Acupuncture

How can acupuncture help my pet?

Acupuncture can be used to treat many conditions in dogs and cats, including arthritis, paralysis, allergies, skin conditions, gastrointestinal conditions and respiratory conditions.  It can be used as the only treatment or in combination with Western medical treatments.  Acupuncture can decrease pain and increase the quality of life in our pets.  Treatments are generally well-tolerated and do not cause side effects.

Is acupuncture painful?

The needles used for acupuncture in small animals are very small and generally do not cause discomfort.  Most animals become very relaxed or sleepy during acupuncture treatment.  Some animals can experience a sensation such as numbness or tingling at the needle placement sites.

How much does it cost?

The initial acupuncture treatment includes a detailed history and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical (TCVM) examination.  The cost for this is $130 plus the trip fee.  Subsequent visits for the same problem are $90 plus the trip fee.  We also offer an option to "add on" acupuncture treatment to a regular visit--this is not a full TCVM evaluation, but involves treating a few points that may benefit your pet's problem; this is $35 in addition to the usual exam and trip fees.

How often will my pet need to have acpuncuture?

This varies from patient to patient, but in most cases pets are seen every 10-14 days initially for several treatments.  Often this can be extended to an interval of once a month or even longer once the pet has responded to treatment.

Where can I find more information?

Dr. Mathis is happy to answer any questions you may have about acupuncture for your pet.  You can also find more information here:

www.ivas.org/about-ivas/what-is-veterinary-acupuncture/

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