Willowrun Veterinary Hospital

Special Services

Beyond the core offerings of our veterinary facility, we also offer a set of special veterinary services designed to give your pet the care they need in unique circumstances. From advanced forms of pain management and injury recovery to compassionate end-of-life care, we want to be there for your pet no matter what they need.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy is a promising treatment for pain management in companion animals. Using a low-level laser beam, cells in the body are stimulated to cue the natural healing process, reduce pain, improve mobility, and accelerate recovery.

The laser beam is directed at the area of concern on the pet's body and induces a process called photobiostimulation, which prompts a natural reaction to regenerate cells, improve blood circulation, and release endorphins. Together, these reactions allow a pet to heal faster with considerably less pain.

The benefits of laser therapy are impressive, including: pain relief, accelerated tissue repair, anti-inflammatory, increased metabolic activity, improved vascular activity, stimulation of acupuncture points, reduced fibrous tissue, immunoregulation, and improved nerve function.

All of the impressive benefits of laser therapy are achieved by a pain-free treatment approach without the use of drugs, anesthesia, or invasive procedures. Treatment takes less than ten minutes and, in our experiences, pets oftentimes enjoy the warming sensation of the laser. So much so, that some dogs will doze off and some cats will begin to purr. Clients often report significant improvement in their pets' condition after just one session.

A large majority of laser therapy treatments are for senior dogs and cats living with chronic arthritis. But, laser therapy is also highly successful in the treatment of conditions such as:

  • Chronic arthritis
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Inflammation
  • Post-surgical pain
  • Wounds and burns
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Oral pain associated with dental disease
  • Otitis (ear infections)
  • Lick granulomas

The above-mentioned conditions are the most common conditions laser therapy can assist with. However, because the treatment approach uses the body's natural healing mechanisms, laser therapy can help with almost all sources of pain in pets.

If you think your pet could benefit from laser therapy, do not hesitate to ask your veterinarian for their professional opinion. Likewise, call us right away if you are worried because your pet appears to be in pain.

End of Life Care

Euthanasia is a topic that carries many emotions with it. After a life filled with love and companionship, it is sometimes necessary to assist animals who are the victims of pain and chronic illness so that they will no longer experience hurt or discomfort. Our team is able to responsibly perform the act, and inform the decision with grace and knowledge.

Euthanasia is usually considered when the condition of the pet is not projected to improve, when they are in pain day-to-day, or when the resources necessary to prolong their life are not able to be acquired. This is no doubt a challenging decision to make. Before making the decision, it is very important to us that you are fully informed and able to make the wisest choice. If your pet can no longer experience things that bring them joy, cannot respond to affection or companionship in their usual ways, and feels frequent or extreme pain, then euthanasia might be the kindest and selfless decision to make.

Although the decision to euthanize a pet is a very personal one, you do not have to feel alone during the process. Our veterinarians will work with you to outline the options you have and explain the quality of life and expense associated with each.

We light a candle at the reception desk when a euthanasia is being performed to help create a more quiet and peaceful hospital setting. It often comforts people to know that the process is completely pain-free, and if they stay in the room petting and comforting their pet after the procedure, they usually pass in a peaceful state. Before the procedure, the veterinarian will administer a sedative so the pet feels relaxed and unafraid.

Grief is a natural emotion to feel after the loss of a pet. Should you need any assistance with the coping process, please let one of our team members know. We are here to help you heal.

Join the Willowrun Veterinary Hospital Family Today!

Located on S Brightleaf Blvd between E Wilson St and E Stevens St. Directly across from Harper's Flea Market Mall and next to The Mulch Yard.

Phone: 919-934-1504

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