World-Class Veterinary Care
For the people and pets who deserve no less.
Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, resulting in a therapeutic effect. The effects of acupuncture include pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune system regulation.
How Long has Acupuncture Been Practiced?
Veterinary acupuncture has been practiced for at least 2000 years when the ancient Chinese people discovered 173 acupoints on animals. Within the last fifty years, interest in acupuncture has increased greatly in the United States.
What Diseases Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is indicated for a variety of diseases. One of the most common uses for acupuncture is pain management, especially as it relates to osteoarthritis. Acupuncture is also useful for treating neurological disorders, such as seizures, gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, behavioral disorders, and many other chronic conditions.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. There are minimal or no side effects associated with most acupuncture treatments. Rarely, bruising or local inflammation at the site of the needle insertion have been reported.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture is virtually painless. The insertion of the acupuncture needle may produce an energetic sensation, which some patients may find uncomfortable, but over 95% of patients are comfortable during their entire treatment. Some animals even fall asleep during acupuncture treatment.
How many Acupuncture Treatments are Needed?
The number of acupuncture treatments needed depends on the condition being treated, the duration of disease, and the age of the animal. Typically, at least three treatments are needed to observe the full effects of acupuncture.
Can Acupuncture Be Used with Modern Medicine?
Yes. Acupuncture can be used with modern medications and/or surgery. Some patients may benefit from the combination of acupuncture and modern treatment options, while the patients may only need acupuncture.
How Can Acupuncture and Physical Therapy Be Utilized Together?
Acupuncture and Physical Therapy can be utilized together to treat many different conditions. The most common conditions include osteoarthritis, back pain, and muscle soreness. Acupuncture will be useful to provide pain relief, while Physical Therapy can be used to strengthen muscles and improve body condition.
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, resulting in a therapeutic effect. The effects of acupuncture include pain relief, anti-inflammatory effects, and immune system regulation.
How Long has Acupuncture Been Practiced?
Veterinary acupuncture has been practiced for at least 2000 years when the ancient Chinese people discovered 173 acupoints on animals. Within the last fifty years, interest in acupuncture has increased greatly in the United States.
What Diseases Does Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture is indicated for a variety of diseases. One of the most common uses for acupuncture is pain management, especially as it relates to osteoarthritis. Acupuncture is also useful for treating neurological disorders, such as seizures, gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, behavioral disorders, and many other chronic conditions.
Is Acupuncture Safe?
Yes. There are minimal or no side effects associated with most acupuncture treatments. Rarely, bruising or local inflammation at the site of the needle insertion have been reported.
Is Acupuncture Painful?
Acupuncture is virtually painless. The insertion of the acupuncture needle may produce an energetic sensation, which some patients may find uncomfortable, but over 95% of patients are comfortable during their entire treatment. Some animals even fall asleep during acupuncture treatment.
How many Acupuncture Treatments are Needed?
The number of acupuncture treatments needed depends on the condition being treated, the duration of disease, and the age of the animal. Typically, at least three treatments are needed to observe the full effects of acupuncture.
Can Acupuncture Be Used with Modern Medicine?
Yes. Acupuncture can be used with modern medications and/or surgery. Some patients may benefit from the combination of acupuncture and modern treatment options, while the patients may only need acupuncture.
How Can Acupuncture and Physical Therapy Be Utilized Together?
Acupuncture and Physical Therapy can be utilized together to treat many different conditions. The most common conditions include osteoarthritis, back pain, and muscle soreness. Acupuncture will be useful to provide pain relief, while Physical Therapy can be used to strengthen muscles and improve body condition.
Behavioral Medicine
Dogs and cats have been known to exhibit a wide variety of behavioral problems that can be stressful
and worrisome to their owners. It is helpful to schedule a behavioral consultation with one of our veterinary doctors, who are experienced in behavioral medicine. Often, a combined approach – incorporating veterinary medical and behavioral medical knowledge, as well as applied animal behavior training – can successfully treat these conditions.
