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When Pets Get The Point

Tribune photo by SCOTT ISKOWITZ

A University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Tyson inserts micro-thin needles into acupuncture points throughout the body where nerve endings come to the surface and cluster.

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: October 15, 2008

RIVERVIEW - Imagine 28 superfine pins sticking out of your hip while a technician attaches low-voltage clips to stimulate them.

No, it's not a form of subtle torture. It's an alternative form of medicine being performed on a 139-pound Great Dane named Samson.

He is undergoing acupuncture for arthritis and excessive panting from something the Chinese call kidney yin deficiency.

"In Chinese medicine, the kidney rules the bones," said veterinarian Kimberly Tyson, who owns Four Paws Veterinary Hospital. "Kidney yin deficiency is a condition found in older animals that manifests in their being hot and having arthritis. It's as if their internal air conditioners are broken."

It's not surprising Samson has slowed down, since he is 10. But his arthritic hind quarters are painful, making it difficult for him to walk. And he constantly pants to cool himself off.

Tyson, 41, said she tried more traditional means of treatment, but turned to acupuncture because his "mom," Lynn Shiflett of Brandon, didn't want him to be on steroids.

Tyson, who integrates holistic medicine into her traditional practice, said she hates telling owners they have no further choices, when an alternative treatment could benefit their pets.

"The goal is always to do what's best for the pet and its owner," she said. "It's all about options."

"Samson has made a tremendous improvement since he began the treatments," Shiflett said. "My neighbor said Samson has more pep in his step. And his panting has decreased. Right now, he's not panting at all.

"I'm very happy with Dr. Tyson and how she has helped him."

A University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine graduate, Tyson said she was always interested in alternative medicine. But after seeking help for her own allergies from a medical doctor who was also an acupuncture physician, she decided to go to back to school.

In 2007, she graduated from a comprehensive, yearlong training program from the Chi Institute in Reddick. The institute teaches traditional Chinese veterinary medicine methods.

Micro-thin needles are inserted into acupuncture points throughout the body where nerve endings come to the surface and cluster, Tyson said.

"The idea behind acupuncture is that it releases the flow of energy from blockages at these points, which also releases endorphins to reduce pain. It reduces inflammation," Tyson said. "The process we use for animals is very similar to humans, but the acupuncture points are differently arranged due to anatomy."

Tyson said she includes acupuncture, fatty acid therapy, proper diet and antioxidant therapy into her traditional practice, using an integrative approach to diagnosis and treatment.

"I don't abandon Western treatment," she said. "I augment it with my holistic training."

GET TO KNOW

WHO: Kimberly Tyson

AGE: 41

WHAT: Veterinarian

OWNER: Four Paws Veterinary Hospital, 9430 Balm-Riverview Road, Riverview

EDUCATION: University of Florida College of Veterinarian Medicine, 1993

BORN: Brandon; graduate of Brandon High School

RESIDENCE: Riverview

PERSONAL: Husband, David, and twin daughters, Bree and Katie, 4

INFORMATION: (813) 672-3687 or visit www.4pawsvethospital.com

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553.

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