Acupuncture for your pet

What is acupuncture

Acupuncture is the practise of inserting fine, solid needles into the body for pain relief or, in some cases, to help the body deal with other diseases.

How does acupuncture work?

It works through the nervous system. The needles block the pain messages and encourage the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s natural painkillers. In conditions that are not painful, acupuncture may help to reset the body’s normal functioning.

Will it hurt my pet?

Acupuncture needles stimulate nerves that do not cause the unpleasant feelings of pain that we are trying to treat. They stimulate other nerves that send a more important message to the brain, which is how they block pain. Sometimes animals may react to this sensation as though they are expecting pain, but then relax because it does not occur. Most of the time they accept the fine needles very well and often become relaxed and sleepy during the treatment. Often they appear to look forward to the next treatment when they come back to the practice.

Would my pet need to be sedated for this treatment?

It is uncommon for animals to need to be sedated. This would only usually happen if they were so painful that any touch or stimulus causes them to be painful. Perhaps surprisingly, cats and rabbits often accept acupuncture treatment very well.

How often would my pet be treated?

The usual course is once a week for four to six weeks. After four weeks we will know whether acupuncture is working for your pet and then, depending on the condition and how they have responded, we will work out a plan that usually involves tailing off the treatment so that the effect is maintained for as long as possible.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe, in the right hands. Legally it must be performed by a veterinary surgeon. There have been no official reports of problems in animals, but there are some in humans and these can usually be avoided with care and a good knowledge of anatomy. There are a very few cases in which we would have to be very cautious about using acupuncture, but your veterinary acupuncturist can advise you of these.

What kinds of conditions are treated with acupuncture?

Pain is the most common indication for acupuncture. Usually this means pain associated with arthritis, but also muscle strains, pain secondary to disc disease and bony changes of the spine. Other kinds of pain may also respond.

Functional conditions such as constipation in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs may also respond.

What can I expect during treatment?

After examination, needles will be put into various parts of the body and moved or stimulated a few times. There is not a set “dose” of acupuncture as there is for medication, so your vet will judge how much to do based on your pet’s response both at the time and after the treatment. They may become sleepy and relaxed during the treatment.

And after the treatment?

It is not uncommon for pets to go home and sleep very soundly for a long time. This is a good sign and shows that your pet will probably respond well to acupuncture. But do not worry if they are not sleepy – this does not mean that they will not respond. Sometimes your pet may seem a little more euphoric than usual; this is also a good sign, but keep them quiet for the rest of the day or they may overdo things.

Otherwise treat your pet normally after acupuncture. Do not change exercise, diet or medication unless it has been discussed with your vet.

What about response?

Your pet may show one of three responses to treatment:

1. They may seem a little stiffer or more uncomfortable. This just means that the dose was a bit too much, but also shows that they should respond to treatment. After a day or two they will improve again and should be better than before. However, you must tell your vet so that they can adjust the treatment next time.
2. You may see no response. This is always disappointing but does not mean your pet will not respond; it may just be that they will take a little longer or that their improvement after the first treatment was too brief or small for you to see. We cannot say that they will not respond until after the fourth treatment. Not all animals or humans are acupuncture “responders”, but about 80% will be.
3. You may see an improvement. This may occur anytime in the three days after treatment. The signs that we are trying to treat may then return before the next treatment, but this is fine. After each subsequent treatment the effects should last for longer, so that your pet may eventually not need more treatments for some time.

Please contact the surgery to discuss further / book a session.

Hill’s Science Plan Offers

Free Nutrition Advice

Hill’s Science Plan foods are nutritionally balanced, complete diets. Each designed for different life stages of the animal. Our qualified staff will be happy to give you advice about the most appropriate product for your pet. A transition period is required from one diet to another to prevent stomach upsets and allow your pet to adjust.

Money Back Guarantee

Hills’s are so confident your pet will like any of their diets that they offer a 100% money back guarantee.

Loyalty Card

A loyalty card can be used on the sale of any Science Plan diet. This pocket sized card can be presented on purchase of your pets food and you will receive the appropriate number of reward stamps on your card. Each kilogram of dry food, or 3 x large cans (415g or 395g), or 8 x 156g cans, or 12 x 85g cans, equals one stamp.

When the card is complete then bring along to the practice where you can claim money off your next purchase of food.

NeuteredCat

Hill’s NeuteredCat is formulated using a unique weight management formula. It contains just the right amount of fats and calories to keep your pet fit and trim after neutering.

Urinary problems are also common in all cats and slightly more so after neutering. This is nothing to worry about as this diet also contains the correct balance of minerals, which helps to avoid these problems.

Identichip

Identichip is a tiny microchip with a unique identification code, which can be viewed using a microchip scanner. This is injected under the skin in the same way that vaccinations are given, giving your pet permanent identification if lost. It is completely safe and can be inserted into any most species, breed and age of animal.

Scanners are routinely used by rescue kennels and dog wardens all over the country. Many welfare societies also use them as standard procedure, such as RSPCA, SSPCA, CPL etc.

When the microchip is scanned, the identification code can be given to the tracer company and they are then able to access you and your pet‘s details. Information on where your pet is located is passed onto you by telephone so you can be reunited as soon as possible.

Usual Price- £23.50

Offer Price at Second Vaccination- £15.00

Offer Price whilst under General anaesthetic- £15.00

Please contact the surgery if you would like to book in or have any questions.

CLICKER TRAINING CLASSES

Clicker training is a positive way to help you communicate clearly and precisely with your pet, instead of punishing behaviours you don’t like, reward the behaviours you do. Clicker training involves giving a click and treat (usually food) whenever your pet is doing something you want. Your pet will understand that the click means “that’s right” and a treat is coming.

When animals are rewarded for good behaviour they are more likely to repeat it and actually seek ways to offer behaviour that earns reward. You will find your pet willingly and enthusiastically participates in training sessions which are fun for you both.

Training classes are available within the surgery by appointment Monday to Friday. Each class normally runs for 45 minutes but can be tailored to meet you and your pets needs.

Please contact Leeann at the surgery for further details.

Home Visits / Collection and Return

AlbaVet offers a home visit service within the Dennistoun area by arrangement. Please telephone the surgery for advice.  This service includes a consultation with the veterinary surgeon, with estimates given on treatment / medication required as necessary. The pet may be required to be taken to the surgery for some treatments and / or administration of medication, the veterinary surgeon will discuss this if needed.

If you have difficulties in getting down to the surgery we also offer a pet collection and return service where a veterinary surgeon will perform a full health assessment at the surgery. They will then discuss any details by telephone and give medication / perform treatments as necessary before a nurse returns your pet safely back home. This also can be booked by arrangement by telephoning the surgery on (0141) 554 1911.

Out Of Hours Emergency Service

Out of normal hours we employ the services of a dedicated emergency hospital in Glasgow, Pets A & E (78 Stanley Street, Kinning Park), which is manned 24 hours by vets and nurses. Even if it is just advice you need they can be contacted at any time. We believe this offer the best care for your pet. If the pet is kept in the hospital for treatment overnight they can transfer your pet back to us in the following morning and allow us to continue that care.

The hospital has full medical and surgical facilities and is readily accessible with convenient parking.  Out of normal hours our answer machine message will give you the telephone number of the emergency clinic (0141) 429 3800.