Bayside Animal Rehabilitation & Wellness

10/21/2025

Lets talk about Therapeutic laser therapy. We are pleased to announce we have upgraded to a Companion laser system. Recent studies have shown that delivering the correct dosage of joules to each area is far more important than originally thought. Especially to reach the depths we are needing to reach for proper healing, pain and inflammation relief.
There have been some studies done using the specific laser we have on degenerative myelopathy especially. Below I will share some of the key points.
Studies on using Companion laser therapy (photobiomodulation) for degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs show that combining it with rehabilitation therapy can significantly slow disease progression and extend survival time. A specific retrospective study found that one protocol (Protocol B), which used a 980 nm wavelength laser and a continuous grid pattern, resulted in longer survival compared to another protocol (Protocol A) and historical data. While more research is needed, the results suggest that this combination therapy is a promising option for managing the condition.
Key findings
Combating DM progression: A study found that the combination of physical rehabilitation therapy with photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) showed potential for managing canine DM.
Enhanced survival time: A retrospective study comparing two different PBMt protocols found that dogs receiving a more intensive laser therapy protocol (Protocol B) had significantly longer survival times than those in Protocol A, which used a less intensive approach.
Slower progression: Dogs in the more intensive laser therapy group also showed a significantly longer time to reach non-ambulatory paresis (NAP) or paralysis compared to the other group.
Mechanism of action: Photobiomodulation therapy (PBMt) is thought to work by modulating mitochondrial activity, reducing inflammation, and promoting cellular repair and regeneration, particularly in the spinal cord.
Study details:
Protocol B (more effective): Used a 980 nm wavelength laser at 6-12 W with a continuous moving grid pattern, applied along the thoracic and lumbar spine.
Protocol A (less effective): Used a 904 nm wavelength laser at 0.5 W in a point-to-point grid pattern.
Implications for pet owners and veterinarians
A potential treatment option: The findings suggest that this combined laser and rehabilitation therapy could be a valuable option for extending a dog's quality of life with DM.
Need for further research: While the results are promising, the study authors note that further research is necessary to confirm these findings.

10/13/2025

Did you know your pet shows subtle signs of pain? Pain isn't always obvious in our 4 legged friends. Below are some of the things to look for, especially in our geriatric pets.
Behavioral changes:

Changes in personality: Your pet may become unusually quiet, withdrawn, or irritable.

Social behavior: They may hide or avoid interaction, or conversely, become more needy and seek extra attention.

Aggression: They might snap, growl, or bite, especially if touched in a painful area.

Routine and habit changes:

Appetite and thirst: A decrease in eating or drinking habits can signal pain.

Grooming: Excessive licking, chewing at a specific spot, or decreased grooming can be a sign of discomfort.

Sleeping patterns: Your pet may sleep more, or have difficulty settling down and getting comfortable.

Activity level: A decrease in interest for walks or play, increased restlessness, or reluctance to jump or climb stairs are all potential signs.

Physical signs:

Posture: They may hold their head low, have a hunched or arched back, or position their tail differently.

Movement: Look for limping, stiffness, reluctance to stand up, or an unusual gait.

Facial expressions: A pet in pain may have narrowed eyes, flattened ears, or a tense jaw.

Vocalization: Unusual sounds like whimpering, yelping, purring (in some cases), or groaning can indicate pain.

Sensitivity to touch: They may react negatively when you touch them in a certain spot.

If you suspect your pet is in pain, we can help. We have a multitude of modalities to help easy pain. Often in medication free way, or in combination with pain management medications, we will work with your gp vet, you and your pet to come up with a treatment plan that works best for you.

10/09/2025

Peanut butter while exercising is Brecka approved!
She hardly even thinks about the muscle building and cardiovascular training she's getting in.
Come check us out! Your pups will thank you!

09/30/2025

Check out what's new at BARC. Join the Silver Muzzle Movers today

09/16/2025

https://www.northernexpress.com/news/feature/healing-from-the-inside-out-with-barc/
We were featured in the Northern Express local news. I highlights what we stand for and want to accomplish with and for all of our patients.

