Treatments

When, where and who?

Appointments are arranged following a referral from your pet's regular vet. If you are interested in acupuncture for your pet, please contact us and we can advise whether treatment would be appropriate.   Your usual vet would then need to complete a referral form, to be returned to us prior to your pet's first appointment.  A typical treatment course would be once to twice weekly for 4-5 weeks initially, then frequency of treatments may be decreased depending on your pet's response.  We will keep your regular vet fully informed of your pet's treatment and progress.

Treatments are carried out by Abigail Richardson BVSc MRCVS, a fully qualified and experienced vet who has been trained in acupuncture. According to UK law, acupuncture may only be carried out by qualified veterinary surgeons.

Many pets become very stressed during a trip to the vets, so we travel to you!  Most animals are much more relaxed and amenable to treatment in their home environment.

What does a treatment involve?

The first appointment can take up to an hour. This allows time to take a full history and examine your pet, before commencing acupuncture treatment if appropriate. Between 6-12 needles are usually used and left in place for 10-20 minutes. As the needles used are very fine, most animals tolerate acupuncture very well with minimal restraint, and often become relaxed and even sleepy once treatment is commenced. Subsequent appointments can take up to 45 minutes. 

Occasionally animals may move around during their treatment, and it is possible that needles may fall out. For this reason it is best that treatment takes place on a clear, empty floor where needles may be safely retrieved if necessary.

You may notice an improvement in your pet's condition after the first treatment, although as acupuncture has a cumulative effect, it can take several treatments before a therapeutic effect is seen. It is thought that around 10-20% of animals are 'non responders' to acupuncture and will show no improvement. Some pets may become lethargic or sleepy after needling, so they may want to rest for up to a day following treatment.  In some cases treatment may temporarily exacerbate their condition for 1-2 days before an improvement is seen.

Initial consultation and treatment: £70

Follow up consultation and treatment: £50

An additional visit fee may apply depending on distance/travel time from Buntingford, Herts; please contact us for details.

Most pet insurance companies will cover the cost of acupuncture, please contact your insurance provider prior to treatment to check your policy terms and conditions.