My dog, Yeti, was an active, sweet and loving Lhasa Apso who I rescued from Lhasa Apso Rescue – Colorado in 2008. At the time, he was about one and half years old and a former show dog. He was born in the United Kingdom and owned by a very nice woman in Iowa who, sadly, passed away. Her last wish was that Yeti would go to rescue so that he could find a good home. I think she would be very happy with how things turned out because Yeti is the love of my life. And, although he still plays up his diva characteristics, he is one of the most loving little dogs I’ve ever had. He befriends everyone he meets: human, canine and feline.
In 2012 while I spent a few months on the East Coast, I removed a tick from Yeti’s body. They are prevalent more so there than here in Texas. It wasn’t until a routine blood test at the vet’s office revealed that he had Lyme Disease. I was shocked! Lyme Disease in dogs is contracted by ticks and can manifest itself into many different ailments. For him, joint pain was the biggest symptom to overcome. This once bouncy, loving dog was now limping and constantly licking his front legs, a sign of pain. He could no longer take walks with his Apso sister. He was put on a long course of antibiotics for his kidney and liver functions, but his pain needed to be managed. I often used Dog Gone Pain which seemed to help.
In early 2014 my veterinarian, Dr. Eric Schmeltzer of O’Connor Road Animal Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, referred me to a mobile acupuncturist, Dr. Kelly Avila with Mobile Veterinary Rehabilitation & Acupuncture Service (MVRAS) who offers in-home physical rehab and acupuncture services for cats and dogs. I contacted her and made an appointment.
Dr. Avila assessed Yeti’s pain, his regular routines and movement. I have to admit, I’ve never seen acupuncture therapy up close. I was amazed how she could distract Yeti with treats long enough for her to place the little needles down his spine and on his shoulders. He never knew he was actually being treated. After the needles were removed, she then began to use laser therapy all over his body, all the while dispensing treats so Yeti was distracted. Next, Yeti was given several different physical rehab exercises that would help him stretch and build strength in his muscles.
After a few weeks of the physical therapy techniques that Dr. Avila showed me and about 4 more sessions of acupuncture/laser therapy, he is doing magnificent! I haven’t had to use ANY pain medication for about 2 months. I still limit his walks because I don’t want to ruin any progress, but he’s doing so much better. Thanks to all the hard work on Yeti’s part and Dr. Avila’s expert knowledge and attention, he is finally back to being his bouncy, happy self.
Dr. Kelly Avila received her veterinary degree from Colorado State University (CSU) Veterinary School in 2002. She is certified in canine physical rehabilitation by the Canine Rehabilitation Institute. She is also certified in veterinary medical acupuncture by the Academy of Veterinary Medical Acupuncture affiliated with CSU. Dr. Avila received her MBA degree in 2010 from New Mexico State University.
