What to Expect
In the UK acupuncture can only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon. I will need to obtain your pets clinical history from your regular vet before any acupuncture treatment can commence (see the downloadable vet referral form, if you fill in your section and hand it to your vet practice they should be able to fax me all the history I need).
At each visit I will first examine your pet to make sure it is healthy enough to have the acupuncture, and assess the condition I will be treating. I will also be looking for any trigger points or tender areas. You will be required to gently restrain your animal so that the needles can be placed. The needles are often well tolerated and many pets become quite sleepy. The needles will be left in place for 10-20 minutes depending on the problem(s) and responses of your pet.
The first visit is usually 40 minutes long with subsequent visits taking about 20 minutes long.
Most pet’s will require an initial course of at least 2-4 weekly treatments before we can determine how beneficial the acupuncture will be. The length of treatment course will depend on the type of problem your pet has and its response to treatment. Some conditions will require no further treatment after the initial response, some will require occasional ‘top-up’s’. Acupuncture tends to have cumulative effects, so you often need several treatments to have a long lasting effect.
Side effects:
Animals can often be very lethargic or sleepy after treatment and this can last 24 hours or so – it is best to take things easy and just let them sleep it off!
Occasionally the acupuncture may temporarily exacerbate your animals condition.
Prices
The initial visit will be 40 minutes long and will involve me having obtained and read your pets clinical history prior to the consultation, This initial session costs £50.
Any follow up treatments are priced at £40.
Many insurance companies will now cover complementary therapies including acupuncture.
Payment is required at the time of treatment, I accept cash or cheques.
Insurance
Many insurance companies now cover the cost of complementary therapies such as acupuncture.
It is best to contact your insurance provider before the initial consultation to check the details of the cover and any exceptions that may apply within your policy.
Below is a list of some of the insurance companies that offer policies which cover complementary therapies. It is by no means a comprehensive list so if your insurance company is not listed it is always worth while checking with them.
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