C O L D  R I V E R  V E T E R I N A R Y  C E N T E R

CONCEPTS OF NUTRITIONAL MEDICINE

• Anal gland disease

• Basic health for dogs and cats

• Food intolerance

• Gingivitis

• Glucocorticoids

• Irritable bowel syndrome 

• Nutritional analysis

• Physical exams

• Physical features of cats

• Publications

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At Cold River Veterinary Center, we conduct physical exams using Eastern and Western medical disciplines. For example, we could arrive at a traditional Chinese diagnosis by examining the tongue, pulse, and acupoints. We look for patterns of disease on the skin and nose, mucus membranes, teeth, gingiva, ears, and each iris. Facial features from whiskers to muscle mass, even the temperomandibular joints give us a window into the patient's health. We smell the ear discharges and breath, listen to the respiration, watch the eye movements, feel the facial contours. A holistic exam takes more time, but ultimately the client learns more about their pet.

Ear inflammation and bacteria infection is a common sign of food allergy. These pets literally get sick of having to eat the same processed food for months to years.

The ulcerated skin (right) is a carcinoma. These degenerative changes in the iris suggest chronic inflammation in the stomach and small intestine.

We examine the sclera for patterns of disease. The sclera reveals problems such as venous congestion, poor lymphatic drainage, toxemia, and more. 

This patient (right) has keratoconjunctivitis sicca and corneal ulceration secondary to hypothyroidism.

At CRVC, acupuncture is used for muscle tension (trigger point therapy), weak digestion, arthritis pain, and many other conditions. This patient is being treated at LI-4 to tonify his Wei Qi. 

William K. Kruesi, M.S., D.V.M., C.V.A. /2000