Over the next 12 weeks I will create a blog series that incorporates weekly progress updates of my 4-year-old mini schnauzer Rainey, as she recovers from the worst kind of spay procedure - an emergency spay due to pyometra, a life threatening uterine infection. To make this series more than your average fitness story I will also include how recovering from an abdominal surgery fits into the spectrum of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). TCVM looks at the whole patient, and as such it contains 5 Branches - acupuncture, Tui-na massage, nutrition or Food Therapy, herbal medications, and physical activity.
needed. Then 2-3 days a week for 5 to 10 minutes she receives fitness/conditioning training where we focus on different muscle groups and proprioception, as well as continuing to build the propulsive force for driving off her back end. She also performs cardio High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on the land treadmill for 10 minutes 1-2 days per week. Then 2-3 weekends per month, before COVID, and 1 weekend a month or less now, we participate in agility trials. There she would run 4 to 6 runs a day for 2 to 3 days in a row. She would receive off days before and after competition. Then there’s scent work training, which only occurs 1-4 times per month. That doesn’t seem physically demanding, but it can be. Rainey is just over 12.5 inches tall. Some of her searches have her jumping on/off tables, standing on her back legs, or crawling under things. Also, the mental demand of scent work is extremely high. The dog must think, while smelling and following an odor as it fades in and out of existence, until finally they hit the cone of scent and drive to the source. We will typically perform 6 searches in a short time frame. As you can see, this little dog is very busy and on January 11th this all came to a screeching halt as Rainey was rushed to emergency surgery.
until week 6 post-operatively. Granted, these injuries typically occur on a weight bearing limb. When we discuss the linea alba we are not necessarily weight bearing, but we are bearing the weight of the abdomen. And in the case of Rainey, she has a 1.75-inch incision in her 8-inch xiphoid to pubis linea alba, therefore the incision encompasses 21.8% of her total linea alba. It’s a well-known fact that an animal and humans’ core is their driving force for speed, and a strong core aids in a strong back. If an animal has a strong core, they will inherently have a strong back, which will aid in their overall comfort, speed, and injury prevention. Therefore, it can be assumed that if the time and steps are not taken to secure proper healing of the linea alba the patient will suffer with a weaker core, therefore potentially weaker back, slower ground speed, and possibly increased susceptibility to injury, including iliopsoas strains. However, to my knowledge no actual data supports this hypothesis, but my clinical studies of anatomy and physiology, as well my experiences with canine and human athletics do. As this series unfolds, we will discuss further how the canine core supports this hypothesis and why a strong core is so important.
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In 2017 I started my massive adventure into the world of Integrative Veterinary Medicine. In April 2017 I started the Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner program at the University of Tennessee. I finished in record time, earning the CCRP title in December 2017. August 2017 brought the beginning of my Traditional Chinese Medicine adventure, as I started training at the Chi Institute in Reddick, Florida for acupuncture. I also received that certification in record time, earning it in March 2018. January 2018 I started training at Healing Oasis Wellness Center in Sturtevant, WI, earning the title of Certified Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapist (CVSMT) in June 2018.
At that time I could have stopped. I attained my goal of being the only veterinary in the state of Minnesota who was certified in the 'big 3' - rehab, acupuncture, and spinal manipulation. Not only was I certified in all 3, but I obtained those degrees from what are referred to as the best schools in the US for those particular programs. After getting a taste of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), I decided I wanted to be an expert in that field. Therefore, I pursued advanced training to complete certification in the 4 branches of TCVM - acupuncture (done), food therapy, Tui-Na, and herbal medicines. In 2018 I attained the title of Certified Veterinary Food Therapist and started training in Tui-Na. In March 2019 I finished my Advanced Tui-Na training at the Chi Institute, and earned the title of Certified Veterinary Tui-Na Practitioner. Currently, I have completed 2 modules of 5 modules, and in August will earn the title of Certified Veterinary Chinese Herbalist. Once I complete my herbal training, I will have achieved the title Certified Traditional Veterinary Chinese Medicine Practitioner (CTCVMP). This is a title that very few in the USA have, and there are definitely none in Minnesota. Now what??? Once that is done, then what am I to do with myself? Here is what I have planned for 2019 in regards to advanced continuing education and advanced educational training: Chi Institute - Cardiovascular and Respiratory Herbal Training - Online right now ( I just finished Liver/Endocrinology and Kidney/Geriatric/Urinary/Reproductive) Chi Institute - Gastrointestinal Herbal Training - Online starting May 5th Healing Oasis Wellness Center (Sturtevant, WI) - Functional & Clinical Neurology for Practitioners Providing Rehabilitation Therapy - June 28th to June 30th - taking a deep dive into the nervous system, and how to implement this into my rehab (physical therapy) planning for patients. Chi Institute - Dermatology/Oncology/Immune-Mediated Diseases Herbal Training - Online starting July 21st - once I pass the exam for this module, and submit my case studies, I will earn the CVCH and CTCVMP. Chi Institute (Reddick, Florida) - TCVM