FAQS
Below are answers to my patients’ frequently asked questions. If there is something I’ve missed, please don’t hesitate to ask. For more information, get in touch. I look forward to meeting you soon.
IS IT SAFE?
Acupuncture is very safe...in the right hands! Its is classified as an act of veterinary surgery and therefore can only be performed by a veterinary surgeon or nurse (under direction). There have not been any reported complications from acupuncture in cats and dogs, however there have been some reported in humans. Most of these can be avoided with care and a good knowledge of the anatomy.
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I have undertaken further specific training beyond my veterinary qualification to be able to provide this service to you and your pets.
DOES IT HURT?
The needles used for acupuncture are very fine and generally do not hurt, although a tiny pinch sensation can be felt. They stimulate nerves near the source of pain rather than the pain nerves themselves, which then blocks the pain (see About Acupuncture) . In actual fact most animals become very relaxed and sleepy during treatment.
WON'T THE NEEDLES CAUSE MORE DAMAGE?
The needles used in Western Acupuncture are atraumatic. They are ultra fine, sterile, stainless needles that can require very little pressure to penetrate the skin, which can be achieved with gentle tapping. The muscular walls of blood vessels will move out of the way of the incoming needle and nerve fibres will allow the needle to pass through without damage. The shaft of the needles are coated in silicone to allow them to glide through the skin and muscle smoothly.
IS ACUPUNCTURE RIGHT FOR MY PET?
Different animals will respond differently to treatments. A lot of conditions can improve greatly with acupuncture, but there is no guarantee how much they will improve or what aspects of the condition will get better. Treatment involves needles, which some pets may not be comfortable with, however with careful management most needle phobic pets begin to tolerate treatment within a few sessions.
WHAT IF MY PET HATES THE VETS?
A lot of pets learn to hate the vets because bad things usually happen there. The manifestation of the hatred and stress often arises way before the pet has even got to the practice because they know where they're going due to a break in the routine. Our sessions are conducted on neutral ground so this stress will not be as high. I will make sure that the sessions are calm and the treatment is as gentle as it needs to be to show your pet how good the therapy can be for them. There will also be lots of treats!!
WHAT IF ACUPUNCTURE DOESN'T WORK?
Unfortunately acupuncture does not work in every case and is very dependant on what is actually hurting. If this happens to be the case with your pet then we can discuss alternatives. Laser therapy, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and massage can all be used to provide multi-modal pain relief for your pet. I am happy to discuss these options with you and even make referrals to various practitioners who provide these services.
WHY DO YOU NEED MY PET'S MEDICAL HISTORY?
By reviewing your pet's medical history I can gain insight in to their condition from the notes written by your primary vets. I can also see how long the condition has be going on for track what medications have been given and when, and maybe been uncover issues that could related to your pet's pain that may have been overlooked. This will allow me to formulate the best possible plan for your pet's treatment.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT FROM MY FIRST SESSION?
The first session is longer than a standard treatment session. I will review you pet's condition and pain with a full examination and recap of the history sent by your vet. I can then come up with how we will manage the condition with acupuncture, and give your pet their first treatment which is often a gentle introductory treatment to get your pet used to being needled.
HOW MANY SESSIONS WILL MY PET NEED?
How long is a piece of string? But seriously, it is not possible to know exactly how many sessions will be needed. Generally around 3 to 4 sessions will be needed as be begin with generalised treatment and build up to a more focused and targeted treatment. This will allow me to gauge whether acupuncture is working for you pet. From then if your pet has responded well then maintenance treatments can be used as often as your pet requires. Some animals may need further treatment sessions.
