Around June of 2024, Lucy got to where she couldn't walk very well. She couldn't get up off the floor and had a really hard time going to the bathroom. My current vet at the time didn't know what was going on. I researched and thought she needed chiropractic therapy, to be quite honest. I found out Angel Animal Hospital did that, so I brought her in here in August 2024.
After her initial exam, I was told that her back nerves in her hips and legs had never developed as a puppy. I got her when she was 5 weeks old, and it was explained that she didn't develop because she was weaned off her mother's milk too early. This explains why her entire life, despite being a Blue Heeler who is supposed to be very active and agile, she was always active but not agile. She fell over all the time throughout her life, which explains it!
Originally, we were coming in three days a week for massage and red light therapy. I was giving her shots twice a week in the beginning, and we switched her food. I always had her on good food, and for the last several years, she was on Farmers, which I thought was good. We switched her to a pure raw fermented diet. It took a couple of months, and to be honest, after a couple of months, we weren't seeing much improvement. Dr. Nie told me when we first started that she was basically at a nine out of ten and wasn't sure if she could ever recover. After a couple of months, it didn't look like she was recovering, but within six or seven weeks, she started doing a complete turnaround. I think it contributes to everything.
Now, we're down to therapy once a week, sometimes once every other week. She gets an umbrella treatment once a month, and I give her an in-home shot once every two weeks. She's still on the food.
For me, I didn't want to lose my dog. If you're feeling like the dog is on its last leg, you might want to come in here to at least give it one more shot. They told me, and I told Dr. Nie after three months, at what point do I stop spending the money or continue to keep going? We both agreed to give it another month. I don't feel like they're here just to take your money. They will say, "All right, it's not working," and put the decision back in my hands. If you think your dog has a little more life in it but isn't doing very well, I would recommend spending the money and going to Angel Animal Hospital to see what they say. I love the fact that I can just drop her off and pick her up without having to get out of the truck!
Susie was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). This was the first time Susie has ever had a procedure like this done. I had my doubts about it at first, but after a couple of treatments I saw her improving each day. The acupuncture did wonders! It’s amazing what those little needles can do! Susie is doing great now! I would definitely recommend acupuncture for other pets.
Dweezil was diagnosed with back and hip pain resulting from arthritis, muscle spasms and trigger points. After receiving acupuncture myself and experiencing a dramatic improvement, I was excited to hear similar treatments were available for my dog, Dweezil. Before the treatments at IVSMO, Dweezil was not active, she would collapse when she lay down and if she fell she needed assistance to get back up. Now, since Dr. Nie’s treatments, she has more energy and she is able to get up and down with ease. She doesn’t let her arthritis get in the way anymore.
Samson was diagnosed with “Wobblers” Syndrome. WOW, The change in Samson has been remarkable! He’s so tall and so big, when his hip and back problems began, they were quite noticeable. We used to circle St. John’s campus, but soon were unable to walk even a block without Samson digging at his shoulder blades, or simply sitting in discomfort. I tried medicines and physical therapies. I took Samson to the University of Missouri Veterinary Hospital. He was diagnosed with Wobblers Syndrome, a debilitating disease of the hip and spine. Samson faced either expensive and dangerous surgery, or a rapid decline. That’s when I found Dr. Nie. The first acupuncture treatment transformed Samson, returned him to his playful self. Successive treatments have maintained his energy. I don’t know if acupuncture is right for your pet, but I am a believer, for I have seen the results!
Abby was diagnosed with Wobbler’s Syndrome resulting in a stiff, stilted gait with severe muscle spasms and pain in her neck and shoulder region. When our primary vet informed us that Abby was losing feeling in her legs, his only recommendation was expensive surgery, neck braces and crating the rest of her life. Abby is Doberman Pinscher we rescued. She is also a farm dog and her life is chasing cats. I started searching the internet and found acupuncture treatment. Dr. Nie was recommended to us as an expert in this field. When Dr. Nie first started Abby’s treatment she could hardly stand, weighed about 40 lbs and could only lay flat on her side. After weekly treatments with acupuncture, electro-stimulation and glucosamine, Abby responded by gaining weight and walking with less difficulty. She now weighs around 70 lbs, she can again ‘chase’ cats. Abby enjoys the visits and the caring attitude of Dr. Nie and his staff. The cats are not so happy.
