Pet Integrative Medicine
Discover integrative medicine at Pontchartrain Animal Hospital, combining Western and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine for holistic pet care.
Integrative Medicine at Pontchartrain Animal Hospital
Dr Kobe uses a combination of Conventional Medicine and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Her services include:
What is Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine?
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is a system for diagnosing and treating individuals that has been used in China for thousands of years. It is based on the belief that imbalances in the body lead to disease and that treating these imbalances is integral to treating disease.
Our Integrative Medicine Services
We offer a range of integrative therapies tailored to your pet’s needs:
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves the insertion of small, sterile needles into specific points on the body to cause a therapeutic effect. It is most commonly used for pain relief but can be useful in a variety of chronic conditions, including organ dysfunction! It can look like:
- Dry needling
- Aqua-acupuncture (injection of an acupuncture point)
- Electro-acupuncture (stimulation with electricity)
Most pets tolerate acupuncture very well. The goal is to provide a low-stress treatment, so we are always respectful of what an individual will tolerate.
Herbal Therapy
TCVM herbal therapy is more than selecting an herb to treat a symptom. It is usually a combination of herbs that treats the underlying imbalance in the body.
Herbal therapy has few side effects if the proper formula is chosen.
Food Therapy
TCVM food therapy uses whole foods to help correct an imbalance in an animal. Certain ingredients may be recommended or eliminated based on their energetics and what the individual needs.
Dr. Kobe does not formulate diets; however, she can direct you to certain ingredients or give you advice on how to get a nutritionally balanced diet for your pet.
Rehab Services
A personalized exercise program will be developed for your pet based on muscle mass, flexibility, gait, and painful areas. In addition to exercises, treatment in the clinic may include massage, joint mobilization, and muscle stretching.
Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy uses certain wavelengths of red light as treatment. It is most commonly used for pain, but is also beneficial for wound healing. Cold laser therapy is painless and very well tolerated.
Meet Dr. Rachel Kobe
Dr. Rachel Kobe grew up in Covington, and graduated from Louisiana State University Veterinary School in 2012. After graduation, she began general practice in Slidell.
After using integrative medicine for her own health, she officially enrolled in Chi University in 2021. She completed all the requirements to become a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist in 2022. She also has formal training in herbal therapy, food therapy, and rehab.
She is a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association and the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association.
She currently lives in Slidell with her husband (also a veterinarian!) and children. She also has 3 cats (Mogley, Franklin, and Eris) and 1 dog (Priya).