diagnostics, Classical Points, and Advanced Acupuncture Techniques - July 25th to July 27th - this will teach me how to do scalp and ear acupuncture, implanting beads for long lasting acupuncture (ideal for seizure patients), more advanced electro, aqua, pneumo, and other training, and overall how to be better and critique my already crazy awesome skills! Healing Oasis Wellness Center - Ancillary Procedures to Improve on Spinal Manipulative Therapy Outcomes - September 20th to September 22nd - more neurology! Learning more about how nerves recover from injury More massage and myofascial release and stretching. Advanced knowledge on tissue healing and recovery. Advanced joint mobilization. Healing Oasis Wellness Center - Cranio-sacral Therapy for Animals - October 5th to October 6th - Just what it says! This will be great in addition to scalp acupuncture! In 2019 and 2020 I will focus more on advanced spinal manipulation, rehab, and neurology training/education. In July 2019, I will be done with all the advanced TCVM and acupuncture training that is currently available in the USA. I made the decision I will not pursue the Master's Program at the Chi Institute, as I would have to retake the courses I already completed, and perform weekly assignments. I don't have the time right now. Maybe in a few years, just not right now. I will likely attend a conference for acupuncture/TCVM in 2020. But, I think my brain is good in that department for a while. The advanced acupuncture course in July will be AMAZING!!! When people think of me they think acupuncture. For some reason they do not think rehabilitation and physical therapy. I want people to realize I am very good in this department, too. And with my plans for patients, I incorporate rehab every day. You may just not realize it. Rehab is SOOOOO MUCH more than putting your dog on some FitPaws equipment and hoping for the best! The nervous system is king! We need to keep that in mind and incorporate in all our plans! And when things 'pop' up, like unknown neurological deficits, seizures, vestibular signs, or brain tumors, how can we increase neuroplasticity to make that patient recover faster or become more comfortable? And if I learned one thing in the last 2 weeks, having discussions with human medical doctors about my mom's brain tumors, I realized how much I already know about neurology and how much more I want to know. I threw out terms that the Neuro Acute doctor had never heard, but they exist - trans-neuronal degeneration (TND) and cellular early immediate gene response (CEIGR). These are things I learned about in spinal manipulation training, as we received extremely thorough neurology training. In lay terms, they mean do not over do it, your nervous system won't be able to recover and move forward fast enough. I also read out her MRI accurately when her neurosurgeon missed something - blood coming off her tumor prior to surgery. He told me after surgery that I was correct, the hyper-echoic area I pointed out was blood. I'm very excited for these advanced training courses! They will make me a better doctor! Another option that's coming in 2019 for owners are seminars! Thanks to a local dog training centers I will be offering seminars on a variety of topics, such as fitness, strengthening, conditioning, warm ups, cool downs, and so much more! Now to plan my dog show schedule, get on that dog training, and plan my seminar schedule! Busy is the best way to be! Dr. Shantel. ![]() Everyone loves discounts, especially when it comes to pet care! One way you can save $25-35 per visit is by referring a friend for an initial consult for acupuncture, spinal manipulation (animal chiropractic), rehab, or equine dental float. If you refer a friend who will be a new client to JRIVS, once they have completed their initial consult and stated that they were referred by you, your next call charge will be completely free! You can refer a friend up to 6 times in a year! How great is that?! Refer away! If you would like business cards to hand out at your next visit, let me know! Have a great day! Dr. Shantel. ![]() Good afternoon! Previously, I have not incorporated ‘call fees’ into my appointments, however, in order to continue to benefit patients in the comfort of their home, I must adjust my fee structure to better represent these services. What is a Farm Call or House Call Fee? Why is this fee important? It is the fee established that allows for the convenience of your pet being treated in a familiar environment by covering the time for a professional to drive to your home or farm, and the wear and tear on the vehicle. By traveling to your home or farm, it significantly reduces the stress on the animal, as they do not need to be transported, and they remain in a stress-free environment. With the services I provide, it is best that the patient be as stress-free, calm, and relaxed as possible to receive the best outcome available! What are the call fees? I tried to make them as fair as possible, and when I did just equine work these are similar to those, but better structured. Mileage is based on the distance from Cottage Grove, MN to your home. More information on general prices can be found here: Pricing. Ok, we have to pay call fees. How can they be discounted? Call fees can be discounted on group calls. What this includes is when I travel to a barn, and there are multiple horses. The fee will be evenly divided between owners. Another option is when I meet multiple owners at one location for multiple appointments. If it’s a whole day thing, for example an agility trial, then there is no fee. If it is just 1-2 different appointments, which is really no different than driving to your home but for some reason we chose a neutral location, then the fee will be divided evenly. There is no option to come to my home to save on a call fee. The fee will not be divided if at any point I get into my vehicle and drive across the street to your neighbors (mostly a horse question). Another option for call fee reduction is referring clients. A call fee will be waived up to 6 times in a 12 