What's with all the changes???

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.

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