Peanut was diagnosed with back pain associated with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), spondylosis, arthritis and severe muscle tension and trigger points. Peanut was in excruciating pain and could barely walk prior to his acupuncture treatment. The treatment had immediate results… as soon as we got home from seeing Dr. Nie and I let Peanut out of his carrier, he was up and about, wagging his tail and asking “where’s that cat!?” (his playmate). Truly a miracle of science! Further, the Loving Care given to Peanut by Dr. Nie, Dr. Flathers and all the staff at Angel Animal Hospital was/is outstanding! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts… (the cat too!)
Missy was diagnosed with back pain due to severe muscle spasms and trigger points. …(after a weekend of rough play with my relatives’ younger dogs) My dog Missy was having trouble jumping up on my bed. After only one treatment she was feeling much better and jumped on the bed that evening. I am very pleased with the results of the treatment.
(A Boy Named) Sue presented with an open wound after traumatically losing two toes. Dr. Nie and the staff at IVSMO and Angel Animal Hospital gave a boy named ‘Sue’ excellent care when his 2 toes were bit off by the neighbor dog at 10 weeks of age. The laser treatments Dr. Nie used on Sues foot not only helped his wound heal faster but also blocked bad bacteria so Sue never had any infection. The treatments also minimized Sue’s pain. After a month and a half, he didn’t even know he was missing his toes. He walks and plays normally. I would recommend the laser treatments for any pet that is injured. The staff at IVSMO and Angel Animal Hospital are amazing and I recommend them to everyone. Thank you all so very much.
Bojangles was diagnosed with cervical IVDD. When my veterinarian referred us to Dr. Nie, we were a little skeptical about acupuncture treatment. Bo was unable to walk and kept falling and couldn’t get up, but we were not going to even think about putting him down. He is our child, so to speak. After the first round of acupuncture he showed little improvement but after the second treatment he started a complete turnaround, walking better, a little more active but still not the best. Following the third treatment, he really improved a lot. He wanted to run and jump in the yard but we had to restrict his activities while he healed so he wouldn’t reinjure himself. He continued to improve even after he came off his medications. I truly believe that if we hadn’t gone this route, we would have ended up without him. The IVDD is not keeping Bo from being a pet and buddy again for our family.
Maxi was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease and associated hind limb paralysis. IVSMO helped our dog, Maxi, when our regular vet had little or no hope for recovery. When we brought Maxi to see Dr. Nie she could not move, nor did she have control of her bowels. Dr. Nie started treatment and we gradually saw improvement. After a month our dog was walking and enjoying life again. Now she walks a mile a day and has complete body control. Without Dr. Nie we would have had to put our beloved dog down.
Heidi Anne was diagnosed with Intervertebral Disc Disease and associated hind limb paralysis. Heidi Anne’s recovery was remarkable. She could not stand on her hind legs or walk. It was really sad and I was afraid she would not recover. Heidi Anne had treatments every week for about six weeks. Almost every week, I noticed some improvement. Today, Heidi Anne is better than she was before her back problems. She is very playful and has no problems getting around. I truly believe Dr. Nie’s treatment saved her.
Bernadette was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease. My cat has received acupuncture as part of her treatment for chronic renal failure. She receives this treatment very well and seems to relax as the treatment takes place. She always seems energetic and playful at home after a treatment. I fully believe that acupuncture has been extremely beneficial as part of her overall treatment plan.
Our ten-year-old Fox Terrier, Hannah, was noticeably not feeling well, had become lethargic and had lost her appetite. We took Hannah to our regular veterinarian Dr. Jane Flathers at Angel Animal Hospital where Hannah was diagnosed with kidney disease. Dr. Flathers was very thorough in explaining the condition and what could be done to help Hannah. She prescribed a change in diet and fluid therapy for us to administer at home and gave us instructions on how to do it. Dr. Flathers also prescribed acupuncture treatments from Dr. Gary Nie. Within just a few weeks of receiving acupuncture treatments and fluid therapy, Hannah showed a marked improvement in her appetite and energy level, she quickly returned to her old self. We are very grateful for the excellent care Hannah received from Dr. Nie, Dr. Flathers, and the entire staff of Angel Animal Hospital.