Despite breeding selection, hip dysplasia of the dog is still a widespread disorder. Symptoms range from lameness to a complete reluctance to engage in physical activities. Using the PennHIP method, an hip dysplasia can be diagnosed in puppies as early as 16 weeks. It involves an x-ray examination of the hips in sedation. In addition to the conventional x-ray with extended hing legs („FCI“- or „hip-extended position“), x-rays are taken in compression and distraction positions to objectively measure the looseness of the hips. In the compression view, the fit of the femoral head and the hip socket can be assessed. The advantage of this method is that the hips can be evaluated at a very early age with a high degree of precision. Depending on the severity of the hip dysplasia, a conservative therapy can suffice in most cases, while a surgical intervention is rarely necessary.
Gold acupuncture provides a gentle and permanent relief for patients with chronic and painful joint disorders. These include hip dysplasia (HD), ellbow dysplasia, gonarthrosis, degenerations of the spine as well as their resulting complications.
The success of gold acupuncture is based on a comprehensive diagnosis and our many years of experience. The pain symptoms of the patient must be fully assessed. This is achieved through a thorough evaluation of the individual’s medical case history, a meticulous gait analysis and a subsequent trigger point examination. For further diagnostic measures, we implement digital X-ray, puls diagnostics and MRI/CT examinations if necessary.
Positive changes in the patient can be observed two days to two weeks after the gold acupuncture procedure. The pain symptoms decrease significantly or disappear, and the patients become more active and want to play again.
In order to monitor and assess the muscle development and pain situation in the dog, we suggest a check-up after 10-14 days and after 4-6 weeks. It becomes apparent in the healing phase if the patient should be supported e.g. with physiotherapy or feed additives.
In human medicine, physiotherapy is an established and well recognized field that is an integral part of medical therapies and rehabilitation programs. Physiotherapeutic measures are increasingly being implemented in the field of veterinary medicine.
Patients with chronic and painful afflictions, e.g. arthritic patients, patients with hip joint disorders or patients with residual pain after surgieries can be treated using neural therapy, acupuncture (including point laser) or gold acupuncture and relieved of their pain without side effects. The pain situation in patients is assessed by a thorough case history, a gait analysis and a trigger point examination. In neural therapy, a local anesthetic is injected to treat acute and chronic disorders. Acupuncture is a technique derived from Traditional Chinese Medicine, in which needles, laser impulses or the permanent implantation of gold are implemented in defined points in the body to effectively treat chronic pain.
We support pet owners in their choice of a suitable diet for dogs and cats individually and take potentially existing conditions into account, such as food intolerances or allergies. Our recommendations are impartial and based on current scientific findings. Regardless of whether want to feed a commercial complete diet or a raw (BARF) or cooked home-made diet, we take your preferences into account and provide you with an optimal dietary recommendation after thoroughly assessing the case history of your pet.
Animal psychology addresses the training and treatment of pets that display behavioral problems. After a comprehensive consultation, we offer practical guidelines that the pet owner can implement with our help. If a medical condition exists, our animal psychologist makes sure that the pet is firstly examined and treated by a veterinarian.
Low-level-laser therapy is a pain- and side effect-free, gentle and effective treatment method, which uses the beneficial effect of bundled light energy. The aplications for this method include: Orthopedic ailments, pain disorders, preventatively and during the aftercare of physiotherapeutic and osteopathic measures, promotion of wound healing (e.g. post-surgery or in cases of wound healing disorders) and dental diseases. The absorption of low-energy light impulses trigger photochemical processes, which stimulate cells and tissues. This in turn stimulates the metabolism, resulting in an increased blood flow and oxygen supply. Toxic components and waste products are effectively removed from the body. Diseased tissues and cells with metabolic disturbances can regenerate sustainably.
There are two types of laser therapy. In large area laser therapy, so-called laser showers or laser combs are used to treat extensive wounds and scars resulting from injuries or after surgeries. The healing process is effectively stimulated and accelerated. Chronically tense muscle groups are relaxed and become less painful. Point lasers provide a gentle alternative for sensitive animals, which may show resistance to the sometimes painful placing of acupuncture needles. Low-level-laser therapy complements modern therapy methods effectively and with very good outcomes.
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) or more simply, platelet concentrate. This form of therapy has been successfully implemented for years in human medicine for the treatment of tissues that are poorly supplied with blood. In veterinary medicine, this method is used for treating damaged tendons, ligaments and joints. In dogs, it is a very good alternative to conventional joint treatments using cortisone and hyaluronic acid and supports joint regeneration by improving blood perfusion.
The principle of PRP is based on the particular preparation of autologous, regenerative cells, the platelets. Platelets are small blood cells, which are activated when injuries occur. They release particular messangers and growth factors, that organize wound healing. This trait is of particular benefit in the treatment of diseased tissue, sich as chronically diseased joints.
Prior to each treatment with PRP, the patient is thoroughly examined. In addition to the clinical examination, the blood is tested to ensure that there are no hidden infections. After the examination, the patient is sedated with a mild anesthetic and a particular amount of blood is extracted under sterile conditions. The blood is processed through a special filter system, which results in a concentration of the platelets. This is then injected into the diseased joint or tissue.
The patients can go home directly after the treatment. During the next 14 days, the dog should be kept on a lead. We conduct a follow-up appointment two weeks after the first treatment. The treatment can be repeated if necessary.