We are always impressed with the attention we (our dog Zoe and us) receive from Dr. Heather and staff. We were referred to Dr. Heather by Zoe’s primary vet when she began having severe issues with her hips and back that were affecting her quality of life. The very first time we met Dr. Heather it was a very apparent that there was a special connection between a dog who is very selective on who she trust and this wonderful vet. A combination of chiropractic, acupuncture treatments, and no shortage of liver treats has given us back the puppy soul in our old girl.

The staff at Balanced Paws Veterinary Care is genuinely caring, understanding and listens to our worries. It is so nice to have a calm relaxed environment different from any other vet clinic we have experienced. We have
recommended Balanced Paws many times before and will continue to do so.

- The Furlotte Family and Zoe Claire (age 12)

My cat Max was displaying very odd behaviour. He would begin looking at his back feet, start to growl, then dive through his front feet in a kind of somersault and attack his own back feet. Max would bite himself so hard he would cry out in pain. I was very worried but couldn’t get a diagnosis from my vet. The only treatment that was recommended was to put him on an anti-anxiety medication essentially sedating him.

I took Max to Dr. Matheson and after a thorough examination, she explained what was happening. Max had a badly misaligned lower back, pelvis and sacrum. He was likely feeling either sharp pains (similar to a sciatica pain) or a tingling sensation and didn’t know where it was coming from.

After just two chiropractic adjustments Max is a much happier cat! He is no longer attacking his feet and his somersaults have stopped.

I highly recommend Dr Matheson and her wonderful staff at Balanced Paws.

- Lisa Wood

We met Dr. Heather Matheson when we moved to the Comox Valley in 2007 with our three dogs. Two of our dogs were older but under Heather’s care both lived long, happy and fulfilled lives.

Our third dog had been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and given 6 months to live at another Courtenay vet clinic. With Heather’s amazing care and compassion, we had 3 ½ years of quality, active and happy time with him.

We now have a healthy 2 year old Labrador that we again, without hesitation, have entrusted into Heather’s care at Balanced Paws. The compassion that heather and her staff have for all family pets is amazing – our dogs never knew they were at the vet’s but rather thought they were among friends who would make them feel better. Their tails were always wagging – the best recommendation!

- Bruce and Jean Bell

Millie, My 4-paw adventure partner was diagnosed with hip dysplasia in November 2012. Millie is a 4 year old Aussie Shep X. This news was unexpected in such a happy go lucky girl.

My options were surgery (Full hip replacement) and prescribed medication for reducing inflammation and pain, which used long term wasn’t a good option for Millie’s health. Looking at alternatives I asked Robyn Andexser owner/friend of Best Paw Forward Dog Training whom she would recommend for acupuncture treatment for dogs.

“You must go to see Dr Heather Matheson” she said and gave me her number and told me to call her right away.

I took a list of questions that I wanted to ask Dr Matheson on that 1st appointment and never had to refer to it as she asked me all of the questions I had written down and more.

I felt that she really cared about what was good for me as well as Millie!

As I changed her diet to raw, started her on some Chinese Herbs for inflammation, and followed by acupuncture treatments every Saturday for the next 4 weeks.

By week number 3 the range of motion in her hips had improved significantly. With the comments I am receiving on how well Millie is running around and having a great time on the trails with her 4 pawed pals I have no doubt she is feeling a lot better.

We visited Dr Matheson and her wonderful staff at Balanced Paws today in Courtenay at the new clinic. Including a great view of the ocean, the clinic has the comforts of a spa and was very welcoming for both of us. Millie loved the bed set up for her acupuncture treatment!

Millie and I are so grateful we found you Dr Matheson, Thank you!

- Wendy & Millie Morisseau

Dr Heather Matheson and staff are amazing.

My dog “Bailey” began having seizures when he was just a year old. After seeing 4 different veterinary clinics, countless different medications given at countless different doses “Bailey” was still having cluster seizures every three weeks.

Dr Heather did a series of acupuncture treatments, changed “Bailey’s” diet, started a herbal medication and adjusted his traditional medication. “Bailey” has had only 3 or 4 seizures in the past 3 years and is a happy healthy 5 year old dog!

I am so thankful for finding Dr. Matheson; she is a wonderful person and a fantastic Veterinarian.

- E. Bye