Dr. Taryn Dentinger, DVM, CVA

Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Professional Qualifications

Education:

• Carleton College     B.A. (Biology)              1998
• University of MN     D.V.M.                        2002
• I.V.A.S.                C.V.A.                        2008

Licensure:            Minnesota and Wisconsin

Memberships in Professional Associations:           

• AAVA (American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture)
  
• IVAS  (International Veterinary Acupuncture Society)
  
• AAEP  (American Association of Equine Practitioners)
  
• AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association)

Veterinary Background:

• Small town mixed animal practice 2002-2003
  
• Equine ambulatory practice 2003-2008
  
• Instructor, Vet Tech Program  2003-2007

Why did I decide to pursue TCVM/acupuncture training?

I love improving the lives of animals and their owners.  I became frustrated with the lack of response in many of my patients to conventional Western therapies for complicated or chronic problems, such as heaves, laminitis, and chronic lameness or back problems.  I felt that my ability to address the animal’s overall well being was also limited with Western therapies.  I hoped to find a way to address medicine in a more holisitic, centered way.  Musculoskeletal problems are such a big problem for performance animals, and I wanted another way to diagnose and treat these athletes, especially before they become truly lame or unable to compete. 

I compete in endurance riding with my Arabian geldings, and one of them developed a nerve problem in his neck.  We lost an entire season of training and competition, and the recommended Western therapy was steroid injections.  While these worked to make my horse comfortable, we aren’t able to compete with any medications in the horse’s system.  I looked to acupuncture as a possible modality to help my horse continue his performance career without the use of medication.  We had an excellent season in 2008, finishing in the top ten at every competition, and stayed sound with regular acupuncture treatments.  The photo to the left is us at the first ride of the season in May 2008, where we finished in 3rd place.

I also share my life with three dogs, two of which have chronic degenerative joint disease.  Killian, the Golden Retriever, has mild hip dysplasia in one hip, an old cruciate ligament tear in the knee of the opposite leg, and arthritis in one elbow from a cartilage disease for which he had surgery at 8 months of age.  Berlin, the Springer Spaniel, has mild to moderate arthritis in both elbows and both knees. I was not happy with their quality of life using conventional therapies for arthritis – anti-inflammatory medications and joint supplements.  Since beginning acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and Chinese herbal therapies with them, I rarely use anti-inflammatory medication and both of the dogs are happy, healthy, and pain-free.