Veterinary Alternatives

Business Details

15 Years

experience

Integrative Veterinary Care for Small Animals in Centerville, OH

Veterinary Alternatives specializes in integrative veterinary medicine for small animals, combining acupuncture, physical rehabilitation, underwater treadmill therapy, and Chinese herbal medicine. Established in 2011, our practice focuses on personalized care, listening closely to pet owners to address individual needs. Our team includes a certified veterinary acupuncturist, a treadmill specialist, and dedicated assistants who prioritize improving pets' quality of life through non-invasive therapies.

We serve the Dayton/Cincinnati/Columbus areas, offering tailored treatment plans for senior pets, post-surgical recovery, and performance animals. Our approach emphasizes physical and cardiovascular endurance while maintaining a small, client-focused practice environment.

Services

Veterinary Acupuncture Physical Rehabilitation Underwater Treadmill Therapy Herbal Medicine Laser Therapy Orthotic Bracing Harness Fitting Cart Wheelchairs

Details

Year established: 2011

Highlights and features

We are one of the few practices in the Dayton/Cincinnati/Columbus area offering comprehensive integrative therapies.
Our team includes a certified veterinary acupuncturist and canine rehabilitation specialist.
Personalized treatment plans tailored to each pet's unique needs.
Proven success in improving mobility and quality of life for senior and post-surgical pets.
Compassionate, client-focused approach with over a decade of combined team experience.

What people say

Amazing team Compassionate care Improved mobility Skilled veterinarian Best investment

Website

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Services

Veterinary Acupuncture

Veterinary acupuncture uses thin needles to stimulate healing points, treating conditions like osteoarthritis and neurological disorders. This ancient practice improves circulation and reduces pain while addressing systemic health. Our certified practitioners tailor sessions to each pet's needs, often combining treatments with laser therapy for enhanced results. Most animals tolerate sessions well, showing visible relaxation during 30-40 minute appointments.

Physical Rehabilitation

Our physical rehabilitation programs combine manual therapy, exercise, and advanced modalities to restore mobility after surgery or injury. Certified specialists develop customized plans for orthopedic recovery, senior fitness, and performance enhancement. Treatments include balance training, heat/cold therapy, and targeted exercises to rebuild strength and coordination in dogs and cats.

Underwater Treadmill Therapy

Underwater treadmill sessions use water buoyancy to improve gait patterns while reducing joint stress. This therapy strengthens muscles and cardiovascular systems for post-surgical patients, arthritic pets, and performance animals. Supervised by our specialist, sessions start at 10 minutes and gradually increase duration based on individual progress and comfort levels.

Herbal Medicine

Chinese and Western herbal formulations complement conventional treatments for chronic conditions and internal medicine issues. Sourced from reputable suppliers, these plant-based remedies address inflammation, digestive issues, and immune support with minimal side effects. Our practitioners carefully integrate herbs with pharmaceutical medications for holistic treatment approaches.

Laser Therapy

Therapeutic laser applications use specific wavelengths to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue healing. This non-invasive modality treats acute injuries, chronic pain, and post-surgical swelling by stimulating cellular repair processes. Sessions are often combined with acupuncture for comprehensive pain management in pets with musculoskeletal or neurological conditions.

People

Dr. Julie Servaites

Veterinarian

Dr. Julie Servaites earned her veterinary degree from Atlantic Veterinary College in 2008. Certified in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and canine rehabilitation, she specializes in integrative therapies for mobility improvement. With over a decade of experience, she focuses on senior pet care and performance animal conditioning while serving on the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians board.

Cathy Derrico

Treadmill Specialist

Cathy Derrico holds a Master's in Microbiology and has specialized in canine physical rehabilitation since 2015. As our underwater treadmill manager, she combines scientific expertise with hands-on care to develop effective aquatic therapy programs. Her background in zoology and microbiology enhances her understanding of rehabilitation science and patient recovery processes.

