underwater treadmill therapy, laser therapy, and acupuncture in improving canine mobility, fitness and wellness, as well as outlining the uses of acupuncture in the equine patient. We will show short video clips and still photos of the Pacific Animal Wellness Services Clinic in Chemainus, and patients undergoing treatment (including the underwater treadmill in use). A few interesting cases (both canine and equine) will be presented as examples. We will be happy to answer questions regarding the services we provide and what sort of patients might benefit.
Our Clinic is a specialty clinic run by two veterinarians (Dr. Tracey Griffin and Dr. Rose Alkoff-Drost) and a veterinary technologist (Kari Hudson) with extensive training and certification in Canine Rehabilitation (Tracey and Kari) and Veterinary Acupuncture - both canine and equine (Rose).
We aim to promote and restore mobility using an appropriate combination of therapeutic modalities, including weight-reduced, controlled exercise in a specially designed underwater treadmill, acupuncture, laser therapy, electrostimulation therapy, massage and physical rehabilitation techniques. (NOTE: While swimming is a valuable hydrotherapy tool, specific exercise regimes in the Underwater Treadmill can have many additional benefits, and is able to target specific muscle groups which swimming can not achieve)
These treatments benefit dogs recovering from musco-skeletal injuries and abnormalities such as tendon/muscle injuries, orthopaedic surgeries, cruciate ligament injuries, hip dysplasia etc, as well as dogs who require fitness training and/or weight loss to restore normal mobility.
We can also address the concerns of the geriatric dog or chronic-diseased dog by assessing the body holistically and treating, as appropriate, with acupuncture, gentle fitness training, diet and environmental changes etc. If required, we can work in conjunction with veterinarians who specialise in herbal/homeopathic/complimentary supplements as an adjunct to our care to gain a total holistic approach for optimum health.
FOR HORSES: On a mobile basis, we offer equine acupuncture, therapeutic laser and other techniques to deal with such conditions as sports injuries, poor performance/poor flexion/poor collection, "bad backs", resistance to saddling/grooming/circling/lead changes etc, and behavioural issues (NOTE: "bad behaviour" is often associated with underlying myofascial pain and/or hormonal issues- both of these issues respond well to acupuncture, resulting in a marked improvement in behaviour in many cases!). Other conditions such as COPD and some skin conditions can also benefit from acupuncture. We of course work in conjunction with the patient/clients' usual veterinarian, and do not aim to replace or provide services that fall under the umbrella of "primary veterinary care".
Our clinic is located in the town of Chemainus, (approx 20 minutes north of Duncan, 30 minutes south of Nanaimo). We offer a relaxed, home-like atmosphere that our canine patients and owners appreciate (we even have the occasional miniature horse in clinic also!). We have a fenced back yard for before & after appointment exercise, and dedicated parking. We offer cost effective multi-session packages for Treadmill Sessions, Rehabilitation and Acupuncture Sessions. Do call us for advise: we are always happy to discuss cases with owners and referring veterinarians in advance of referral.