https://heartwingvet.com/home daily 1.0 2025-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624721498553-W50UXZALQLLYDWYHOU1N/val_chiropractic.jpg Home - Chiropractic Clinic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624721549598-Q3S511DKC0SECW7MKYNQ/202556423_1742010222667825_4636787360607629656_n.jpg Home - Dog Logic NY https://heartwingvet.com/valarie-castora daily 0.75 2024-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624730865911-BDAQLFFBTBRUFL37UNG0/valarie_caper_clark_2019.jpg Dr. Castora - Dr Valarie Castora, D.V.M. Tobias Keene, D.D.S. Hailing from Richmond, Virginia, Dr. Tobias Keene brings a bit of unabashed Southern hospitality to all his patients. He moved to Washington, D.C. over thirty years ago as a freshman at Ivy College. Right after graduation, he attended World University’s School of Dentistry. Before opening Keene Dental in 1994, he worked for free clinics and some of the finest practices in the District. He is part of the 123 Dental Association and stays up-to-date on the latest dental discoveries. When not striving to keep his patients happy and healthy, he’s enjoys hiking with his family in Rock Creek Park. https://heartwingvet.com/services daily 0.75 2025-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624727459303-ABCY8B1699WF1ZDMAZ5R/TCM_book.jpg Services - Chinese Medicine Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) evolved thousands of years ago, building off the Ayurvedic system of medicine and using metaphor to describe conditions noted in human and animal patients. The goal in Chinese Medicine is to maintain balance for *each individual*. Through the use of foods, herbal medicines, acupuncture and tissue manipulations, balance can be restored and maintained for optimized health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624727083794-XZRLNGP6S52P3P74SRJG/aliceb_acupuncture_castora_2018.jpg Services - Acupuncture Very fine, very sharp needles are inserted through the skin along energetic meridians in the body. By activating these points, blood flow is normalized to the tissues, bones, nerves, joints and skin to aid in resolution of both acute and chronic problems. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624721498553-W50UXZALQLLYDWYHOU1N/36240561_447773548980594_4420429192001224704_n.jpg Services - Chiropractic Animal Chiropractic is a field of animal health care that focuses on the preservation and health of the neuro-musculo-skeletal system. Animal chiropractic unifies two professions which provide a combination of skills uniquely proficient at caring for you animals. It combines science, mechanics and a caring compassion to provide results that improve the quality of life of your pet. Chiropractic has been beneficial for performance animals, injured animals, show animals, and family pets. Whether to enhance performance address injury or illness or simply for preventative care, Animal Chiropractic can make a positive difference in your animal’s life. *Chiropractic Clinics offered to six or more dogs at a reduced rate. Please contact us for further information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624728987821-XZ0FHNYQSDLZMDCLIOXH/meredian_classic_2021.jpg Services - Chinese Herbal Formulas Herbal formulas can be described as a mini-acupuncture treatment every day. These formulas combine a variety of fresh and prepared individual herbs with careful attention to the overall effect the herbs together may produce. They are used in both acute and chronic conditions, for both short- and long-term use to aid in healing, management and often resolution of health problems. In China, TCM patients are treated 80% of the time with Chinese herbal formulas and acupuncture together. Only about 20% of the patients receive acupuncture alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624729091908-IC26ZSDRWNIX4ZMNFZUH/unsplash-image-vI5XwPbGvmY.jpg Services - T'ui N'a T’ui N’a is a hands-on manipulation of skin, muscle and tissue intended to strengthen Defensive Qi (immune system) and improve blood and energy flow throughout the body to maximize healing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624729138776-J8K6XN4C2EF7TND3UD0G/unsplash-image-6kDtRmk_Dv8.jpg Services - Food Therapy In Chinese Medicine, an energetic property is assigned to individual meats, vegetables, plants, fruits and herbs. The constitution of each individual is taken into account to optimize the foods that can be used to address both acute and chronic health conditions, as well as maintain balanced