Getting Started
First Steps
Call Us – The first step is calling us to discuss your pet. Our staff will gather information about your pet including the primary issue(s) of concern. This is also your opportunity to ask questions.
There’s Homework – Before scheduling, we ask that you have your pet’s FULL veterinary record sent to us and also complete and return our initial questionnaire. We recognize this is a lot of work! Why is history important? Traditional Chinese medicine is a complete system of medicine which examines patterns of diseases and systemic imbalances. Identifying patterns requires history!
Health, behavior and home environmental factors which are seemingly unrelated in western medicine may be very meaningful in Chinese medicine. Think of it this way – you are giving homework to the veterinarian! Prior to your visit our veterinarian performs a detailed review of your pet’s history and will have a preliminary treatment plan in mind.
Scheduling – After receiving the initial questionnaire and complete vet records, we will contact you to schedule the initial consultation.
Don't wait for a catastrophe.
Many alternative therapies operate on the premise of helping the body to heal itself.
A pet who has good energy and is still full of life will have a
better chance of responding to treatment.
Initial Consultation
The visit starts with understanding your goals as well as asking clarifying questions regarding your pet’s health history, diet, home environment etc. A thorough western examination will be performed as well as a Chinese medicine exam.
With a holistic approach the veterinarian considers many factors overall which affect your pet’s well being, not just the “issues of concern.” As such, copious amounts of information will be shared and we encourage you to take thorough notes. The output of this lengthy initial consultation (~1 to 1.5 hrs +) is a custom treatment plan. If acupuncture is recommended this would be started at a subsequent visit. Herbs, supplements and dietary recommendations may be started right away.
Treatment Plan
In general expect:
- A multi-faceted treatment plan (i.e. acupuncture, Chinese herbs, supplements, cold laser, musculoskeletal manipulation, dietary recommendations)
- The vet may recommend that the treatment plan may be phased in over time. This can be due to prioritization of multiple issues, it can also be the need to improve foundational health issues as a necessary step to address additional problems. For example, poor gut health may need to be addressed first for herbs to be most effective.
- The plan will continue to change and regular rechecks are required. Your pet may respond well to a treatment initially, and then level out. Adjusting an herb or supplement may be necessary to see additional improvement or even to hold steady. Also with age and disease progression, additional and/or different approaches may be needed.
On-Going Care
- Younger pets respond faster. Older pets respond more slowly. Conditions which have been present for months may take weeks to show improvement and those present for years may take longer.
- On-going means on-going. Rather than addressing symptoms, our aim is to address the cause. For example: A urinary tract infection may be treated with antibiotics AND in addition herbs or supplements may be recommended long term to improve urinary health and decrease susceptibility to infection.
- Treatments such as acupuncture, laser and musculoskeletal manipulation (commonly known as chiropractic) are generally required more frequently when first addressing an issue. As the pet responds and the condition improves, the time between treatments can be increased.
- Especially with advanced age or a congenital weakness we are, in a sense, “pushing a boulder uphill.” In later stages of disease progression holding steady may be considered a win!
