What kind of animals do you treat?
We treat dogs, cats, rabbits, and other small mammals, as well as birds.
What types of pain problems do you treat?
The most common types of pain problems our patients have result from chronic conditions such as arthritis, cancer, or disc disease. However, the gamut of issues we address spans well beyond these three. Essentially, if you animal companion is having difficulty getting around, is painful to touch, or hunched in the back, these are typical expressions of pain. Feel free to contact Dr. Narda Robinson at Narda.Robinson@colostate.edu or 970-297-4202 to find out more.
Do I bring my animal to you, or will you come to my home or my regular veterinarian’s location?
At this time, we only provide care at the CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (VTH).
If your animal friend is currently being hospitalized at another veterinary facility, we would be happy to discuss pain management options with your veterinarian.
My dog really resists going to the vet. She shakes when up on the metal table in my vet’s office and she doesn’t like to be held down. How can going to the vet possibly be comforting to her?
We understand how worrying that can be for you. We know that going to the vet can sometimes me scary and uncomfortable. Older arthritic animals may feel worse being forced to lay on a cold, steel table. We, like our patients, would rather spend time in softer surroundings with relaxing lighting. As such, we generally treat our patients on the floor, sitting on comfortable pads in the exam room, with incandescent lighting. We want to build a bond of trust with our patients so that they can relax and we can help them heal from their painful condition without much need for restraint. Ideally, animals receiving acupuncture, massage, or laser therapy should be relaxed and quiet.
What if I know my animal companion is dying; are you still willing to treat him and offer relief? Do you have pet hospice services or grief counseling?
We can certainly work with you to explore pain-relieving and comfort-maximizing options. In addition, we refer you to the Argus Institute counselors and staff for more information on hospice services and grief resources.
How are your services related to the Pain Center?
The integrative pain medicine services constitute the service segment of the CSU Center for Comparative and Integrative Pain Medicine.
How do I make an appointment? Do I need a referral from my veterinarian to see you?
No, you can make an appointment directly through our small animal reception desk. Call 970-297-4478 and ask for a pain medicine or natural healing appointment.
Do you have any online how-to massage tips for me to soothe and relax my animal myself?
Not yet, but that’s a great idea. Look for this in the near future.
What does a typical treatment cost? How long does it take?
Because there are so many options to control pain and optimize quality of life, what we do first is plan an hour-long visit with you and your animal friend. We will ask you questions and examine any medical records or radiographs you have brought with you from your regular veterinarian. Then, we will examine your animal friend, with the specific goal of trying to define where and why he or she is uncomfortable. We will let you know if further testing is required before commencing treatment.
If we are satisfied with the diagnosis, we can then discuss various natural healing and drug-based options. We will do our best to answer any questions you have. Please allow an hour for this first visit, although the time required varies. Usually, we allow up to one-half hour for follow-up acupuncture, massage, or laser therapy treatments, although the time required varies for these as well. Costs vary depending on the intensity of service, which is the product of several factors. The first visit will generally range from about $90 to $160 or more; follow-up treatments are usually less, but again it depends on the amount of work involved and the complexity of the case and the treatment.
Can I talk to you directly on the phone before scheduling my first appointment?
Certainly. Contact Dr. Narda Robinson at Narda.Robinson@colostate.edu (email is preferred) or call me at 970-297-4202.
What does the reception area look like? What about the treatment rooms?
Visit our website showing the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.
Who will treat my animal?
Either Dr. Narda Robinson (see bio) or Dr. Bonnie Wright. There may or may not be veterinary students or other individuals present, as this is a teaching environment.
How do I get to your facility?
See the map.
Can I read about success stories from your practice?
Sure! Visit the "Patient Success Stories " page.