health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624729278365-XJXZ54RM9S5TQ16HCNNA/unsplash-image-xlzDgzgrDk0.jpg Services - Five Element Theory Five Element Theory is a relatively "young" branch of Chinese Medicine having been developed in the 16th century B.C. The Five Elements are Fire, Earth, Metal, Water and Wood and their relationship to each other can serve as yet another means to guide Chinese Medicine diagnosis and treatment. It can also help to explain typical behaviors for each Element type, as well as how imbalances may affect that individual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624729308469-YLU2YAC43779RO66BARH/unsplash-image-kXQ3J7_2fpc.jpg Services - Western Herbs Western herbs have also been used for centuries to treat common ailments and maintain optimal health. More traditional herbal formulas are balanced both energetically and therapeutically, but usually with three to six herbal ingredients. Today, Western herbs are sometimes used more like pharmaceuticals — using just one herb at a time to target a very specific pathology — such as the use of Milk Thistle for liver "stuff." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624729347758-QB50R7RDEE2EO0LVUHA4/homeopathy_hahnemann.jpg Services - Homeopathy Homeopathy was developed in the late 1700's by Dr. Samuel Hahnemann under the principle that "like cures like". Matching the symptoms of the patient with the symptoms produced by a homeopathic remedy can help to resolve both acute and chronic health conditions. They are particularly valuable in emergency situations and for use in wildlife when administering medications frequently might be difficult or impossible. https://heartwingvet.com/location daily 0.75 2021-06-27 https://heartwingvet.com/request daily 0.75 2025-03-01 https://heartwingvet.com/philosophy daily 0.75 2025-03-01 https://heartwingvet.com/resources daily 0.75 2025-03-01 https://heartwingvet.com/pricing daily 0.75 2023-08-16 https://heartwingvet.com/testimonials daily 0.75 2025-03-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/f2a41e7f-48de-4656-b5f7-c74e9b3334de/feester_phoenix_bentley_2024.jpg Testimonials - Diana and “Phoenix” I first met met Dr. Castora back in 2014 as she was covering for another holistic vet we saw for acupuncture and chiropractic. In one visit she was able to get my high drive/high energy German Shepherd relaxed enough for not only his regular visit but also a 45 minute Tui 'Na session. Until that visit, I had never seen my Phoenix look like he had "melted" from being so relaxed. It was not long after that appointment that I decided Dr. Castora needed to be Phoenix's holistic vet. Little did we know at that time, in a matter of 3 years, she would be the vet I trusted more than any other vet. She was able to keep my Phoenix "tuned up" for his high energy antics but also be the one to teach me how to be my own dog's advocate. She saw us through Phoenix's cancer diagnosis and help me give him the best quality of life for 6 months after his cancer diagnosis. I so valued Dr. Castora's professional opinion and knowledge during those three years, I decided she would be my future dogs' primary vet after Phoenix passed in 2017. In 2018, I adopted Bentley, a 1.5 year old German Shepherd with Heartworm that would later be diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Bentley's body was a hot mess when he came into my life and while I fostered him through his heartworm treatment, I convinced the rescue to allow me to take him to Dr. Castora to help him through the harsh Heartworm treatment. After I formally adopted him, we discovered the hip dysplasia. Between the after affects of heartworm treatment and the hip dysplasia, his hips actually "popped" when he moved, Dr. Castora worked hard at helping me get Bentley's body into top form, despite it's challenges. I credit his monthly visits for chiropractic and acupuncture as well as her advice on vaccinations, nutrition, supplements and herbs, with enabling him to enjoy an active lifestyle for six years without having to go on NSAIDs. I call her the team leader for his care team of vets we see for his hip dysplasia. I think too many people see Dr. Castora as a "Specialist" when many times she sees her patients more often than their "regular vet." She is not only Bentley's "regular vet" but when I adopted a 1 year old Australian Shepherd/Cattle dog/ Husky mix in 2019, she became Tinley's "regular" vet as well. In our house, it's a fun day for Bentley and Tinley when they have an appointment with Dr. Castora because she not only has my complete trust, but also my dogs' complete