My pet was diagnosed with Cancer now what?
Finding out that your pet was diagnosed with cancer can be scary and confusing. All of a sudden you’re faced with making medical decisions for your pet, with the added pressure of feeling you need to move quickly to make sure that your pet receives the care they need as soon as possible As veterinarians, our job is to help guide you through the treatment options, the pros and cons of each option, and to help you make an educated decision about the care for your pet.
As veterinarians, we should also be respectful of the fact that there is no right or wrong answer to how you choose to proceed, as long as you have been informed of all your options. For some pet parents, this means doing nothing --at least from a conventional point of view. However, choosing a palliative approach to your pet’s care have to mean doing nothing at all. Many pet parents turn to the internet for advice, trying to piece together the best diet and supplement program from various internet sources, which in itself can be overwhelming. Doing nothing does not mean that you have to face the situation alone. At Healing Tails we work hard to stay up to date on the best supplements and alternative treatment options available to pets to help prolong their quality of life.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
What happens during a visit for acupuncture?During your pet's assessment prior to the acupuncture treatmetn, the doctor may assess your pet for pain in addition to checking their tongue and pulse. While it may seem a little strange to check the tongue and pulse, checking both of these can provide information about your pet’s condition and can help the doctor determine the best acupuncture prescription for your pet. The needles are thin and push the skin out of the way rather than cut it. While some acupuncture points may be sensitive and cause slight discomfort once the needles are inserted, typically this discomfort quickly subsides. Some people worry that their pets may not tolerate the treatment, but most pets sit still for their treatments and some even fall asleep. We incorporate calming sounds, mood lighting and licky mats with peanut butter if needed to help keep your pet calm during their treatment.
-
What are side effects of acupuncture in pets?When performed by a trained and certified veterinary acupuncturist, acupuncture is generally safe with minimal side effects. Some patients may have a temporary worsening of their symptoms or may be a little sore for 24-28 hours following the treatment. Bruising, breaking of the needle, needle ingestion or puncture of internal organs are all extremely rare but possible side effects which owner's should be made aware of.
-
How long are the acupuncture treatments for my pet?Our acupuncture appointments are scheduled for 30 minutes. Depending on the pet, the acupuncture needles may remain in place anywhere for 12- 25 minutes.
-
Who can perform the acupuncture treatments for my pet?Acupuncture treatments should only peformed by a licensed veterinarian who is trained in acupunture treatments for pets. Dr. Arielle performs all of the acupuncture treatments for pets at Healing Tails. She received her training through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
-
Should acupuncture be used instead of western medicine?Acupuncture should be used in conjunction with traditional western medical diagnostics, work-ups and treatments. In some cases clients are able to reduce the dose of pain medications or eliminate them altogether under the guidance of their veterinarian. It is important to discuss your goals for your pet's treatment during their intial exam.