Orthopedic Support Options at Bilmar
A COMPREHENSIVE GUIDE
At Bilmar, we take a multi-modal approach to orthopedic care — meaning we rarely rely on a single treatment, but instead combine therapies that work together to reduce pain, support healing, and restore mobility. Below is an overview of the options we offer and how each one contributes to your pet’s care.
Pharmaceuticals
NSAIDs (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs)
NSAIDs reduce pain and inflammation by blocking the enzymes that drive the inflammatory process. This helps decrease joint swelling and discomfort, allowing your pet to move more comfortably. They are often used as a foundational part of a pain management plan.
Gabapentin
Gabapentin targets neuropathic pain — the kind that originates in the nervous system rather than the joint itself. It is particularly helpful for chronic pain conditions and is often used alongside other therapies to improve overall comfort and quality of life.
Low-Dose Ketamine
Administered as an in-clinic injection, low-dose ketamine works by blocking pain amplification pathways in the nervous system. It is especially useful for patients whose pain has become difficult to control with other medications alone, and can help recalibrate the nervous system’s response to chronic or persistent pain.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses focused light energy to stimulate cellular repair, enhance blood flow, and reduce inflammation at the tissue level. It is non-invasive, well-tolerated by most patients, and works particularly well as part of an ongoing pain management and rehabilitation plan.
Animal Chiropractic Care
Animal chiropractic care addresses misalignments in the spine and joints that can restrict movement and contribute to pain. By restoring proper alignment and joint mobility, chiropractic adjustments help reduce discomfort, improve range of motion, and support healthy nervous system and musculoskeletal function.
Acupuncture & Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)
At Bilmar, acupuncture is practiced within the broader framework of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine — a complete system of diagnosis and treatment that considers the whole patient, not just the presenting complaint. Acupuncture points are selected based on each individual’s TCVM pattern, stimulating the release of natural pain-modulating compounds, improving circulation, and supporting the body’s overall balance and vitality. This approach means acupuncture at Bilmar addresses not just pain relief, but the underlying constitutional and energetic factors contributing to your pet’s condition.
Nutritional Support
Omega Fatty Acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are foundational anti-inflammatory nutrients that support cell membrane health and help modulate the body’s inflammatory response. High-quality omega supplementation can meaningfully improve joint comfort and overall tissue health over time.
Herbal Anti-Inflammatories
A number of well-studied herbs — including turmeric, boswellia, and others — have demonstrated natural anti-inflammatory properties. When incorporated thoughtfully into a patient’s plan, they can complement other therapies and support long-term joint health.
Joint Supplements
Oral joint supplements typically combine glucosamine, chondroitin, and MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) — compounds that support cartilage integrity, reduce inflammation, and improve joint fluid quality. Products like Dasuquin (Nutramax) bring these ingredients together in clinically studied formulations designed for long-term maintenance support.
Injectable Joint Support
Adequan (Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycans)
Adequan is an injectable glycosaminoglycan — a building block of both cartilage and joint fluid. Given as a series of injections, it works directly within the joint environment to inhibit destructive enzymes, support cartilage repair, and improve lubrication. It is one of the few treatments with demonstrated disease-modifying effects in osteoarthritis.
Regenerative Biologics
Regenerative biologics represent one of the most exciting frontiers in veterinary medicine. These injectable treatments are derived from birth tissues† naturally rich in growth factors, cytokines, exosomes, and other signaling molecules that support the body’s own repair processes. Because their primary action is broadly anti-inflammatory and tissue-supportive, they have wide applicability — joint disease, soft tissue injury, chronic wounds, post-surgical recovery, and inflammatory conditions beyond the musculoskeletal system. At Bilmar, we work with two regenerative biologic products and will recommend the most appropriate option based on your pet’s individual case.
Conclusion
No two patients are alike, and the most effective orthopedic care plans draw from multiple approaches — matching the right combination of therapies to your individual pet’s needs, history, and goals. Whether that means pain management, hands-on therapies, nutritional support, or the latest in regenerative medicine, our team at Bilmar is here to help you navigate the options and build a plan that works.
We welcome your questions — please don’t hesitate to reach out or ask at your next visit.