NO PLACE LIKE HOME

NO PLACE LIKE HOME Mobile Bay Veterinarian Specializes in House Calls for Acupuncture and Aging Pets

by Meredith Montgomery

With the proper and individualized combination of modalities for the patient, not only could we bring back his mobility, but also his spunk and thrill for life returned. ~Dr. Lydia Sullivan

AS A 13-YEAR-OLD BOXER with an extreme spinal fusion, Marley could barely walk due to intense levels of ongoing pain. After trying medications, supplements and laser treatments to no avail, his human family contacted EverLoved Veterinary, hopeful that a new approach would provide some relief. EverLoved is unique in that it offers two complementary but distinct categories of veterinary service in the comfort of home: medical acupuncture coupled with physical rehabilitation, plus end-of-life care. Owner Dr. Lydia Sullivan, of Mobile, who was called in for acupuncture and hospice, worked with Marley’s family to provide treatments and care in his home. The results were evident and within a couple of months, he was running around the backyard, jumping on the bed, playing with toys and going up and down steps. “These are things he hadn’t been able to do in a couple of years,” says Sullivan, who attributes the turnaround to the effective synergy of acupuncture, physical rehab and medication. “With the proper and individualized combination of modalities for the patient, not only could we bring back his mobility, but also his spunk and thrill for life returned.” While Marley continues to receive acupuncture from EverLoved, he is no longer a hospice patient. Sullivan has impacted the lives of many furry family members since leaving a career in biomedical research at South Alabama to attend veterinary school. There she became interested in neurology and orthopedics, which eventually led her to certifications in canine rehabilitation and veterinary medical acupuncture. “Acupuncture is an important component of physical rehab that can span a lifetime—helping young dogs and cats after an injury or surgery or with an illness; and it can make all the difference for senior patients with debilitating diseases.” While practicing primary care in Florida, Sullivan developed a passion for working with geriatric and terminally-ill pets. “I found my work with end-of-life and euthanasia patients to be sacred. Yes, it’s sad and heartbreaking, but I am honored and grateful for clients who trust me with that event in their lives,” she says. Dr. Lydia Sullivan

Her goal is for everyone to feel confident and comfortable with their decisions and ability to care for their loved one. Whether she’s seeing a young injured patient in need of acupuncture or an older pet with a terminal diagnosis, Sullivan’s initial home visits last around an hour. The patient’s condition and living environment are assessed as expectations and a treatment plan are thoroughly discussed with the human family members. Sullivan notes, “Though caring for a geriatric or terminally-ill loved one is a very personal experience, it is not one you have to face alone—I’m here for the entire family. Together we formulate a manageable plan for both day-to-day and long-term care.” End-of-life care is hyper-focused on making sure patients remain comfortable and mobile for as long as possible without invasive treatments. Symptoms are managed with therapeutic modalities such as massage therapy, acupuncture, exercises, medications and supplements, while environmental adjustments also help maximize mobility and comfort. Sullivan is the only veterinarian in the area dedicated to in-home, end-of-life care and offering in-home acupuncture. She emphasizes the value of the house call approach, saying, “It can be traumatic to move a large dog with a painful condition. At home it is a lot more comfortable and private and when the time comes, it means a great deal to be able to say goodbye in a familiar setting.” As she helps multi-species families maximize the quality of life of their furry loved ones, Sullivan’s number one piece of advice is to establish a regular exercise routine for pets of all ages. “Maintaining a lean body weight is important because fat tissue is not benign; it is very active tissue that causes the body to generate excessive inflammation, which can lead to chronic disease,” Sullivan says. An active lifestyle is not only good for an animal’s cardiovascular system and joints, but it also benefits their cognitive health. “All that smelling that dogs do along the way is engaging 80 percent of their brain. We can’t give them crossword puzzles, but we can take them on daily walks,” Sullivan says. Pets aren’t the only ones benefitting from an active lifestyle. “Exercise provides great bonding time. It’s the kindest thing we can do for them, and for ourselves.” For more information, call 251-229-1043 or visit EverLovedVeterinary.com. See ad, page 29.

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