My TCM Vet » FAQ

Pain is a Pain

Rona Sherebrin — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 19:32:07 +0000

Recently when suffering a barometric pressure-change headache I was thinking about pain in our companion animals. We can’t ask them where and how it hurts, if the pain is worse with certain activities or at certain times of day. As veterinarians we have to play detective, and try to figure things out [...]

Holistic VS Homeopathic- what’s the difference?

Rona Sherebrin — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 14:31:24 +0000

Differences between Holistic, Integrative, Naturopathic, Alternative and Homeopathic therapies and practices [...]

Arthritis therapy: Integrative approach

Rona Sherebrin — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 03:59:31 +0000

Many patients I see suffer from joint pain, loss of mobility, stiffness, and decreased quality of life due to degenerative joint diseases such as arthritis. A multimodal approach is required for this very challenging condition. Usually an increase in mobility, a decrease in pain and a much better quality of life results. Key modalities are diet, acupuncture, cold-laser therapy, herbal supplements, nutraceuticals, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and non-sedating narcotics. Physical therapy is helpful for improving mobility and building back muscle strength lost due to inactivity. For the very difficult cases, nerve-pain drugs such as Amantadine and Gabapentin are added. Surgery is needed when there is significant joint instability, bone chips in the joint space or for hip replacement. [...]

What is Laser Acupuncture?

Rona Sherebrin — Wed, 27 May 2009 04:37:37 +0000

Laser Acupuncture uses an infrared “cold” laser beam to stimulate the acupuncture points instead of inserting needles into them. A feeling of warmth or tingling may temporarily occur. Laser Acupuncture is particularly indicated in sensitive, bony areas of the body such as the feet, or in areas that are dangerous to insert [...]

What about herbs, supplements and massage?

Rona Sherebrin — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:13:25 +0000

Sometimes the use of botanicals (herbal medicines) supports the acupuncture treatment. The veterinarian trained in TCVM may supplement, or even replace acupuncture treatments with botanical therapy. Herbs are often used in situations that have not responded to conventional veterinary medical interventions. Supplements provide higher levels of nutrients that are found naturally in [...]

Who will be treating my pet?

Rona Sherebrin — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:12:44 +0000

In most countries, states and provinces, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer to animals. A veterinarian trained in TCVM is in the best position to diagnose an animal’s health problem and then to determine whether an it is likely to benefit from an acupuncture [...]

How often are treatments given?

Rona Sherebrin — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:11:30 +0000

A simple acute problem, such as a muscle sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need a dozen treatments. When multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively. Patients often start with 1-3 treatments per week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen after [...]

How long do treatments last?

Rona Sherebrin — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:10:38 +0000

The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation that is chosen. Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10 seconds or as much as 30 minutes.

What species can be treated?

Rona Sherebrin — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:07:28 +0000

All species will respond to acupuncture. Dr. Sherebrin has experience treating dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and rodents.

Is acupuncture safe for animals?

Rona Sherebrin — Tue, 19 May 2009 04:07:05 +0000

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist. An animal’s condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals may become sleepy or lethargic for 24 [...]