For many of us, our pets are more than our best friends; they are a part of our family, and we want only the best for them. Pets are living longer lives, and here at VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital, we recognize the importance of preventive health care and age-related medical conditions. With that reasoning, we have decided to expand our services to offer a more varied scope of Veterinary Medicine.  Our clients are now able to choose from acupuncture and herbal therapeutic medicine, therapeutic laser Treatments and exotic and avian pet care. 

It is with the addition of our newest doctor, Dr. Qiang Li, that beginning in September, we will be offering the service of acupuncture and herbal medicine.  Acupuncture is an ancient form of medical treatment, and is frequently used in companion animal species such as the horse, dog and cat. Most animals tolerate the treatments very well. In veterinary medicine, there is evidence of the success of acupuncture for treating disorders of the reproductive, musculoskeletal, neurologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal and dermatologic systems. The most common conditions that are treated include traumatic nerve injuries, intervertebral disk disease, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy and other central nervous system disorders. It may also be used to treat asthma, allergic dermatitis, lick granulomas, and chronic pain such as that caused by degenerative joint disease. Acupuncture stimulates healing of some conditions, and provides effective pain relief in others. If properly applied, it may eliminate the need for surgery in certain conditions. Following surgery, it can improve the patients’ comfort level and speed up the post-operative recovery period. In some cases, it may reduce or eliminate the need for chronic medication. If you are interested in our acupuncture services, please contact VCA Castle Shannon to set up an appointment with Dr. Li.

Therapeutic laser therapy is the application of light energy to areas of the body to stimulate healing and relieve pain.  The most common applications for therapeutic laser include: joint and muscular sprain/strain, osteoarthritis, post-operative application around incisions and wounds to stimulate and accelerate healing and any situation in which the pet is experiencing musculoskeletal pain.  Most patients receive therapeutic laser treatments two to five times per week for several weeks. Acute issues are generally treated more frequently but over a shorter time frame, while chronic conditions tend to be treated less frequently but for a longer overall time frame. Therapeutic laser treatment appointments are available all week long and can be purchased in affordable multi-use packages for your pet. If you are interested in discussing this service, please contact Dr. Lopez.

We also are pleased to provide Veterinary Care for your exotic and avian pets with the addition of our internship-trained veterinarian, Dr. Gabby Schrader. The medical care and treatment of avian and exotic pets is a discipline that requires a broad and extensive depth of knowledge as symptoms and conditions vary dramatically across every species.  Dr. Schrader can provide primary care examinations and preventive medicine, and help answer any questions about your exotic pet’s husbandry, health, and nutrition. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Schrader, please call VCA Castle Shannon.

While we continue to be a 24-hour Emergency and General Practice Hospital, we know that people’s lives are hectic at times and weekend hours are more convenient.  That is why we also have expanded our hours to include Wellness Clinic hours on the last Sunday of every month. Between the hours of 9am-12pm you will be able to get your pet’s yearly exam, blood chemistries, and vaccines.  In addition, Dr. Lopez and Dr. Bogunjoko are available to make recommendations specifically for you pet, on parasite prevention, nutrition, and dental care.  You will be able to get vaccines 50% off regular price with the purchase of a physical health exam. Please call and make an appointment for one of Wellness clinics.

With the knowledge of our expert veterinarians at VCA Castle Shannon Animal Hospital, we can help you address the specialized care you need and provide the products and resources your pet.  The importance of pets maintaining a healthy lifestyle starts here at VCA Castle Shannon and begins with the message of enjoyable visits for all pets. Come see us today!

We are nose-to-tail full of excitement about the additions at VCA Castle Shannon!!