What's Happening at TOPS Veterinary Rehab
K9 Maintenance Program
Helps Keep K9s Working
Photo credit Apryl J. Polster
For the last 5 years TOPS Veterinary Rehab has been working with many of the area police departments in helping maintain the physical health of their K9s, and keeping them on the street (so they can help keep the bad guys off).  The life of an active police K9 is rigorous.  They are basically athletes who, on a moments notice, must be ready to leave the vehicle, sprint across a field or parking lot, and protect their handler or pursue a fleeing criminal.  No time to stretch, warm-up, or prepare.  It's 0 to 100 (or more) without warning.  One of the ways we do this is through our K9 Maintenance program.  These officers see us on a monthly basis for a physical assessment and routine chiropractic.  In addition to helping keep the K9 tuned up, it also helps us identify small problems before they become large ones, keeping the K9s working in your communities on the street and productive.
More Certifications
for Dr. Jones

Dr. Kevin Jones has been on a bit of a roll lately.  In our last newsletter, we reported that he had achieved dual certifications in Veterinary Chiropractic.  Now, we are happy to report that in addition to the CCRP rehabilitation certification from The University of Tennessee program Dr. Jones came to TOPS with, he has now ALSO received his CCRT certification from The Canine Rehab Institute.  

Clearly, when Dr. Jones does something, he does it right.  When one of your clients sees Dr. Jones, you can rest assured knowing he is not just doing his job, but approaching it with the utmost passion and excellence. 

We could not ask for a more dedicated practitioner treating our patients.

Well done Dr. Jones!

Featured Case (Part 2):  "Nico"
Case Study:  Nico

In the last newsletter we presented Part I of our Case Study of Nico, a one year old, neutered male Miniature Australian Shepherd, who suffered a traumatic injury (hit by car).  Nico’s most significant issues post-ER were that he was still on a feeding tube, was recovering from bilateral pelvic fracture repair, was paraperetic and was also both fecal and urinary incontinent.  Click here to review both Part 1 & this update on our website.   

We are very pleased with Nico’s recovery to date.  Typically, following a pelvic fracture, the expectation would be a significant loss of function in the limb, with minimal hip flexion, and probably only toe touching.  Although still weak, Nico has already exceeded those expectations.   

Disposition:  For the first few weeks, Nico’s disposition was probably best described as depressed. His appetite was poor, thus requiring continued use of the feeding tube.  He was detached and basically getting through his days.  His disposition now is excellent, and normal.  His appetite is good.  He is happy, alert, and responsive. His owners report "his personality is back!"

Feeding Tube:  As mentioned Nico’s appetite was poor and weaning him from the feeding tube was a challenge.  However, in late January we were able to successfully wean him from his feeding tube and get him back to voluntarily eating full meals.  

Continence:  Continence is still an issue but improving.   

Mobility:  Nico is now able to stand for long periods of time, and is walking without assistance.  He is walking with confidence and without knuckling or stumbling.  Some neurological signs still exist (mild sciatic deficits in the right pelvic limb).  We have been able to initiate some backwards walking, stepping on to an elevated surface, and modified stairs.  We expect him to continue to progress with ongoing therapy. 
 




  Featured Employee

Nina Pregont, D.N.

Staff Nutritionist
Photo credit Gary Pregont, Natural Expressions
Our featured employee this month is Dr. Nina Pregont, who is not only our staff nutritionist, but also a D.N. (Doctor of Naprapathy).  Prior to earning her D.N., Dr. Pregont earned a B.S. degree in Biology from Loyola University in 1981.  She continued her education in small animal clinical nutrition and has been working in that field for over 20 years.  In addition to being our staff nutritionist, she was also keeping pretty busy with her own small animal nutritional consulting service and retail pet food outlet in Dundee IL.  Always on a quest for more knowledge, Dr. Pregont headed back to school to further her education.  Her desire was to take her passion for a holistic approach to medicine to the human front, at the same time increasing her ability to help canines.  To accomplish this task, Nina enrolled in medical school at the National College of Naprapathic Medicine.  Graduating in 2013 (at the top of her class and with a perfect GPA to boot).  Dr. Pregont opened a practice in Algonquin where she helps her (human) patients with all their manual medicine needs.

Although it's hard to believe she might have time to do anything else, she apparently figures out a way to do so.  Dr. Nina and her husband Gary enjoy scuba diving, where they have traveled the world diving and photographing some of the most remote and exotic locations.  Dr. Pregont also enjoys spending time with her dogs, and has a new white German Shepherd puppy arriving to live with her next month.  Could the picture above be the one?  We will all soon find out!

How We Evaluate Your Referred Cases
At TOPS, we are so appreciative for the trust you show us when you refer a patient to us.  We know that the experience your patients have at TOPS reflects on your referral. As such, we'd like you to know what happens at your clients' first appointment with us. 

One of things we pride ourselves on is the thoroughness of our evaluation process.  Our Comprehensive evaluations are scheduled for 2:15, during which we will review the patient's history, conduct a general exam, and musculoskeletal, neurological, and chiropractic assessments.  We will also evaluate pain level, range of motion, gait, weight bearing, and muscle girth.  Each of the assessments is a single piece of a larger puzzle.  Following the exams, we will integrate all the information and develop a comprehensive treatment plan.  Our treatment plan will be developed from a combination of our recommendations, your findings from previous workups, and your client's goals for rehabilitation (ie return to the agility circuit vs. being able to get up on the couch).

We include a treatment inside of our evaluation fee to help your clients get started with a therapy plan.  We will fax you a follow-up letter following the evaluation, and your client will also leave with a copy of that letter.

We believe strongly that the best way for us to effectively treat your client's pets is to have a complete understanding of each puzzle piece, and develop a therapy plan to address the findings.
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