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Frequently Asked Questions
Will your pet like the treatment?
Most dogs and cats seem very comfortable with the chiropractic treatment. Occasional discomfort is usually very temporary. Needle acupuncture is well tolerated by most dogs and some cats. Those animals that are worried by the acupuncture needles are usually treated by laser acupuncture. Rarely do any animals need to be sedated for either treatment.
How many treatments will be needed?
Spinal problems usually improve significantly with one to three treatments. An idea of the number of treatments required can often be estimated at the second visit. Treatment of limb arthritis may require an initial series of 3-6 treatments a week apart, and then of rapidly decreasing frequency, to 1-2 times per year. Alternatively, for limb arthritis, gold bead implantation is often done to give a long-term acupuncture effect. This can also be used for spinal arthritis. Ear staple implantation may also be used for arthritis, and can be a very quick and effective remedy.
How will your pet feel after the treatment?
Some pets will be a bit achy and sleepy for 24-48 hours after treatment. This is considered to be part of the healing process in some animals.
Occasionally after a spinal adjustment or acupuncture, the symptoms of the problems get worse for a short while. This is believed to be due to the body re-adjusting to the change which is being brought about. Usually animals reacting this way respond well to chiropractic and/or acupuncture if the treatment is followed up.
If you are not sure about your pet’s progress please give me a call. On rare occasions pets will need some anti-inflammatory medication for a few days after treatment.
How do you become a veterinary chiropractic practitioner?
Veterinary chiropractic practitioners are veterinarians or registered chiropractors and registered osteopaths, who have completed a Graduate Diploma in Chiropractic Science (Animal), or a Master of Chiropractic Science (Animal), at the RMIT University, Melbourne. These are currently the highest (and only) formal qualifications in veterinary chiropractic available in Australia
How do you become a veterinary acupuncture practitioner?
Veterinary acupuncture practitioners are veterinarians who have completed accredited training in veterinary acupuncture. The current accepted minimum qualification is a certificate in veterinary acupuncture from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (based in the USA). This is an extensive 12-month course, by a combination of workshops and distance education. Human acupuncture courses and annual short courses are used to further this qualification