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Why would my pet need to come to IPC?
Integrative
Pet Care is a specialty care veterinary center focusing on
rehabilitation, holistic healing, exercise and wellness. Much
like humans and physical therapy, pets can benefit from rehabilitation
to return to full function after surgery or an accident, treat an acute
or chronic condition and prevent injury. IPC provides
post-surgical (and pre-surgical) rehabilitation for surgeries, injuries
and conditions such as cruciate ligament repair (ACL), TPLO, FHO,
luxating patella, wobblers, IVDD, arthritis, hip dysplasia, degenerative
myleopathy and more. Prevention of orthopedic and
soft-tissue injuries is also an IPC focus, so many of the services we
offer here can help your pet lose weight and get fit and healthy.
Why does my pet see an IPC veterinarian for an initial evaluation even though we already have a diagnosis (or just had surgery)?
After surgery, before surgery or after receiving a diagnosis, an initial evaluation at IPC is the next best step on your pet's road to optimum health. Every pet is different when it comes to surgical recovery or handling a disabling disease. The only way our veterinarians can 1) assume the significant responsibility for your pet's care while at IPC and 2) prescribe the best treatment plan customized to the very specific needs of your pet is to provide a thorough examination and review medical records. The initial evaluation is also an opportunity for the veterinarian to talk to you about your pet's lifestyle, diet, home environment and the goals you have for your pet's health.
What can I expect during the initial evaluation?
During the initial evaluation the IPC veterinarian will obtain a detailed history of your pet. In addition to discussing past veterinary care, any recent injuries, surgeries or ailments, the veterinarian will ask about your pet's diet, lifestyle, home environment, exercise, habits, behaviors and your goals for your pet's health. The veterinarian will also examine the pet based on both traditional veterinary and eastern medical philosophies, review any records and/or x-rays provided and analyze gait and take measurements if appropriate. The veterinarian will then discuss a specific treatment plan for your pet and possibly begin treatment that day if possible. One of our Animal Rehab Therapists may also be a part of your initial evaluation appointment.
How can I best prepare for the initial evaluation?
Please contact your primary care or referring veterinarian at least one week prior to your appointment and ask them to fax your pet's most recent medical records that relate to the condition for which you are seeking care at IPC. (You must personally authorize the release of your pet's records so our staff is unable to make this request on your behalf.) Having the records in advance allows our doctors time to review your case and be fully prepared for your appointment. Please bring any x-rays, MRIs, ultrasounds or other visual diagnostics related to your pet's condition if applicable.
Prior to your pet's initial evaluation we will email you a questionnaire to fill out and return (or see below to download). This will allow our veterinarian to obtain all pertinent information prior to the evaluation leaving time in your appointment for questions, physical examination and other necessary evaluation.
Questionnaire for Holistic/TCVM Initial Evaluation
Questionnaire for Orthopedic/Rehabilitation Initial Evaluation
(please fill out and return to us via email)
Can IPC veterinarians answer questions about my pet or treatments over the phone before my first appointment at IPC?
At IPC we are committed to providing the best health care possible for your pet - that includes providing a thorough physical examination to determine the best course of action for your pet. Not only is an initial physical examination good medicine, it's also the law. The Illinois Veterinary Medicine and Surgery Practice Act requires a veterinarian to have sufficient knowledge of the pet by having recently seen and examined the pet before advising or prescribing regarding any health condition so IPC veterinarians are prohibited from consulting over the phone without first examining your pet.
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