Here are some common problems our clients present to us:
For cats:
aggressive behavior (toward people or other animals), biting, marking, household destruction, scratching, spraying, excessive licking, litter box problems
For dogs:
chewing, barking, digging, elimination problems (from lack of proper housebreaking, anxiety, submission, noise phobias, territory marking, attention seeking), chasing, begging, jumping up on people, furniture, or objects; aggression (toward people or other animals), biting and self-injurious activity.
Older dogs:
separation anxiety, increased vocalizing, elimination problems, cognitive deficits, noise phobias, restless and disrupted sleep patterns, and physical discomfort resulting from arthritis, among others.
How we can help:
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your pet’s medical and behavioral history and – once a diagnosis has been reached – develop and execute a treatment plan. Recommendations will then be given to help you follow the plan at home. Your pet may or may not benefit from medication, but will certainly respond to behavioral modification. Throughout the process, we will be here to offer support and advice.
Here are some common problems our clients present to us:
For cats:
aggressive behavior (toward people or other animals), biting, marking, household destruction, scratching, spraying, excessive licking, litter box problems
For dogs:
chewing, barking, digging, elimination problems (from lack of proper housebreaking, anxiety, submission, noise phobias, territory marking, attention seeking), chasing, begging, jumping up on people, furniture, or objects; aggression (toward people or other animals), biting and self-injurious activity.
Older dogs:
separation anxiety, increased vocalizing, elimination problems, cognitive deficits, noise phobias, restless and disrupted sleep patterns, and physical discomfort resulting from arthritis, among others.
How we can help:
During your appointment, your doctor will discuss your pet’s medical and behavioral history and – once a diagnosis has been reached – develop and execute a treatment plan. Recommendations will then be given to help you follow the plan at home. Your pet may or may not benefit from medication, but will certainly respond to behavioral modification. Throughout the process, we will be here to offer support and advice.
Companion Therapy Laser
Laser Therapy Reduces Pain and Speeds Healing
Palm City Animal Medical Center is excited to offer our clients Companion Laser Therapy. Laser therapy provides a non-invasive, pain-free, surgery-free, drug-free treatment which is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with existing treatment protocols. Relief and/or improvement is often noticed within hours depending on the condition and your pet’s response. Whether your pet is rehabilitating from trauma or injury, healing from wounds, or simply aging, your companion can benefit from this innovative approach to treating pain.Applications for laser therapy include:
- Treatment of arthritis, degenerative joint disease, or hip dysplasia
- General pain management (sprains, strains, and stiffness)
- Post-surgery pain (spays, neuters, declaws, and other surgeries)
- Skin problems (hot spots, lick granulomas, infections)
- Dental procedures
- Fractures and wounds (bites, abrasions, and lesions)
- Ear infections
How does it work?
Laser therapy stimulates the body to heal from within. Non-thermal photons of light are administered to the body for about 3 to 8 minutes and absorbed by the injured cells. The cells are then stimulated and respond with a higher rate of metabolism. This results in relief from pain, increased circulation, reduced inflammation, and an acceleration of the healing process.
What can my pet expect during a laser therapy treatment session?
Simply put, it provides relief. As the laser is administered, your pet will relax and enjoy the treatment. The almost immediate relief of pain will allow your pet to be comfortable and any anxiety that your pet initially experiences will dissipate. Occasionally, angry cats will start to purr and canine companions will actually fall asleep during their therapy session. Frequently, after therapy, we hear: “He’s acting like a puppy again” or “She can actually jump onto the chair again.” Pain relief is provided in just a few minutes of therapy and that alone improves the quality of life for your companion.
What are the signs that my pet can benefit from Companion Laser Therapy?
Many of our laser therapy patients are older animals with musculoskeletal ailments. Some signs that your senior companion is experiencing pain or discomfort are:
- Abnormal sitting or lying posture
- Circling multiple times before lying down
- Restlessness
- Whining, groaning or other vocalizations
- Limping, unable to get up or lie down
- Difficulty getting into car or down stairs
- Lack of grooming
- Won’t wag tail
- Licking or biting area
- Lack of appetite
- Trembling
Contact our practice today to schedule an appointment or obtain additional information
Dental Care
Dental care for your pets is not a luxury: it’s care that enables them to eat well and maintain strong mouths and normal digestion over
time. Dental problems in pets are extremely common, but they’re easily prevented with regular care. And animals are not immune to the results of teeth or gum problems, although they may not show signs of discomfort. But they experience pain when their teeth or gums are deteriorating, just as people do.
