Integrative Pet Care

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. For the first appointment, please bring a list of your pet’s medications as well as a description of your pet’s current diet – including treats!

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.

Treatments & Modalities

Can I be present for my pet’s therapy?

Yes!  You are welcome to be in on all of your pet’s therapies offering praise and encouragement.  (For your safety we cannot permit you to get into the underwater treadmill, the pool or go onto the pool deck during hydrotherapy sessions but you can be in the room next to the equipment.)  Occasionally some pets may perform their exercise or treatment better without mom or dad around so the therapist may ask you to wait in the reception area.  Please don’t be offended!  We just want to make sure your pet gets the most out of every session.  We may also recommend that your pet stay with us for the day or for a period of time for rest in between treatments.  In those cases your pet can relax comfortably in one of our canine cabanas or quiet kennels. 

Do I have to stay for my pet’s therapy?

No.  If you would prefer to drop your pet off for therapy so you can go to work or run errands, we offer half and full day boarding in a canine cabana or quiet kennel.  This is often a good way for pets to rest in between treatments. On Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays IPC hours are 8 am to 8 pm; Fridays 8 am to 5 pm, and Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm.   Please ask a patient services coordinator for current rates.  IPC does not offer overnight boarding.

Why does my dog spend only a few minutes in the underwater treadmill (or the resistance pool)?

Hydrotherapy can be very deceptive in terms of difficulty so we always begin conservatively.  Yes, the water makes hydrotherapy low-impact but the water also creates resistance that greatly intensifies a work out at both a cardiovascular and musculoskeletal level.  By measuring and comparing base heart rates and exercising heart rates of dogs, Iditarod veterinarian Dr. Arleigh Reynolds determined that 15 minutes of swimming is the equivalent to 1 hour of running but without joint pounding.  Hydrotherapy also engages additional muscles and joints beyond those used for your pet’s daily walks and can also increase normal range of motion.  IPC rehab therapists will always question you before the next hydrotherapy session so they can determine if adjusting speed, duration and water height is appropriate according to your pet’s progress.

How do you keep the water clean?  

IPC’s underwater treadmill and resistance pool filtration systems were specifically designed to accommodate pets and all the fur that comes with them.  We also use chlorine to keep bacteria levels down – about the same amount used in a swimming pool for people.  After extensive research we chose chlorine over bromine or saline systems because chlorine is the most sanitary and the least irritating to the pet’s skin.   We also require that any pet undergoing hydrotherapy at IPC (or any therapy at IPC) be clean and parasite free.  Not only is this essential to maintain the cleanliness of our facility, but proper grooming is important to the health of the pet.  Our therapists have the full authority to reschedule a hydrotherapy session if the pet is too dirty or if they notice any open wounds, hot spots or parasites.

Does the dog get washed and dried off afterwards?

After the hydrotherapy session we will rinse your dog (or cat!) with a light shampoo.  We will also  try our very best to dry them as much as possible during your 30 minute hydrotherapy appointment time, but he or she may still be a little wet heading to the car.  For the ride home keep extra towels and a blanket in your car – also good advice if you get stranded in a snowstorm!  If your dog has a jacket and boots for winter, bring them with you.

What is the difference between the various levels of treatments…for example the difference between Acupuncture I & Acupuncture II?

A few of our treatments may be delivered with different levels of intensity and for varying duration depending on your pet’s needs over a period of time or at one particular appointment.   To use acupuncture as an example, the veterinarian may need to focus on more points than usual, add an additional element like electro or laser acupuncture and/or address and discuss any issues the pet may have that day.  The veterinarian or the therapist may also, outside of your appointments, do research, consult outside sources and make follow up calls.   The veterinarian or the therapist will determine what level of treatment is provided.

Is food supplied for pets that are dayboarding?

If your pet needs to be fed while dayboarding at Integrative Pet Care, please be sure to provide us with your pet's food. This will ensure that your pet's diet remains consistant.

Cancellation & Payment

What happens if I can’t keep my appointment? 

If you need to cancel your appointment, we ask that you provide us with as much notice as you can and when possible, 24 hours notice.  When you provide enough notice we can then utilize our waiting list to help another pet during that time slot. Messages can be left on our voice mail if calling after hours.  Appointments cancelled with less than 24 hours notice may be subject to a $50 cancellation fee.

What happens if I arrive late for my appointment?

Your appointment time is reserved exclusively for you and your pet (as is the person’s who is scheduled immediately following your appointment.)   If you arrive late for your appointment, your pet’s treatment will be shortened to meet the scheduled completion time unless time is available to enable an extension.  If you arrive more than 10 minutes late for your appointment, we may need to reschedule the appointment and you will be charged the $50 Cancellation Fee payable within 30 days.

What kinds of payment do you accept?

IPC accepts Visa, MasterCard, personal checks and cash.   Payment is due at the time the service is rendered.

Do you accept pet health insurance?

Many pet health insurance companies will reimburse you directly for some of the treatments provided at IPC.  To find out what is covered, your best bet is to contact your pet health insurance directly.