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Alternative & Complementary Services

For many pet parents, having the option to choose alternative therapy for their animal family members is a huge benefit. At Makawao Veterinary Clinic, we’re pleased to offer a number of these integrative treatment options. 

Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic care in pets is similar to what’s practiced on human patients. A chiropractic adjustment can correct the musculoskeletal system when it has become misaligned. When even one vertebra is out of place, it can cause a host of other problems in the surrounding muscles and ligaments. Chiropractic care can relieve pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall wellbeing. 

Acupuncture

Acupuncture operates under the concept that when the body’s natural energy source becomes disrupted, sickness and pain can result. Special acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points along the body to promote healing and reduce pain. Acupuncture can be used to treat anything from arthritis to respiratory problems and just about everything in between. It can also be used to boost the immune system and support better balance.

Cold Laser Therapy

Laser therapy uses the power of light to naturally alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and speed healing. We can use laser therapy to address a wide range of conditions, from chronic pain to dental disease. Laser therapy is quick, painless, and proven to be effective. It also does not require the use of medication or surgery, which makes it ideal for sick or older pets. 

Shockwave Therapy

Looking for a non-invasive treatment to help reduce your pet’s pain and improve his or her mobility? Shockwave therapy might be something to consider! 

Shockwave therapy has been used successfully in human medicine for many years. Now, those same benefits of lasting pain relief and restoration of healthy movement without the need for surgery or medications are available to our four-legged friends as well! Makawao Veterinary Clinic is pleased to offer shockwave technology to help heal injured tissue, increase mobility, and relieve pain in pets. 

What is shockwave therapy? 

Despite its name, shockwave therapy does not involve the use of any type of electric shock. Instead, it uses high-energy sound waves to penetrate the surface of the skin and naturally promote the regeneration of soft tissue, tendons, and bones. Shockwave therapy is non-invasive and totally painless, yet it can produce remarkable results in just a few sessions. 

Benefits of Shockwave Therapy 
  • Reduced inflammation and swelling 
  • Increased blood flow 
  • Improved wound healing 
  • Reduced need for pharmaceuticals 
  • Minimal to no side effects 
  • Non-invasive 
  • Short treatment times  
  • Quick results 
What can shockwave therapy be used to treat? 

At Makawao Veterinary Clinic, we routinely use shock wave therapy to treat: 

  • Osteoarthritis 
  • Tendon and ligament injuries 
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia 
  • Back pain 
  • Wounds 
  • Shoulder lameness 
  • Bone fractures 
How do shockwave therapy sessions work and how many will my pet need? 

Shockwave therapy treatments are quick and easy, typically lasting around ten minutes. The number of sessions your pet will require to achieve optimal benefits will depend on several factors, such as the condition being addressed, its severity, and other considerations. Our experienced team will evaluate your pet’s unique situation and provide you with a customized treatment recommendation.  

To learn more about shockwave therapy and whether your pet would be a good candidate, contact Makawao Veterinary Clinic today! 

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine is quickly becoming an essential component of animal and human medicine. The goal in using regenerative medicine is to assist the body in rapidly healing from injuries and surgical sites. At Makawao Veterinary Clinic, we utilize multiple regenerative medicine methods in our patients with excellent results. 

  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) 
  • Amniotic Allografts- RenoVo (equine), AlphaFlo (canine) 
  • Autologous Stem Cell 

If you have any questions or you feel your pet might benefit from one of these regenerative medicine modalities, please do not hesitate to get in touch. We’d love to help your furry friend live a happier, healthier life! 

Stem Cell Banking

Stem cell banking is like blood cord banking for pets! While stem cell banking can be done at different times, the ideal opportunity is while your pet is being spayed or neutered. This provides an excellent opportunity to save your pet’s young, healthy stem cells for extraordinary health benefits in the future.   

Stem cells can be banked for the entirety of your pet’s life. With your pet’s cells preserved, we can provide vital care through regenerative medicine when it is needed most.  An out-patient stem cell procedure is painless and does not require anesthesia to administer, yet the effects of their more youthful cells can offer 1-4 years of relief after the initial treatment. Re-treatment is easy and there is still no need for surgery or anesthesia.