Integrative veterinarian Carissa Hoffman is living her dream providing in-home rehabilitation therapy for pets.
Founding California Integrative Vet Services with husband, Nicholas, represents the fulfillment of a life goal, says Carissa, who envisioned a career working with animals while she was still in high school.
“I wanted to do this before I got into vet school,” she says, having gained experience in the field while working as an assistant to a mobile vet. “Now I’m here, and I’m really invested,” says Carissa, a California-licensed veterinarian (DVM), veterinary acupuncturist (CVA) and certified canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT). “My main goal with every pet is to find out what their best is and to maintain them there.”
Based in Moorpark and serving the surrounding areas, California Integrative Veterinary Services is dedicated to helping pets live their best lives. Here, Carissa shares more about the practice.
Q. What types of services do you provide?
A. We provide integrative veterinary medicine, including acupuncture, rehabilitative therapy, laser therapy and more.
Q. What does the initial consultation cover?
A. We begin with an integrative veterinary examination that includes Eastern and Western modalities along with a full orthopedic and neurological exam for a well-rounded examination to determine a customized treatment plan for your pet. With the owner present, I can actually show them and describe what I’m seeing. I try to explain everything, so they understand why I’m doing what I’m doing.
Q. What types of conditions do you treat?
A. We treat a wide range of conditions in pets of all ages, from injuries, pain issues, post-surgery recovery, chronic illnesses and more. We expand on the care your pet already receives from their primary veterinarian to get them feeling their best.
Q. What are some of the therapies offered?
A. We offer a range of therapies including the following:
· Veterinary rehabilitation exercises are customized to improve your pet’s comfort, joint mobility, muscle flexibility, strength and nerve function and range of motion.
· Laser therapy causes an endorphin release, vasodilation, muscle relaxation, decreased inflammation, faster wound healing and repair to improve their overall comfort and ability to heal.
· Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) reduces inflammation, improves circulation and cellular function to help heal injuries and reduce pain.
· Acupuncture involves customized treatment of multiple conditions through either traditional needles, electroacupuncture, laser acupuncture, aquapuncture or moxibustion.
· Supplements and herbs are customized to address specific issues.
· Mobility device consultations include recommendations for specific/specialized harnesses, carts, neurological training devices, braces, and specialized slings to make life easier for your pet.
· Pain medication consultations ensure your pet has appropriate pain control for their condition.
Q. What are the advantages of a mobile practice?
A. Most of the patients I work with have mobility issues so it’s extremely difficult for them to get around. In-home treatments reduce stress and help pets relax, allowing owners and their fur babies to work one-on-one with the veterinarian throughout the process.
Q. What do you enjoy most about your practice?
A. I just love that I can give these pets a chance to get better; I don’t just throw meds at them. There are a lot more options and the owners are a part of it. Having them involved helps the animals progress and heal faster.
Text or call 805.876.4625 to schedule an appointment or visit CalIntegrativeVet.com to learn more.
In-home treatments reduce stress and help pets relax.