Service

Integrative Medicine

A Personalized Approach to Whole-Pet Health

At Wickham Animal Hospital, we believe the best medicine often comes from combining the strengths of traditional veterinary care with evidence-informed complementary therapies. Integrative medicine focuses on treating the whole patient—not just a diagnosis—by considering your pet’s physical health, comfort, mobility, nutrition, and overall quality of life.

Integrative therapies can be used alongside conventional treatments to help support:

Arthritis and mobility concerns
Chronic pain
Neurologic conditions
Recovery after surgery or injury
Senior pet wellness
Digestive and immune support
Cancer care support
Anxiety and stress management
Long-term management of chronic disease

Every treatment plan is tailored to your individual pet because no two patients—and no two journeys to wellness—are exactly alike.

SERVICES

ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture is a time-honored medical technique that involves stimulating specific points on the body to encourage healing, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and help relieve pain. Many pets find treatments relaxing, and some even fall asleep during their sessions.

Acupuncture may benefit pets experiencing:

Arthritis and joint pain
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Neurologic disorders
Mobility difficulties
Recovery from orthopedic injuries
Chronic pain conditions
Certain gastrointestinal or respiratory disorders

Traditional Needle Acupuncture
Very fine, sterile needles are placed at specific acupuncture points to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes.

Aquapuncture (Hydroacupuncture)
A small amount of sterile fluid, such as vitamin B12 or saline, is injected into acupuncture points. This provides prolonged stimulation and can be especially helpful for some chronic conditions or for pets who benefit from longer-lasting effects between treatments.

Laser Acupuncture
For pets who dislike needles or for sensitive areas of the body, therapeutic laser energy can be used to stimulate acupuncture points without needle placement.

Acupressure
Gentle finger pressure is applied to specific acupuncture points to encourage relaxation and support healing. Acupressure techniques can often be taught to pet owners to continue supportive care at home.

THERAPEUTIC LASER

Therapeutic laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular healing and reduce inflammation. This non-invasive treatment can help decrease pain, improve circulation, and accelerate tissue repair.

Laser therapy may be beneficial for:

Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
Back and neck pain
Soft tissue injuries
Post-operative recovery
Wound healing
Ear and skin inflammation
Chronic pain management

Most treatments are painless, well tolerated, and only take a few minutes.

MEDICINAL MUSHROOMS

Certain medicinal mushrooms have been used for centuries to support immune function and overall wellness. Modern veterinary medicine is increasingly exploring their role as supportive therapy for a variety of conditions.

Depending on your pet’s individual needs, mushroom therapy may be considered to help support:

Immune health
Senior pet wellness
Cancer support and quality of life
Cognitive function
Recovery and resilience during chronic illness

Commonly used medicinal mushrooms may include turkey tail, reishi, lion’s mane, cordyceps, and maitake.

Mushroom therapy is never intended to replace conventional treatment but may serve as an additional tool in a comprehensive care plan.

HERBAL MEDICINE

Veterinary herbal medicine uses carefully selected plant-based therapies to help support the body’s natural healing abilities. Herbal therapies are individualized and prescribed based on your pet’s unique needs and medical history.

Herbal medicine may be used to support:

Arthritis and mobility
Digestive health
Skin conditions
Anxiety and stress
Respiratory concerns
Kidney and liver support
Senior pet wellness

Because herbs can interact with medications or underlying conditions, all herbal recommendations are made under veterinary supervision.

NUTRITIONAL COUNSELING

Nutrition plays an essential role in every aspect of health. Whether your pet is managing a chronic condition, recovering from illness, or simply striving for optimal wellness, diet can make a meaningful difference.