Dr. Stephanie Torlone, DVM, CVA

The daffodils are blooming in front of the new office at 369 Main St. in Niantic.

Just received word that I have fulfilled all requirements and have been approved as a Certified Chinese Veterinary Herbalist by the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine!

Herbal medicine is actually used even more than acupuncture in Traditional Chinese Medicine, and I am thrilled to be able to offer this service — as a part of combination therapy, or by itself for some conditions.

Giving the electroacupuncture machine a little workout with Ford, the Great Dane. I was privileged to work on Ford a few times before he left us this summer. Eventually his paralysis progressed to the point where nothing could help. He was a wonderful guy, who touched all who met him with his gentle charm. Rest in peace, Ford.

She is sixteen, going on seventeen…
(To be honest, her birthday’s not until next month). It’s “spa day” for Abby. Here she is, relaxing with some needles in her back. With regular acupuncture, she has gained mobility, lost weight, and hasn’t needed some of her pain medications for quite a while.

This sweet gal had a torn cruciate ligament in her knee, causing a painful, swollen joint that could not bear her weight. Her owners were all too familiar with this injury, having gone through surgery on her other hind leg for the same problem, a couple of years ago. Stella is a big, happy, active dog, not always easy to keep quiet during the lengthy healing process.
This time around, the plan included rest, acupuncture and laser treatments on the injured joint for a few weeks. Stella is now walking comfortably, as she begins building up strength in the leg again.

The end of 2010 marked the passing of Shelly, one of my favorite patients. She first came to see me for treatment at age twelve, suffering from weakness of her hindquarters and “accidents” from fecal incontinence. She had been given a very poor prognosis from her regular vet. Shelly was one of those elderly, sweet female dogs with innate dignity and presence. She was my patient for nearly three years. My goals for her were to help her control her elimination, and to address her weakness and stiffness. With acupuncture every three weeks, Shelly did have fewer accidents and increased mobility, enjoyed running with her canine friends, and did well until her body simply gave out from advanced age. We will miss you, Shelly.

Meet Ziggy, bearing weight on a hind leg that was severely atrophied and contracted when he came to me initially. He had been walking on three legs for many weeks. Here he is right after his fifth acupuncture and laser treatment, and many sessions of physical therapy by his owner.