That’s why regular professional cleaning is an important step in maintaining your pet's dental (and overall) health. Our doctors and their technician assistants are experts at providing dental care, and we use safe, modern ultrasound equipment to clean each tooth thoroughly - above and below the gum line. We keep your pets comfortable during their treatments, and the results of maintaining good dental health are dramatic and obvious.
During the cleaning and other dental procedures, your dental technicians assist your doctor, polishing your pet’s teeth to create a smooth tooth surface, making them more resistant to plaque buildup. We also provide fluoride treatments to help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. Palm City Animal Medical Center also provides advanced dental care, including root canals, caps, and braces.
Why do your pets need regular dental care?
Approximately 85% of dogs and cats have dental or periodontal disease. Even with diligent dental home care, most pets will require a professional dental cleaning at least once in their lifetime to remove tartar that has accumulated. While this process involves brief anesthesia, dental cleanings done in this way are safe and assure a thorough examination and cleaning of every tooth – both above and below the gums.
Periodontal disease in our pets develops much as it does in people, with bacteria accumulating on the teeth to form a sticky film called plaque. This infection spreads down the tooth and even below the gums. Gum tissues react to the infection, causing inflammation called gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and sometimes bleeding gums. Over time, if untreated, the plaque mineralizes and hardens to form tartar. Unchecked periodontal disease can lead to bad breath, bleeding gums, pain, infection, bone destruction, and even tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is not just about cosmetics or bad breath, however. Some studies even suggest that dental infections can result in serious infections in the heart, kidneys, and liver. Also, pain from dental disease can even lead to symptoms like aggression, depression, lethargy, and other behavioral problems.
Every pet is different and will have different needs, so consult with your veterinarian before beginning a home dental care regimen to supplement professional dental care. We encourage you to let us examine your pet every year to assess dental health so that disease can be identified early and treated appropriately. A proactive approach is certainly better than waiting until there is pain, infection, and tooth loss.
That’s why regular professional cleaning is an important step in maintaining your pet's dental (and overall) health. Our doctors and their technician assistants are experts at providing dental care, and we use safe, modern ultrasound equipment to clean each tooth thoroughly - above and below the gum line. We keep your pets comfortable during their treatments, and the results of maintaining good dental health are dramatic and obvious.
During the cleaning and other dental procedures, your dental technicians assist your doctor, polishing your pet’s teeth to create a smooth tooth surface, making them more resistant to plaque buildup. We also provide fluoride treatments to help strengthen enamel and reduce tooth sensitivity. Palm City Animal Medical Center also provides advanced dental care, including root canals, caps, and braces.
Why do your pets need regular dental care?
Approximately 85% of dogs and cats have dental or periodontal disease. Even with diligent dental home care, most pets will require a professional dental cleaning at least once in their lifetime to remove tartar that has accumulated. While this process involves brief anesthesia, dental cleanings done in this way are safe and assure a thorough examination and cleaning of every tooth – both above and below the gums.
Periodontal disease in our pets develops much as it does in people, with bacteria accumulating on the teeth to form a sticky film called plaque. This infection spreads down the tooth and even below the gums. Gum tissues react to the infection, causing inflammation called gingivitis. Symptoms of gingivitis include red, swollen, and sometimes bleeding gums. Over time, if untreated, the plaque mineralizes and hardens to form tartar. Unchecked periodontal disease can lead to bad breath, bleeding gums, pain, infection, bone destruction, and even tooth loss.
Periodontal disease is not just about cosmetics or bad breath, however. Some studies even suggest that dental infections can result in serious infections in the heart, kidneys, and liver. Also, pain from dental disease can even lead to symptoms like aggression, depression, lethargy, and other behavioral problems.
Every pet is different and will have different needs, so consult with your veterinarian before beginning a home dental care regimen to supplement professional dental care. We encourage you to let us examine your pet every year to assess dental health so that disease can be identified early and treated appropriately. A proactive approach is certainly better than waiting until there is pain, infection, and tooth loss.