month period for referrals. By referral, this is a new client who successfully schedules and completes an initial consult with JRIVS. This new client will have to list you as a referral. The final way to receive a call fee reduction is to write a positive 5-star review on Google and/or Facebook. This can only be redeemed once, as it would be odd for one person to write multiple reviews on one business, regardless of what platform the review is received on. For example, you cannot write a review on Facebook, and 6 months later a different one on Google. Well, if this is so important, why wasn’t it instituted earlier on? I was a new business, trying to test the waters with services and fees. I was new to being completely self-employed. I didn’t know what to expect, financially speaking, when it came to my time or the actual wear and tear on my vehicles. I thought it’d all work itself out. Unfortunately, this has not been the case, and I have realized that I am not adequately being reimbursed for these expenses and time. I have also tried to do the best research possible with similar services offered in the region, and I find I am in fact charging lower than those of similar or less skill level, and on top of that, they charge call fees. Therefore, to be fair to the market, I need to charge call fees. I hope this clears up any questions or concerns, but if it has left you with more questions and concerns, please email me privately at [email protected] to discuss these changes! ![]() When I decided to move forward and begin offering alternative services on an in-home basis to dogs and cats and add these service for horses, I decided it was time to finally get my own legit logo. For years I've used a logo that is really just clip art - a running horse. When I started on the venture of having a logo designed, I did not know where to start. Like any normal person, I posted on Facebook that I needed a logo. I received several recommendations, including one from my own brother, Slade Julius. Him. I had forgotten that he does graphic design through his business The Fearless Blogger.
![]() You may have noticed that JVS has had some changes over the last year. During the last year there has been some absence on my part, then the beginning of offering small animal services. Now, there I am offering acupuncture and rehabilitation services. That may be leaving some of you wondering ‘why all the changes and roller coaster?’ Completely reasonable to be concerned or confused. Let me try to explain. November 12th, 2016, I lost my dog, Pyper. This dog wasn’t just a dog to me. She was THE dog. My heart, my soul, my everything. What happened to her still brings me to tears. Pyper was a competitive agility dog. On October 23rd, 2016 while training in our yard, Pyper jumped off the teeter at the pivot point, landing on her left side, but bending with intense momentum that sent her right shoulder meeting her right ear. Pinching her neck. I started her on the traditional treatment of anti-inflammatories and pain medication. But her pain was intense. I couldn’t control it. She was a chiropractor and rehabist. She started laser therapy. She wore a neck brace. But the pain was bad. One thing you should know, is Pyper had a liver anomaly called microvascular dysplasia. In laymen terms, her liver was not hooked up right on a microscopic level. Meaning she could not process drugs well. She was on a very low dose of an anti-inflammatory (NSAID). She received 10 doses in 21 days. Then she became very weak and ill. It was determined Pyper’s stomach had developed a hole or perforation in it from the NSAID. Pyper needed emergency surgery. Unfortunately, she never woke up. That was a devastating time period for me. My world was spinning and I was lost. I didn’t know what to do without her. After a few months, I decided I would turn my career on a different path. I wanted to help others have other options than normal traditional Western medicine approaches when their pet became ill. I started training at the University of Tennessee to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) and at the Chi Institute in Florida to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. I will also pursue their studies in food therapy and Chinese Herbal Medicine. The Chi Institute trains veterinarians on the ways of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), which is a combination of energy work, herbal and food therapy, and acupuncture that aids the body to a better state of health and well-being. In December, I take my certification exams and practical exams for my CCRP and acupuncture. In January, I will begin training to become certified as a Veterinary Spinal Manipulation Therapist (aka animal chiropractor) at Healing Oasis in Wisconsin. The CCRP is only dogs and cats, but my acupuncture and chiropractic training are geared toward equine and small animals. JVS will continue to offer preventive medicine for existing equine clients, but will be leaning toward a more Eastern medicine/holistic and less invasive medicinal approaches to long-term care. I will continue to focus on equine dentistry, as that is a HUGE part of the whole health for horses. There are so many options that owners are not even aware of that can benefit their pets – acupuncture, chiropractic, manual therapy, rehabilitation, strength training, PEMF therapy, joint supplements, weight management, herbal therapy, end of life counseling and therapy, etc. And JVS will be able to offer all of these things! And the best part – in the comfort of your own home or barn! I am very excited to be learning about these new treatment modalities and avenues that provide safe, holistic, long-term care to our canine and equine athletes, geriatric and arthritic patients, and anyone who is interested! If you would like to discuss further, please email at [email protected] or call 612-636-9575! I look forward to speaking with you and helping your best friend feel better! Dr. Shantel Julius. |
AuthorDr. Shantel Julius, DVM Archives
April 2021
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