Bruce—a three-year-old boxer—isn’t shy about showing affection (as you can see from the story photo). He greets visitors with an enthusi…

09/09/2025

Lets talk about Osteoarthritis (OA) in cats ,It can manifest with various symptoms, including:

Mobility Changes:

Limping or stiffness, especially after rest
Difficulty jumping, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of litter boxes
Reduced activity level and decreased playfulness
Joint Pain and Swelling: Tenderness or pain when palpating joints, Swelling or thickening of joints, and Grating or clicking sounds during joint movement.
Behavioral Changes: Increased sleeping or resting, Irritability or aggression, Hiding or avoidance of social interaction, and Loss of appetite.
Other Signs: Weight loss, Muscle atrophy, Deformed joints (visible in severe cases), Difficulty grooming, and Accidents outside the litter box.

Did you know we treat cats with acupuncture, laser therapy and yes Hydrotherapy? Taking a more holistic approach to your feline friends discomfort can help keep them pain free and off medication. There are not a ton of options when it comes to pain management medication wise and certainly very few when it comes to long term pain management. Give us a call and let us help your kitty to live their best life possible.

08/26/2025

A bit of behind the scenes for a PRP injection on the right stifle [knee] of an 8 year old female boxer with a partial cranial cruciate ligament tear. She received 2 rounds of PRP and is doing so well after finishing up. PRP is a way to use their own bodies to help promote faster healing. We love doing the injects and have done elbows, stifles, shoulder, hip and carpus with really good success. Call us to schedule a consult to see if PRP is right for your kiddo.

08/19/2025

https://youtu.be/8xsnYLgILL0?si=x2SmJDAZaMMFG8PL
Look at our amazing Patient Fig and his Owner Handler Maggie at the World Dog Show in Finland. Fig will be on his way to Italy soon. Way to go Figment, we at B.A.R.C could not be more proud. Can't wait to see what's next.

Pumi breed judging at World Dog Show 2025 in Helsinki, FinlandJudge: Galyna Kalinichenko (Ukraine)

08/11/2025

Check out Tucker. He is enjoying a yogurt, peanut butter, applesauce pupcicle while doing his hydrotherapy for TPLO rehab. Tucker is the sweetest boy ever and so beyond smart, He is ruling rehab. Can't thank his mom Kirstin enough for sharing hi with us.

07/28/2025

Lets talk about PRP [Platelet Rich Plasma], Here are some of the the benefits and details about the procedure. Every pet is different but helping reduce pain, prevent further joint damage and instability is always a good thing.
Pain Relief:
PRP injections can help reduce pain associated with osteoarthritis and other joint issues by decreasing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.

Accelerated Healing:
PRP contains growth factors that stimulate the body's natural healing processes, potentially speeding up recovery from injuries like ligament or tendon tears.

Reduced Inflammation:
The growth factors in PRP can help modulate the inflammatory response, which is often a major contributor to pain and discomfort in conditions like osteoarthritis.

Tissue Regeneration:
PRP can promote the regeneration of damaged cartilage, tendons, and ligaments, potentially improving joint function and mobility.

Improved Joint Function:
By reducing pain and promoting tissue repair, PRP injections can lead to improved range of motion and overall limb function in dogs with joint problems.

Safe and Minimally Invasive:
PRP therapy uses the dog's own blood, minimizing the risk of adverse reactions or infections. The procedure is minimally invasive, with injections typically administered directly into the affected area.

Conditions PRP Can Help With:
Osteoarthritis:
PRP injections can be a valuable tool for managing the pain and inflammation associated with osteoarthritis.
Tendon and Ligament Injuries:
PRP can help accelerate healing and reduce pain in dogs with sprains, strains, or partial tears of tendons and ligaments.
Wound Healing:
PRP can promote faster healing of wounds, especially those that are slow to heal or prone to infection.
Fractures:
PRP can be used to stimulate bone healing after fractures, potentially reducing healing time.
Other Conditions:
PRP may also be beneficial for managing conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, spinal problems, and corneal ulcers.

Important Considerations:

Multiple Injections:
PRP therapy often requires multiple injections, spaced a few weeks apart, for optimal results.

Individual Variation:
The effectiveness of PRP can vary depending on the individual dog, the specific condition being treated, and the quality of the PRP preparation.

Consultation with Veterinarian:
It's crucial to consult with a veterinarian to determine if PRP therapy is an appropriate treatment option for your dog's specific situation and to discuss potential risks and benefits.
Platelet Rich Plasma..

07/15/2025

With the summer heat in full force what are some ways you keep your pet safe and cool? Here are some ideas to help. We hope everyone is having a safe spectacular summer.