Emergency & Critical Care
In an emergency, every second counts – and this is as true for animals as it is for people. We are equipped and trained
to handle virtually any pet emergency. We provide emergency care during regular business hours and on an on-call basis after hours. If this is an after hours emergency, contact us by calling 772-283-0920 and you will be connected with a veterinary professional who will determine the severity of your pets situation.
In a medical crisis, our experienced staff is backed by our mobile resuscitation unit, which is stocked and equipped to administer the “ABC’s” of basic life support – Airway, Breathing, Circulation/Cardiac compressions. Emergency care for your pets is offered during our regular business hours and we also utilize the services of a local, fully equipped emergency center when necessary.
It’s important for you to know that emergency care at Palm City Animal Medical Center doesn’t stop at 5:00 p.m. For after-hours emergency care, we always have a veterinary professional available for phone consults to determine the severity of your pet’s situation. They will assist you in determining if you can wait until the morning or need immediate assistance. Contact them at 772-283-0920
In a medical crisis, our experienced staff is backed by our mobile resuscitation unit, which is stocked and equipped to administer the “ABC’s” of basic life support – Airway, Breathing, Circulation/Cardiac compressions. Emergency care for your pets is offered during our regular business hours and we also utilize the services of a local, fully equipped emergency center when necessary.
It’s important for you to know that emergency care at Palm City Animal Medical Center doesn’t stop at 5:00 p.m. For after-hours emergency care, we always have a veterinary professional available for phone consults to determine the severity of your pet’s situation. They will assist you in determining if you can wait until the morning or need immediate assistance. Contact them at 772-283-0920
Hospice Care & Euthanasia Services
The relationship between you and your pet is a special one, and if you have to make the decision to say
goodbye to your long-time friend, it can be very painful. We understand.
This may be one of the most difficult decisions to make as a pet owner, and although it is a personal decision, it does not need to be made alone. Our medical and support team works with each of our clients to ensure that their pet's comfort and dignity is the first priority during this emotionally trying time. Our services include individual care of the remains as directed by the client. You can discuss options with your veterinarian regarding burial services, cremation, and other alternatives.
Careful planning and design went into our new facility to make the end-of-life experience more comforting for you and your pet. To ease the situation, we designed a Comfort Room with it’s own private entrance, enabling you to stay with your pet at the end, if that is your wish. And you will be able to leave the center without going through the lobby, as we want to safeguard your privacy. We also want you to have the option of memorializing your pet with a special brick in our Memorial Walkway.
Bereavement Counseling
Finally, please know that we are here to answer your questions and offer you our heartfelt support. When you lose a pet, it’s our loss, too. We get to know them over the years, and it’s always hard for us to know we won’t see them again. Let us be there for you. We offer Pet Bereavement Counseling with The Reverend Peggy Sheldon who has over 34 years of experience. Reverend Sheldon, one of the first ordained women in the country, graduated from the Shalem Institute in Washington, where she was trained as a Spiritual Director. She has served congregations in Michigan and Florida, and most recently has served as an Assisting Priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
This may be one of the most difficult decisions to make as a pet owner, and although it is a personal decision, it does not need to be made alone. Our medical and support team works with each of our clients to ensure that their pet's comfort and dignity is the first priority during this emotionally trying time. Our services include individual care of the remains as directed by the client. You can discuss options with your veterinarian regarding burial services, cremation, and other alternatives.
Careful planning and design went into our new facility to make the end-of-life experience more comforting for you and your pet. To ease the situation, we designed a Comfort Room with it’s own private entrance, enabling you to stay with your pet at the end, if that is your wish. And you will be able to leave the center without going through the lobby, as we want to safeguard your privacy. We also want you to have the option of memorializing your pet with a special brick in our Memorial Walkway.
