ACUPUNCTURE
We are so excited to be able to offer Acupuncture here at Family Pet Clinic. Dr. Katie Ellis is not only certified in the practice of acupuncture, but also experienced in its use.
Acupuncture is the practice of placing small, hair-sized needles into specific locations on the body. Each acupuncture point is located in the area of small blood vessels, lymphatic vessels, free nerve endings, and mast cells. Stimulation of an acupuncture point results in increased blood flow to the area, nerve regeneration, and pain relief.
Acupuncture is most commonly used to alleviate pain. It has proven incredibly beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis, tendon/ligament injuries, inter-vertebral disc disease, and pain associated with surgical procedures. Acupuncture is also used extensively in pets with cancer, as well as pets with end-of-life illnesses, to reduce pain, decrease nausea, and increase appetite. It is also an adjunctive treatment for chronic cystitis (bladder inflammation), constipation, chronic conjunctivitis, and urinary incontinence. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with any current medical treatment and has no negative side effects.
Pets tolerate acupuncture extremely well. Even pets that are normally nervous and anxious in the veterinary clinic will become increasingly comfortable with visits as the treatments progress.
Treatment Protocol
Each acupuncture session is 30 minutes to 1 hour in length. The frequency and duration of treatment depends upon the needs of each individual. Most pets with chronic arthritis are given 3 treatments in the first month of therapy followed by a single treatment every 2-4 months as needed.
When treating chronic pain/arthritis, we typically schedule 3 visits in the first month as follows:
Visit #1: the longest appointment (about 1 hour) in which we do an extensive review of your pet’s history followed by an approximately 20 minute long acupuncture treatment. Cost $112.00
Visit #2: 1 week after the first treatment. We will discuss your pet’s progress since the last visit and then perform another acupuncture treatment. This appointment is generally 30 minutes in length.
Visit #3: 2 weeks after the second treatment. We again discuss your pet’s progress and perform another acupuncture treatment. Visits #2 and #3 cost $80.00 each.
Most pets with mild to moderate arthritis/pain do very well after these initial treatments and do not require another treatment for 3-4 months. We ask that clients let us know when their pets are becoming sore again so that we can schedule another exam and treatment.
Acupuncture treatments performed greater than 2 months after the series would be treated as a single treatment with an exam fee ($108) so that we can go over your pet’s history and progress thoroughly. If we decide that another series is warranted, the next two treatments are $80 each.
Acupuncture for End of Life Care and Cancer Patients
Pets with cancer or other end of life painful conditions can receive treatments every 1-4 weeks with a goal of maintaining comfort, appetite, and an acceptable quality of life. Cost will be discussed at the first consult exam and determined based on frequency of treatments as well as the extent.