If you thought veterinary medicine was just about check-ups and vaccines, prepare to be amazed. Dr. Erica Dunphy is a certified powerhouse in veterinary rehabilitation and integrated medicine, dedicated to helping pets live their happiest, healthiest lives, even when facing significant challenges.

Dr. Dunphy’s path to becoming a leader in pet rehabilitation is as unique as the treatments she provides. After graduating from the University of New England and venturing to vet school in the Caribbean, she honed her skills across the country, eventually landing in Columbia, SC. Her passion for finding “something else we can do” for pets with chronic conditions led her to pursue extensive certifications.

Today, Dr. Dunphy is a:

• Certified Veterinary Medical Manipulation Practitioner (CVMMP)
• Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA)
• Certified Canine Rehab Practitioner (CCRP)

What is Veterinary Rehabilitation?

You might be familiar with physical therapy for humans, and pet rehabilitation isn’t so different! It’s about restoring function, reducing pain, and improving the quality of life for animals recovering from injury, surgery, or managing chronic conditions like arthritis.

At CVETS, Dr. Dunphy utilizes a range of state-of-the-art tools:

• Class IV Laser Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses light energy to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. It’s like giving your pet’s body a boost to heal itself more efficiently.
• Hydrotherapy (Underwater Treadmill): Imagine a low-impact workout in water! The underwater treadmill provides buoyancy, reducing stress on joints while allowing pets to rebuild muscle strength and improve mobility without the full impact of gravity. It’s especially beneficial for post-operative recovery or older pets with arthritis.
• PulseVet Shockwave Therapy: One of Dr. Dunphy’s personal favorites, this therapy uses sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues, promoting healing in bones, tendons, and joints. It can offer long-lasting pain relief, sometimes up to nine months, with just a few treatments.

The Power of Integrated Medicine

Dr. Dunphy is a firm believer in integrated medicine, which combines conventional treatments with complementary therapies like acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments, and herbal remedies. This personalized approach ensures each pet receives a tailored plan that considers their overall health, not just a single ailment.

“It’s about trying to figure out the ways to help the conventional medicine work better and more effectively with minimal side effects,” she explains. This collaborative approach means CVETS doctors often consult with Dr. Dunphy to create comprehensive treatment plans that support a pet’s entire well-being, even when managing complex conditions like heart disease alongside kidney issues.

Looking Ahead: Alpha Flare and Game-Changing Therapies

What excites Dr. Dunphy most about the future of veterinary rehabilitation? The groundbreaking Alpha Flare treatment. This innovative therapy, derived from cord blood and placentas, uses potent anti-inflammatories and tissue growth factors to promote healing and regenerate new, healthy cartilage—not just scar tissue!

CVETS is currently involved in a study using Alpha Flare for TPLO surgeries, with early results showing incredible promise for faster recovery and preventing arthritis. “Nothing but impressed,” says Dr. Dunphy about its ability to resolve lameness in just days and dramatically accelerate bone healing. This could be a true game-changer for surgical cases!

Is Rehab Right for Your Pet? Signs to Look For

How do you know if your furry friend could benefit from rehabilitation? Dr. Dunphy advises owners to watch for subtle signs:

• Slow to get up in the morning or stiffness
• Reduced activity levels
• A slight decrease in appetite
• Difficulty with stairs or jumping
• Changes in gait or lameness

Even simple at-home exercises, like having your dog eat with a foot on a step or standing on a couch cushion, can help strengthen their core and improve stability!

Connect with CVETS for Your Pet’s Health

We hope this episode with Dr. Erica Dunphy has opened your eyes to the incredible world of veterinary rehabilitation and integrative medicine available right here in Columbia, SC. Her dedication to providing comprehensive, compassionate, and cutting-edge care truly makes a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

Want to learn more about the specialized services Dr. Dunphy and the entire team offer? Visit CVETS.com today!