F.A.Q's
We are dedicated to your pets' needs. That's why we've compiled a wealth of information to assist you here.
What is Integrative Veterinary Medicine?
Integrative Veterinary Medicine uses many different treatment options to help our pets. We firmly believe that our pets need conventional medicine, medications, surgery, vaccines, blood tests, x-rays, but we also believe in using alternative therapies in conjunction with these treatments. Many times conventional medicine is not enough, or has side effects which affect the animals quality of life. In these cases we can see what other types of therapies may be needed.
What are some of the alternative therapies we can use?
Some of these therapies are acupuncture, Chinese herbal formulations, western herbal formulations, supplements, dietary changes, chiropractic, adjustments, homeopathy, and many others.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture can affect all major organ systems. It works primarily through the nervous system and energy pathways in the body. When we put the needles into the acupuncture points we are affecting another area of the body in a predictable way.
How will my pet react to acupuncture?
The acupuncture treatments are done with your pet wide awake and in a comfortable position. Since acupuncture uses needles your pet may have a brief moment of sensitivity when the needle goes through the skin. This is NOT AT ALL like getting a vaccine or other injection; they will barely feel the needle! Once the needles are in place most animals relax and many fall asleep during the treatment!
What conditions respond to acupuncture and integrative medicine?
Many conditions respond to acupuncture. Some are: arthritis, back injuries including disk problems, geriatric issues, general pain, immune support, chronic renal failure, cancer support, immune problems, paralysis, allergy related symptoms, vomiting/diarrhea. Like any therapy, some conditions respond better than others and each animal is different.
How often and for how long will my pet be treated?
Treatments last from 10 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the method used. There are many ways of stimulating the acupuncture points- pressure, needles, applying heat to a point, and electroacupuncture. Patients are usually treated 1-2 times a week for the first week or two, and then the treatments are spaced out more. A positive result is often seen within the first 4-6 treatments, and many times earlier, depending on the condition being treated.
How safe is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side effects are rare. Occasionally the animals condition may worsen temporarily before the positive results are seen this is normal and temporary. They may get very tired after their treatment and need to sleep for the rest of the day.
What is electroacupuncture?
Electroacupuncture can be used for many conditions and helps increase the healing effects of the acupuncture. We use an electroacupuncture machine which is powered by one 9v battery and is similar to devices used by chiropractors and in sports medicine to stimulate muscles. Animals usually find this very relaxing, especially those being treated for painful arthritis or back injuries.
Can you do acupuncture on my cat?
Yes! We can normally treat cats without any problems. It is important to keep a calm environment and to have you there to reassure your cat. A special treat like deli meat, a little cheese, or other special food can also help.
What about acupressure? Does this work?
Acupressure applying pressure to the points can be used at home to help your pet in-between treatments! I will show you 1-2 points at each treatment and ask you to treat your pet at home.
Why do you also prescribe herbals?
Chinese herbals work on the same principle as acupuncture. They may not only help heal your pet but also help prevent disease by strengthening your pets immune system and other defenses. In Chinese medicine herbals are actually considered more important than acupuncture because they are used to strengthen the entire body and change the way the body reacts to disease.
Why do you say Chinese herbals are a prescription item when I can get them online?
Supplements and herbals have become very popular for both humans and animals and are available online and in many stores unfortunately there is very little quality control out there. Unless we get our products from reputable companies we have no way of knowing if they contain what they should contain, or if they have been stored properly. In both these cases the product may not work at all or, even worse, may have a detrimental effect on your pet. I only deal with 3 herbal companies and 2 supplement companies. They only sell to licensed professionals and have staked their reputation on their products. Therefore I have also staked MY reputation on the fact that the herbals and supplements I prescribe for your pet are EXACTLY what they say they are.
What kind's of supplements are important?
This depends on many things the age of your pet, what we are treating, how they are doing on their medications and herbals, what foods they are eating. I may prescribe vitamins and antioxidants for one pet, and micronutrients for the next.
My pet is doing great on his food now. Are you going to change it?
Maybe, maybe not! If your pet has an ongoing illness we may need to make some basic changes in addition to other treatments. Our pets diet (and OUR diet) is the basis for great health and we will discuss how this easy change can make a huge difference in your pets health!
Why does the first appointment take so much longer than a normal veterinary appointment?
We will do a lot of talking discussing your pet´s health, environment, history, habits, and then we will do an acupuncture treatment if this is needed. It is important that your pet remain as calm as possible for the treatment - this is why the pace of the appointment is slower and not as hectic!
How do I know if my pet would benefit from Integrative Medicine?
Integrative medicine can mean something as easy as changing the diet and adding some supplements or it can mean acupuncture treatments.
I would really like my pet to have acupuncture but I'm sure you won't be able to stick needles in him! What do I do?
Many people believe their pets will not allow needles to be stuck in them, but actually there have been very few animals I could not treat!
Remember this is NOT like getting vaccines. The needles are tiny and the treatments make the animals feel good. I will never restrain a fearful pet to do acupuncture - they will not get any benefit from the treatment if they are panicked. We will usually know during the first appointment, when I take the history and examine your pet, if we can do the acupuncture. The great thing about integrative medicine is that there will be many other therapies we can use to help your pet if I truly can't do acupuncture on him or her!
If you are treating my pet do I still go to my normal veterinarian?
Yes, you will still go to your vet for your pet's other needs. If your pet needs more diagnostic tests for the problem I am treating I will recommend you have the tests done at your primary veterinary hospital. If necessary we can also do the tests here.
I go to a chiropractor for my back. She also does acupuncture. Can she treat my pet too?
No, professionals who treat humans are not licensed to treat animals and this is illegal (just like it is illegal for a veterinarian to treat humans). It is also dangerous because they do not know the anatomy and physiology of animals.
How do I make an appointment?
The best way to make an appointment is to call your primary veterinarian and ask him or her to set up a referral. This way I can talk with your vet first and review your pet's records and diagnosis. Then I will call you with any questions and set up an appointment. You can also call the hospital directly and the receptionist will take down your information and I will get back to you. Regardless of how you set up the appointment I will have to review your pet's records with your veterinarian first, since I will be working with you and your veterinarian to treat your pet and provide the most comprehensive care possible!