trust! —Diana, Bentley, and Tinley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/864bf6d8-5cc2-4701-bb68-9b1b0b290f1c/aliceb_2016-11-04.jpg Testimonials - Shannon, Kathy, and “Alice B.” We met Dr. Castora back in 2017 when we were in crisis and desperate with our snowshoe siamese cat Mr. Push. Our “regular” vet recommended her to us! She saw “Pushie” immediately and encouraged our decision to take him to Cornell where we found he had an undiagnosed intestinal tumor, which had been missed locally. Because of Dr. Castora we were able to end his suffering compassionately as difficult as it was. We can’t overestimate how valuable she was to us during that very stressful time. Fast forward to 2019 when our resident muse kitty “Miss Alice B. High” ended up having a ruptured eardrum, vestibular neuritis, meningitis, and needing a major emergency surgery to save her life. The recovery from that was long and hard, but one thing is for sure is that without Dr. Castora Alice’s quality of life would have been so much worse off. The Chinese herbs Dr. Castora prescribed made a HUGE difference in her quality of life, as did her always being there for us to calm us down and talk things through rationally. The biggest compliment we have for Dr. Castora is she ALWAYS had ALICE’s back. ALICE’s quality of life was her #1 priority and she helped us so very much to contantly ask “what would alice want?”. We had many vets working on Alice, but when we needed to make big decisions we always had a consult with Dr. Castora first. Our philosophy on treatment of our beloved companions is forever changed because of her guidance. Sadly we lost alice in early 2023, but we had her for four more good years with Dr. Castoras help and guidance. We will always be eternally grateful for that. On top of all of this, Dr. Castora will never hesitate to recommend traditional veterinary treatment when it’s warranted. She is truly all heart and the most giving vet i’ve ever met. Our shorthair chelsea kitty Hazel LOVES her so hard. She’s one of Hazel’s very favorite people! Thanks for enduring all the hazel slobber and allergic dander Dr. Castora! We don’t know what more we could ever ask of a vet. Dr. Castora is a gem and has our complete and total trust and devotion. —Shannon, Kathy, Hazel, and Santos-Romeo; plus Alice B and Mr. Push from the spirit plane! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/47bd929b-34fb-45ec-8f8b-1b5624976b6a/danger_2024.jpg Testimonials - Carleen and “Danger” Hi Dr Castora I can't thank you enough for the Christmas phone consultation! You helped me immensely and your advice helped Danger get some relief very quickly and his itching is greatly reduced. You are such a wonderful resource for advice and products! The supplements and the shampoo are both game changers! I just wish I lived closer so we could do more chiropractic with you. I'll do my best to come see you this summer. Happy New Year and thank you again for being such a wonderful human!! —Carleen and Danger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/1624721498553-W50UXZALQLLYDWYHOU1N/36240561_447773548980594_4420429192001224704_n.jpg Testimonials - Judy, “Murphy” and “Maxie” You always do a great job knowing what to do that is best for Murphy or Maxie. I am so lucky to have you in my life too. Thank you Valarie —Judy, Murphy, and Maxie https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/600603f1c8cd610112aa74a6/dfb25975-32f8-44ea-b774-59f110042fa8/jace.jpg Testimonials - Kerry and “Jace” Let me tell you the life altering changes Dr. Castora has made for my dog. Jace came from the south and had many antisocial tendencies towards both other dogs and people. He liked his pack but wanted nothing else to do with anyone or any other animal. Of course we went to training, but that only helped so far. A few years ago I was lucky enough to be introduced to Dr. Castora for my young Golden for chiropractic work. I thought Jace might benefit from seeing her and boy was I right. I now have a happy, loving, and much more social dog. Thanks to consistent chiropractic visits, a diet, and treatment for Lyme my boy is more of a dog than he ever was. If anyone had ever told me the changes that would be brought about by having my dog’s back adjusted I would have laughed, but not only have I seen the difference but so have other people. Dr. Castora has been great with all my dogs, but she has made Jace a very happy dog. He even runs up to greet her now instead of trying to get away. Thank you Dr. Castora, you’ve changed all our lives! — Kerry and Jace