Vital Feed

Saint, a retired Saint Francis service dog, loves baby food, frozen baby food. And the 11-year-old black Labrador retriever gets plenty to encourage him during physical therapy at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. After developing hind limb weakness from neurologic causes, as well as general soreness and decreased mobility because of arthritis, Saint was referred to the college’s physical rehabilitation service by...

As most veterinary professionals know, the health of a patient is more than the sum of its various parts and systems. Besides absence of illness or injury, a pet’s well-being encompasses lifestyle, nutrition, behavior and exercise. Nobody understands this like veterinarians who take an integrative approach to patient care. Treatments and services such as acupuncture, phototherapy, nutraceuticals and rehabilitation are...

VITAL VOICE is back!  Vital Vet's new video series featuring interviews with leaders and experts in the field of pet rehabilitation.  This episode features an interview Dr. Jennifer Repac who is certified in canine rehabilitation (CCRT), chiropractic, Chinese herbal medicine, and acupuncture. Dr. Repac received her DVM from UC Davis in 2009.  She spent 2 years working as a veterinarian and teacher...

A horsefly is mid-air, within inches of landing on the horse’s flank. The surface of his flank twitches just before the fly has a chance to land, warding it off in advance of being stung. This is how sensitive a horse is! He can feel everything within inches of his body. Your dog is asleep across the room. You look at...

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE? Acupuncture is a medical art developed over 2,000 years ago.  The acupuncturist places needles at specific sites on the body called acupuncture points, and may also incorporate hands-on techniques to facilitate the healing process. HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE WORK?  The classical Chinese explanation is that channels of energy run in regular patterns through the body over its surface. ...