D.V.M.
Chicago
(773) 267-9966
Alternative Medicine and Veterinary Acupuncture, Integrative Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation, Herbal Medicine
www.RoyalTreatmentVetSpa.com
Pointvet@aol.com

Services

Describe your services:
We are a specialty veterinary practice available by referral from your regular veterinarian. We believe that animals can benefit fro a comprehensive and integrative approach to their medical care. Working with veterinarians and other specialists, we strive to improve and extend the quality of life for your pet. We combine traditional western medicine with alternative medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, nutrition, supplements and herbal medicine. Many of our patients come to us initially for musculoskeletal problems and stay with us as consultants for alternative medicine. We have a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill for therapeutic uses and conditioning. We rely on our professional expertise, extensive experience, empathetic and enthusiastic practitioners to define the best treatment for the patient and the owner to follow.

How does your healing modality work?
Animals are individually assessed for any health, nutrition, mobility or behavioral issues. Dr. Royal may recommend any combination of alternative modalities (acupuncture, underwater treadmill, therapeutic ultrasound, exercise, nutrition changes, supplements, herbal medicine, massage or other modalities) and/or possible return to western medical veterinarians for further treatment. When an animal comes under our care, our comprehensive approach can decrease pain, increase mobility, invigorate health, and improve energy. As chronic care practitioners owners can regularly consult with us about the care of their pets.

How do you see your services evolving over the next three years?
We hope to continue providing quality care for our patients, and increasingly provide workshops and classes to educate owners and veterinary health practitioners about the benefits of an integrative approach and specifically our modalities (acupuncture, underwater treadmill, herbs, etc.)
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Benefits

What are the benefits/results people see?
We see arthritic animals that have been unable to go up stairs or play with toys that return to these activities after having acupuncture and/or using the underwater treadmill. We see animals that have been unable to walk – due to trauma or disc disease or other illnesses – regain their mobility after our therapies. Animals that are recovering from orthopedic surgical procedures benefit from the conditioning we provide and decrease the risk of further injury through our treatments. Animals with chronic illnesses – allergies, kidney disease, epilepsy and many more have found relief and improvement in their conditions and energy through our treatments. We also help working animals improve their stamina and endurance and reduce the risks strain or injury with proper conditioning.

Why do people come to see you?
Veterinarians recommend us because we can provide insights into alternative medicine that regular veterinarians do not have. Owners come to us for the same reason. In our practice they find find a professional who will carefully assess the needs of their pet in the most comprehensive way. They are looking for someone who can expertly determine the effectiveness and safety of alternative practices and medicines for each animal. We are comfortable incorporating traditional medical therapies with our treatment protocols as needed. In all of this, we pride ourselves on not losing sight of our common sense and practicality. We try to find the balance between all that can be done and what really should be done – depending on the individual needs of the animal and the owner.

Who is an ideal client?
Anyone who wants to address their pet’s health in an integrated way. My clients are an amazing and widely varied group of people who keep me thinking, active and energized about what I do.

What makes you different/good at what you do?
As a veterinarian, I have many years of experience in western medicine, emergency medicine, surgery and chronic care which I combine with my years of experience as an alternative practitioner in acupuncture, herbal medicine, and physical medicine and rehabilitation. I have worked for many years at the Veterinary Specialty Center overseeing cases in Therapet, the alternative specialty for the Center. We work together with the specialists there to provide an integrative approach to healing, incorporating alternative practice into their therapeutic protocols. I work well with other practitioners. I am a published researcher, studied chemistry and nutrition in college, and developed my communication skills as an English major as well. I have been trained to work with many species of animals, including exotics and zoo animals and consult with the local zoos for alternative treatments on their animals. I have a strong success record with my patients, and am as fiercely loyal to them as they are to me. Most of my patients are referred to me by word-of-mouth recommendations from other clients. I feel very lucky to do what I love every day. I think that shows.
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Philosophy/Approach

Describe your healing philosophy:
My feeling about medicine is that I will use anything in my power to keep an animal from suffering or discomfort. I integrate the teachings I received in Chinese and herbal medicine with my traditional schooling, with my training in physical therapy. I will consider ALL options for every patient. I work well with other professionals and understand that healing is a combined effort that requires energy, attention to detail, and empathy. I believe it is essential for what I do to keep informed about western and alternative medicine, be open to suggestions from many sources, and to constantly keep the well-being of the patient foremost in my thoughts.