Bereavement Counseling
Finally, please know that we are here to answer your questions and offer you our heartfelt support. When you lose a pet, it’s our loss, too. We get to know them over the years, and it’s always hard for us to know we won’t see them again. Let us be there for you. We offer Pet Bereavement Counseling with The Reverend Peggy Sheldon who has over 34 years of experience. Reverend Sheldon, one of the first ordained women in the country, graduated from the Shalem Institute in Washington, where she was trained as a Spiritual Director. She has served congregations in Michigan and Florida, and most recently has served as an Assisting Priest at St. Mary’s Episcopal Church.
Nutritional Counseling
The road to a healthy life for pets – just as for people – begins with the foods they eat. Providing a
balanced diet for your pet during all ages and stages of life is important for securing proper nutrition and a higher quality of life for your pet. Our staff will assist you in determining the best selections for your animal. We have a wide range of medically based foods and supplements for pets that require special diets – a big help for aging animals and those with delicate health conditions.
Click on the link below for valuable coupons from:
Hill's Pet Nutrition
Click on the link below for valuable coupons from:
Hill's Pet Nutrition
Internal Medicine
We have a medical team of doctors and technicians that many consider to be among the best along the Treasure
Coast. We cover all areas of internal medicine including cardiology, ophthalmology, neurology, dermatology, gastroenterology, orthopedic surgery, oncology, and endocrinology to name a few.
Since Palm City Animal Medical Center opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art facility in January, clients and members of the community have been impressed with the many new features and resources at the facility – from the CT scan machine to the luxury boarding suites.
Since Palm City Animal Medical Center opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art facility in January, clients and members of the community have been impressed with the many new features and resources at the facility – from the CT scan machine to the luxury boarding suites.
Leading Edge Diagnostic
Palm City Animal Medical Center utilizes the latest technology in Computerized Tomography (CT Scan), Endoscopy, Ultrasound, Digital Radiography and comprehensive Physical Therapy to diagnose and treat your pet. Our in house laboratory provides quick and accurate results, which allows us to proceed with the diagnosis and treatment in a timely manner.
Microchipping
Microchips have helped reunite thousands of pets with their families. A microchip is a small ‘chip’ implanted
just under the skin of your pet that can be easily scanned by most animal hospitals and shelters when the ownership of an animal is in question. Palm City Medical Center offers the most widely used microchip products to increase the chances of a safe recovery no matter where your pet may be found.
Onsite Pharmacy
Our team knows that immediate, convenient access to therapeutic and preventive medicine for your pet is helpful
and appreciated. We stock a wide range of the best veterinary drugs in the animal healthcare field, ensuring that your animal will receive and begin their recommended medications in a timely manner. We offer a fully stocked department with all medications and supplies utilized in a full service veterinary medical hospital. Whether your pet needs preventive treatment or is recovering from a skin condition, an illness, an injury, or a surgical procedure, we have the equipment and medications your pet needs in order to achieve his or her optimal potential.
Another advantage of buying from your veterinarian are rebates and coupons for medications such as:
Informative Articles:
Is It Better To Buy From the Internet?Another advantage of buying from your veterinarian are rebates and coupons for medications such as:
Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
Physical therapy in veterinary medicine has added a whole new dimension to treating and helping animals, and the medical
and tech team at Palm City Animal Medical Center believes that seeing the impact of PT on healing animals is one of the most exciting aspects of practicing veterinary medicine. Whether your pet is suffering from arthritis, back problems, fatigue, or pain… or healing from joint or bone surgery or a myriad of other physical conditions… physical therapy can help alleviate your animal’s pain and facilitate the journey toward wellness and the capacity to live the fullest life possible.
Dr. Darryl Millis, a veterinary professor of orthopedic surgery, and Dr. David Levine, a professor in physical therapy, pioneered the field of veterinary physical therapy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in the early 2000s. Dr. Rex Sentell was impressed with the research and studies conducted and decided to undertake the certification course taught at the UT by Dr. Millis and Dr. Levine. That training enabled him to learn the research-based science that has shaped the sub-specialty of physical therapy in animals. He also learned the methods and techniques proven most effective in the treatment of animals.
By carefully assessing your pet’s condition and determining which combination of the many treatment techniques we have at our disposal will be most beneficial, we have been able to design treatment plans that have helped hundreds of animals.
