Meridian Veterinary Care
"Pathways to Animal Wellness"
We recommend yearly exams as an important element of preventative medicine during which we will evaluate your pets’ eyes, ears, mouth/teeth, heart, skin/coat, muscles and joints. We also examine your pet from a Chinese Medicine perspective by evaluating the tongue appearance and pulse quality. Tongue and pulse diagnosis can be useful in detecting subtle imbalances that may eventually lead to more serious conditions.
Laboratory Testing
We offer full laboratory services including heartworm testing, fecal exams, comprehensive blood panels and urinalysis through IDEXX veterinary laboratories. Fine needle biopsies of masses and lumps are also available.
If your animal requires specialty services or imaging such as radiographs or ultrasound, we can refer you to one of our local referral partners.
Vaccines/Vaccine Titers
In an attempt to minimize adverse consequences from over-vaccination, we offer customized vaccine schedules based on your pets’ age, health and exposure risk. Vaccine titers, blood tests which measure the level of protection against a specific infection, are often recommended for middle-aged or older pets in lieu of vaccinating.
Nutritional Therapy
Good nutrition is the cornerstone of our wellness and preventative health philosophy. Included in every initial health evaluation is a discussion of species-appropriate diet using a variety of minimally-processed foods. Specific dietary and supplement recommendations are made based on the pet owners’ budget, lifestyle and motivation as well as the pets’ age and unique health issues.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a scientifically-proven technique of rebalancing the body’s energy using needle stimulation along energy pathways. Physiologic changes produced by acupuncture include improved circulation, release of neurochemicals including serotonin and endorphins, relief of muscle spasms, anti-inflammatory effects and immune system balancing. The American Veterinary Medical Association considers acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
Acupuncture is well-tolerated by most pets. In fact, many animals become very relaxed during and after their acupuncture treatment. For most conditions, we recommend an initial treatment schedule of once weekly for 4-6 weeks. The frequency of treatments can then be reduced significantly for condition maintenance. Conditions that may benefit from acupuncture include musculoskeletal pain/arthritis pain, neurologic conditions such as intervertebral disc disease and nerve paralysis, animals receiving chemotherapy, epilepsy, non-healing wounds, chronic renal failure, chronic vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, and allergies.
Herbal Medicine
Herbal medications aim to balance the body with respect to each individual's unique condition, rather than suppressing signs of disease. Though herbs can be slower acting than traditional drugs, they have the advantage of having fewer side effects. Herbs may be used in conjunction with or in place of traditional drugs, depending on the disease treated.
Examples of conditions that may benefit from herbal medications include allergies, arthritis, asthma/bronchitis, behavioral issues, cancer, chronic renal failure, chronic urinary tract infections, Cushing's disease, diabetes, epilepsy, inflammatory bowel disease and liver disease.
Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation (VOM)
VOM is a healing technology that locates areas of the animal's nervous system that has fallen out of communication and re-establishes neuronal communication to induce healing. VOM has similarities to some of the chiropractic modalities and functions by restoring "subluxations" as is done in chiropractic care. It uses a hand-held device that is used in a popular human chiropractic technique called "Activator" Methods but is not to be confused with that technique.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
This cutting edge technology uses light energy at specific wavelength and frequencies to stimulate the body to heal at a cellular level by increasing mitochondrial ATP production, improving blood flow and dilating lymphatics. Though the most common applications of LLLT in veterinary medicine is musculoskeletal disease, injuries and wound healing, virtually any disease process that involves inflammation can be addressed.
Cancer Support
We offer a variety of supportive treatments aimed at improving your pets' survival times by slowing tumor growth and reducing the side effects of traditional cancer treatments. Commonly used adjunctive treatments include nutritional therapy, homotoxicology, herbal medications and acupuncture to balance the immune system, relieve pain and reduce chemotherapy-related nausea.
Veterinarian-supervised anesthesia-free dental cleanings are offered by Animal Dental Care (www.animaldentalcare.info) and include hand scaling, ultrasonic scaling and enamel polishing. A detailed chart of your pet's teeth is maintained and antibiotics are prescribed when necessary. Pets requiring extractions due to advanced dental disease are not eligible for this service. The dentals are offered throughout the Sacramento area at our Pet Wellness Clinics listed on our Calendar.
Humane Euthanasia
When the time comes to help your pet with the end-of-life transition, we provide compassionate euthanasia in your own home, minimizing stress for you and your animal. Cremation options for care of remains are available.
Phone Consultations
Wondering what to feed your healthy dog or cat? Looking for advice on diet and supplements to use for specific medical conditions? We offer phone consultations scheduled in 15-minute increments to address your specific nutritional questions. It is not necessary for us to have seen your pet prior to this service.
Phone: (916) 342-1245 Fax: (916) 930-6034 E-mail: info@meridianvetcare.com