Susan Servaites

Office Manager

Susan Servaites brings extensive administrative experience from her 34-year civil service career. Managing front-desk operations and clinic finances, she ensures smooth practice management while providing compassionate client support. Her organizational skills maintain efficient scheduling and client communication for our small but dedicated team.

Chelsea

Veterinary Assistant

Chelsea joined our team in 2021 with a Zoology degree from Miami University. Certified in dog training, she assists with patient care and clinic organization while applying her animal rescue expertise. Her background in environmental science complements our holistic approach to pet wellness and rehabilitation support.

Questions

What happens during the first visit?

The initial consultation includes a detailed history review, physical examination, and customized treatment plan development. Your pet will receive acupuncture or rehabilitation therapy during the first appointment.

How often should pets receive treatment?

Treatment frequency varies by condition but typically starts weekly, spacing out as pets show improvement based on individual response assessments.

Are there side effects?

Most pets experience mild fatigue or increased energy. Herbal treatments may cause temporary digestive changes that we address through dosage adjustments.

How do animals respond to acupuncture?

90% of patients relax during sessions, with many dozing off. Treatments last 30-40 minutes and often combine multiple therapeutic modalities.

What conditions do you treat?

We effectively address osteoarthritis, neurological issues, post-surgical recovery, allergies, cancer support, and chronic illnesses through integrative approaches.

Should pets take pain medication before appointments?

Follow your primary vet's protocol. Continuing medication helps us accurately assess your pet's condition during evaluations.

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Reviews (7)

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Jenet Mullins

Mar 17, 2022 Report

Caring, available, open to discussion, the perfect Veterinarian office for people who want treatment to be more than just drugs. Bingo and Boomer resting comfortably after Dr. Sue's adjustments.

Kathreen Magnusson

Dec 25, 2021 Report

Wonderful, absolutely wonderful! I have a 7 month old exotic short hair that was born with a genetic defect of her hind legs. She's unable to walk but I'm optimistic that Dr. Julie can help! This is the first time I've tried alternative medicine but I'm willing to try anything to give her the best quality of life! I would recommend this hospital for any pet that needs a little extra care!

Rochelle Wood

Mar 17, 2021 Report

I called to make an appointment as a new patient for my 9yr old dog with a heart murmur. I was told to fill out a new patient form. I filled out the form and called back to make my appointment. I was trying to make an appointment before I needed to be back at work. I was told someone would call me. I called back the next day and it was verified they received my form. Again someone would call me. Called next day and my form was sent to someone in therapy, I think.

So after 3 calls and waiting 5 days I am really disappointed after so many wonderful reviews. If they were not able to help my dog or if they were not taking new patients, it would have been nice to know.

Rochelle Wood

Jan 08, 2021 Report

Veterinary Alternatives, the only reason I can think of that you would LIE about telling me that you were not accepting new patients is that you are trying to make up for not responding and returning my calls. I was trying to make an appointment for a 2nd opinion for my dog's heart murmur for possible natural options instead of prescribed medications. If you would have told me that I would be placed on a waiting list, I would not have called and wondered why no one was calling me back. I would never have expected to be placed above anyone else on the your waiting list. I stand by my original review. You are right, I will find another Holistic Veterinarian.

Holly Harlow

Oct 28, 2020 Report

It was a great experience. This was the first time here and everyone was super friendly and did a great job explaining to me what was going on with my pup! Thank you!

Susan McSherry

May 03, 2020 Report

They offer accupuncture and cold laser treatments that work wonders for my aging dog who has some arthritis. She loves to go there and starts to cry as soon as we enter the parking lot. She is also given herbal remedies to support liver health and to heal skin wounds. I feel very lucky to have this service in my own neighborhood.

Kevin Clay

Mar 05, 2020 Report

Dr. Julie is the epitome of professionalism! We just adore her. She's brilliant, and thorough, and GENUINELY caring. We are thrilled with the treatment she is giving to our lil guy, Oliver. Being a mini doxie, he doesn't like most people because he's so protective of us, but he LOVES his Dr. Julie. Thank God she chose the career she did. Great practice! Thank you!