There are scores of veterinary clinics in Southern Arizona, many that have specialties. PAWS Veterinary Center is an integrated health care center, combining the science of conventional medicine with the benefits of alternative therapies. These complementary alternate options include ancient Chinese therapies with herbs, acupuncture, pulse and tongue diagnosis, stem cell therapy, alternative cancer therapies, ozone therapy, and nutrition therapy and counseling.
Randy Aronson, V.M.D., C.C.R.T., and his wife, Geren Thurston, D.V.M., built and opened the clinic, at 300 E. River Road, in 2008.
Focusing solely on cats and dogs, the center’s emphasis is on wellness programs to prevent illness. With in-house laboratories, investigative diagnostic answers are readily available. Physiotherapy accelerates injury and surgical recoveries. In-patient care provides boarding to administer medications, monitor health status, and perform regular treatments.
Pets usually are better acupuncture patients than humans, says Aronson. He explains that even with an aggressive cat, he can pop an acupuncture needle into a calming point on the head, leave the patient for a few moments to relax and then begin effective treatment. On the next visit, the patient is cooperative if not eager for treatment.
Supplemental herbal therapy often complements Western medicine, especially if a medication is not working completely. As an example, Aronson says people often do not address food with the treatment for their pet’s valley fever. “We look for a diet option that doesn’t increase inflammation, with supplements to boost the immune system, to complement the conventional medication.”
Dog-owner Dawn Grace sought out treatment at PAWS because it offers both Eastern and Western treatments but also is American Animal Hospital Association accredited. “I’m very picky about my dogs’ care and PAWS was my choice out of all of my research in the Tucson area,” says Grace.
A staff of 25, including five veterinarians, ensures a high, personal patient care ratio.
