A Universal Source for Pet Healing and Health Maintenance

by Martin Miron

Kim V. Hombs, DVM, owner of Atrium Animal Hospital & Wellness Center, has always had a commitment to excellence and dedication to her patients and their guardians. In March 2015, she became the only fellow of the American Association of Veterinary Acupuncture in North Carolina, and just one of 20 in the country. She is also an active member of multiple veterinary professional organizations.

The hospital employs six veterinarians and a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner, along with 30 support staff members. “We promote animal wellness in every possible way within a positive physical, mental and emotional environment for the well-being of our animal friends, their owners and our staff,” advises Hombs.

After graduating from Oklahoma State University in 1986, Hombs moved to Charlotte and worked for seven years in a large veterinary practice, developing a deep interest in holistic, integrated medicine. In 1994, she became a certified veterinary acupuncturist through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and opened Atrium in 1996.

Hombs is also certified in Chinese herbal medicine, tui-na and food therapy. Her professional passion for integrative veterinary medicine blends conventional and natural complementary therapies. But there is a place for high technology, as well, and she became certified in the use of therapeutic Class IV lasers in 2010.

“You can expect us to provide gentle, integrative and natural health care to your pet and excellent service to you. Our ultimate goal is to provide you with warm, friendly and efficient service in a welcoming environment, so you’ll allow us to be your furry friends’ continued professional health caregivers,” she says.

Integrative services include wellness and new patient exams; acupuncture; herbals; essential oils; nutritional counseling; alternate vaccine schedule and titers; vet stem regenerative medicine; digital radiography; diagnostic ultrasound; a full in-house laboratory; certified canine pet massage; and rehab services. Dog and cat behavior services encompass counseling; flower essences; and natural remedies.

Surgical services include in-house pre-surgical blood profiling; heated surgical tables and recovery cages; dedicated staff for anesthetic monitoring; isoflourane and sevoflourane inhalant anesthesia; postoperative pain management; and post-surgical laser treatment. Dental services include full-mouth digital radiography (X-rays); periodontal therapy; surgical extractions; and bonding.

“We love to provide veterinary services to rabbits, too!” says Hombs—routine and sick exams; nutritional counseling; dental care; spaying and neutering; grooming; and boarding. Additional services include complete hair/fur trimming and clipping options; therapeutic hydrosurge (deep massage, whirlpool-like bathing and drying system); nail trimming and filing; and nail caps for cats as an alternative to declawing.

Exotic pets such as birds, reptiles (non-venomous) and pocket pets receive routine and sick exams; nutritional counseling; husbandry counseling; avian (bird) beak and wing trims; vaccinations; and boarding (including avian boarding recommendations). Boarding for local animals of all kinds features Indoor, air-conditioned runs; outdoor breaks during the day; luxury cat condos; and Sunday pick-up services between 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.

Atrium Animal Hospital & Wellness Center offers Wellness Wisdom Wednesday seminars on the last Wednesday of each month that cover holistic modalities and alternative treatments for pets.

Atrium Animal Hospital & Wellness Center is located at 6520 McMahon Dr., in Charlotte. For appointments, call 704-542-2000. For more information, visit AtriumAnimalHospital.com.

Martin Miron is a frequent contributor to Natural Awakenings magazines nationwide.