Palm City Animal Medical Center has been at the forefront of animal physical therapy on the Treasure Coast, and continuously incorporates innovative techniques that have proven to be beneficial. As a result, we offer an impressive range of physical therapy treatment plans and regimens for your pet. By carefully assessing your pet’s condition and determining which combination of the many treatment techniques we have at our disposal will be most beneficial, we have been able to design treatment plans that have helped hundreds of animals. We use hydrotherapy, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, cryotherapy, massage therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and/or exercise, and other treatments that help relieve your pet’s pain, improve their range of motion, and expand their overall physical potential and level of comfort.
Dr. Darryl Millis, a veterinary professor of orthopedic surgery, and Dr. David Levine, a professor in physical therapy, pioneered the field of veterinary physical therapy at the University of Tennessee (UT) in the early 2000s. Dr. Rex Sentell was impressed with the research and studies conducted and decided to undertake the certification course taught at the UT by Dr. Millis and Dr. Levine. That training enabled him to learn the research-based science that has shaped the sub-specialty of physical therapy in animals. He also learned the methods and techniques proven most effective in the treatment of animals.
By carefully assessing your pet’s condition and determining which combination of the many treatment techniques we have at our disposal will be most beneficial, we have been able to design treatment plans that have helped hundreds of animals.
Palm City Animal Medical Center has been at the forefront of animal physical therapy on the Treasure Coast, and continuously incorporates innovative techniques that have proven to be beneficial. As a result, we offer an impressive range of physical therapy treatment plans and regimens for your pet. By carefully assessing your pet’s condition and determining which combination of the many treatment techniques we have at our disposal will be most beneficial, we have been able to design treatment plans that have helped hundreds of animals. We use hydrotherapy, laser therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, cryotherapy, massage therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and/or exercise, and other treatments that help relieve your pet’s pain, improve their range of motion, and expand their overall physical potential and level of comfort.
Surgery
Our staff acknowledges that even with regular medical and preventative care, there may be illnesses or injuries where more advanced treatments are necessary. We pride ourselves on the advanced surgical technology available at Palm City Animal Medical Center and the training we go through to stay current with the best medical techniques. In addition to surgeries needed as a result of illness or injury, we are also able to provide colonoscopies, laser-based procedures, and other special procedures that enable us to optimize your pet’s care and wellbeing. We also offer orthopedic procedures including cranial cruciate repair.
We understand that surgery is not the easiest experience for you, your pet, or your family, which is why we ensure you will be provided with a thorough understanding of the procedure as well as proper post-surgery care so you can feel comfortable making decisions for your animal.
All patients are carefully screened for safety, and anesthetics are individually tailored to your pet. Our surgical services and facilities include a fully-trained veterinary and technical staff that will ensure the safest, most efficient and state-of-the-art procedures for your pet. During surgery, our staff utilizes heated surgery tables for greater animal comfort, advanced sterilization techniques, and ECG and oxygen saturation monitors. We utilize warming pads and barer huggers to maintain our patient’s temperature during surgery. Following an operation, our staff offers intensive after surgery care and full blood testing to monitor the health of your pet.
We understand that surgery is not the easiest experience for you, your pet, or your family, which is why we ensure you will be provided with a thorough understanding of the procedure as well as proper post-surgery care so you can feel comfortable making decisions for your animal.
All patients are carefully screened for safety, and anesthetics are individually tailored to your pet. Our surgical services and facilities include a fully-trained veterinary and technical staff that will ensure the safest, most efficient and state-of-the-art procedures for your pet. During surgery, our staff utilizes heated surgery tables for greater animal comfort, advanced sterilization techniques, and ECG and oxygen saturation monitors. We utilize warming pads and barer huggers to maintain our patient’s temperature during surgery. Following an operation, our staff offers intensive after surgery care and full blood testing to monitor the health of your pet.
ICU Oxygen Kennel
We added a new state of the art Oxygen Intensive Care Unit! The unit has blue light therapy that is animal safe for disinfection while pets are receiving oxygen therapy.
Built-in medical nebulizer to reduce stress while patients are receiving treatment. Internal A/C unit to easily maintain temperature for pets comfort.
Oxygenator dedicated to unit for constant oxygen supply.
