FAQ

What is integrative medicine?

People use the term integrative medicine in different ways. This is how I view it:

In a nutshell, integrative medicine combines the best of both Eastern and Western medicine.

Chinese medicine is truly an art that has been perfected over time. The Chinese are very connected with their natural environment and noticed how our bodies were changed by the interaction with nature. Over time, they developed an elaborate method to explain the changes that were occurring in disease without the advantage of modern science. At the same time, they noticed the effects of herbs on the body and through trial and error, and developed herbal formulas that helped with certain disease manifestations. In practice, the goal is not to cure per se, but to restore balance.

Their approach has many advantages. Like the ancient Chinese, we don’t always have all the diagnostics available, or diagnostics may be misleading or contradictory. This system focuses on not a positive or negative test result, but the signs and symptoms experienced by the patient. Our pets can still be treated with Chinese medicine even when there are no tests available to perform.

But what if you had both? This is where we can truly make a difference. Western diagnostics can help to enhance Chinese medical treatment decision-making, and Chinese herbs can be used when there isn’t a good Western medical diagnosis or treatment.

For example, a dog who has diabetes may require insulin (Western treatment) but Chinese herbs or food therapy could be used to enhance the response to insulin so less is required. Another example is an arthritic dog with kidney or liver disease who can’t take traditional NSAIDS for pain relief. Acupuncture and herbs are a safe alternative and they may have the added advantage of helping with the kidney or liver!

What services are offered?

I currently only treat cats and dogs, but if you have an exotic animal that you think may benefit from acupuncture, give me a call!

As a specialist and a mobile veterinarian, I have some limitations in what I can and can’t do for you and your pet. I recommend always having a relationship with a veterinarian that you can go to for emergencies, diagnostics, and procedures.

What I can offer:

Regular consultations
Acupuncture treatment
Chinese herbal medicine formulation
Laser therapy treatments
Guidance on chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Euthanasia services for established patients
Injections such as Cytopoint, B12, Adequan, Solensia

What I can’t offer:

Surgical procedures (even minor ones)
Dermatologic services
Blood testing (I am happy to interpret lab work performed by your veterinarian)
Other diagnostics such as radiography (X-rays) and ultrasounds
Emergency services

My goal is not to replace your primary veterinarian. As an Internal Medicine specialist (as well as being mobile), I am unable to perform some of these diagnostics like radiography, ultrasound. I also am not trained in basic preventative care like dentistry or vaccination, nor can I perform surgical procedures. My goal is to enhance the holistic health of your pet, to “fill in the gaps,” and to provide the time and compassion that your family craves from our broken healthcare system.

As an Internal Medicine Specialist, my training included an extra 4 years more than the average general practitioner. In addition, I have pursued additional training in herbal medicine and acupuncture. This additional level of expertise, and the extra time spent with each client and pet, naturally means that my services are generally more expensive than other veterinarians. I am hopeful that over time, pet owners will notice a huge difference in the level of care their pet is receiving, and that their pets will notice the difference too!

Do I still need a regular veterinarian?

How long does the visit take?

The initial visit is usually about 1.5 hours. Follow-up visits are limited to 45 minutes. Please have complete records available from your veterinarian (OK to email a pdf if you prefer) that I can look at. Please make sure your vet also includes x-rays (the actual jpeg, not a verbal interpretation) and ultrasound findings (if applicable). If you fill out the history form ahead of time, then that will make the process go faster and allow for more discussion time. If we run out of time, we can schedule an online meeting to finish up.

My dog/cat is really aggressive at the vet, can I get a house call instead?

It depends. Often, animals are much better in their home environment than they are at the clinic. That being said, my safety is top priority. I have muzzles and e-collars available to prevent bites, or you can use your own. In reality, we want acupuncture to be an enjoyable experience for them. If I feel that the pet is too stressed for their exam or treatment, I can prescribe sedatives or an anxiolytic and schedule another visit. You will still be charged for that visit. If you’re not sure how your pet will act, please let me know in advance. You can use sedation that you were prescribed previously for veterinary visits or ask your primary vet to prescribe something just in case.