Describe your style or approach:
My style is very professional, but personal, with a hint of humor and a strong dose of common sense. Working with animals does not allow for any subterfuge. They are more quickly aware of our intentions than we are. I believe I am good at communicating with clients and their pets on many levels. I am straightforward, practical and honest. I am somewhat (very?) opinionated but willing to take suggestions. I am not shy about saying and acting on what I think, and I think both animals and clients appreciate this honesty.

Why do you do what you do?
When I finished veterinary school, I felt I had learned everything I needed to know to heal animals. After just 2 years of practice, I became frustrated by the limitations I saw in western medicine. There were so many cases in which medicines were not helpful, contraindicated or not tolerated. I was left without any means to relieve my patients of their discomfort or pain. I had heard about acupuncture and decided to take the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society’s course. When they told me on the first day of the course that it would change my life, I thought they were exaggerating. They were not. I was hooked on alternative medicine. I saw successes right from the start. I decided to become as confident and experienced with alternative medicine as I was with western medicine. So I continued my education in herbal medicine (Chinese and Western) and physical therapy. I couldn’t be happier. It feels like I am now able to be not just a doctor but a healer.
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Education/Background

Education/Training:
University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine – DVM, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society – Acupuncture, University of Tennessee for physical therapy, Tufts University for Chinese and Western herbal medicine.

Years Professionally Practicing:
12

Contributions/Publications:
Dr. Royal writes a regular Pet Rx column for the Pioneer Press and is a regular contributer to the Greyhound Magazine “The Skinny”.
Dr. Royal has been featured in a number of articles and broadcasts including:
190 NORTH (ABC) March 2007
WGN Around Town January 2007, March 2006
The New York Times, Science Times, “Acupuncture Moves Toward the Mainstream,” by Anahad O’Connor. September 28, 2004.
Newsweek, “Animal Acupuncture,” by Pamela Hamer. December 20, 2004.
Chicago Tribune, “Acupuncture Hits the Spot for Camel,” by William Mullen. September 8, 2004.
Chicago Sun Times, “On the Job She Gets Kicked and Spat On,” by Andrew Herrmann. September 8, 2004.
Bark Magazine, “Shots heard round the dog world,” by Barbara Royal. February 2007
Living Without, “Animal Crackers, Which Food is the Best Treat for Your Pet,” by Judy Sutton Taylor, Winter 2005.
Time Out Chicago, featuring “Stella Sutton” in the underwater treadmill

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What to expect

Describe a typical session:
An initial treatment lasts about 40 minutes to an hour and includes a full western exam and Chinese traditional exam. It may also include muscle measurements and other diagnostics. We will assess previous medical history, radiographs, and blood work. We will discuss nutrition, supplements, herbs, and therapies for the owner to do at home. We then address the need for other therapies – acupuncture, underwater treadmill, massage or other treatments. Any Western medical recommendations for diagnostics or treatment will be relayed to your regular veterinarian for them to follow up on as they see fit. The initial consult fee includes a treatment with whatever modality is most needed.

How long is a typical session?
The first session is the longest – lasting about an hour, regular treatments generally take about 30 minutes.

Describe your office or treatment room:
The facility has two exam rooms and a large central treatment area where the treadmill is. We are located in the back part of the Furry Beastro, a pet bakery and store, and grooming salon. We have an automatic flat-bed lift to carry any animals that need it up and down the few stairs that lead to our facility. It smells great because of the bakery, and our facility is very clean. There are red-vested valet parkers out front.

How should someone prepare for a session?
Bring any medical records, blood work, diagnostic testing, radiographs with you. All appointments must include a referral from your veterinarian (this is usually discussed when the appointment is made). Bring any labels from foods, supplements, and a complete list of medications that are being given.
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Logistics

Office hours/days of the week:
Hours by appointment, which can include evening and weekend hours. I am typically here Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday and we usually do treatments Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Fee Range
$150 for the initial consult and treatments run from $45 to $65 depending on the modality.

Take Insurance?
We can sign forms for insurance reimbursement, but most animal insurers don’t cover alternative medicine yet.

Cancellation Policy?
Cancellation made with less than 24 hours notice will be subject to a late cancellation fee.
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Closing comments

What else might someone want to know about you?

Dr. Royal has compiled an extensive database ranking and examining the nutritional content and ingredients of over 1000 types of dog and cat foods.  The final touches are being made and this database will be made available soon!