Frequently Asked Questions
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I offer acupuncture to pets living in Launceston and surrounding areas.
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I mainly treat cats and dogs, however I have also treated the odd rabbit with acupuncture.
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The most common conditions I treat patients for are musculoskeletal (osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease), but it can be used to treat a large range of conditions and disease processes, or just to give an elderly patient a little “boost”.
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There may be a slight discomfort when a needle is inserted, but because of the different needles used, it is less painful than a vaccination or blood draw. Some points may be more sensitive than others, in particular those with less tissue and muscle underneath such as those around joints and extremeties.
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I usually recommend owners set aside at least an hour for the first session, and 45 minutes for subsequent sessions.
The needles themselves are usually left in place for 10-15 minutes.
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During a first session, I will do a clinical exam, and using the results of the exam and your pets history, I will decide which points are appropriate for your pet’s condition and then I will start inserting needles.
I will usually also give your pet treats during treatment to help make sessions a positive experience, and to somewhat distract your pet from the needles.
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This all depends on the condition we are treating. In general, if the condition is chronic, we may need to do weekly treatments for 4 weeks, then treat monthly ongoing. If the condition is acute, a one-off treatment may be enough, or your pet may just need several weekly treatments. Please contact me for more specific advice.
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This all depends on the condition we are treating and your pet’s tolerance to the needles. Most acupuncture points will have more than one effect, so we can often use fewer needles than what you might expect.
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It is $175 for the first acupuncture session, and $125 for every session thereafter.
This cost includes the needles, regardless of how many are used each session.
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No. I don’t require a formal referral from your vet in order for you to book an appointment. However, it is helpful to have a history from your vet detailing your pets current conditions and treatments.
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This will depend on your policy. Please contact your insurance provider to see if your pet is covered for this service.