TREATING PAIN
Understanding your dog's pain
Pain is defined as "an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with, or resembling that associated with, actual or potential tissue damage". Therefore to effectively treat pain, we need to understand the type of pain your pet is experiencing, where it is coming from and how it is affecting their life.
Pain can be acute and chronic, caused by inflammation and trauma, or involve nerves (neuropathic). Sometimes even a combination of all types, with each scenario requiring a different approach. By carefully assessing your pet's history, behaviour and physical condition, I can build a personalised treatment plan to help your pet start to live more comfortably again.
WHAT TO EXPECT
ASSESSMENT
To fully understand the way your pet is experiencing their pain and the effect it has on their quality of life
MEDICATION REVIEW
Many medications are available that target different mechanisms. Treatment should be tailored to the individual
DIAGNOSIS
Discovering the how and why you pet is in pain to try and get and accurate diagnosis to help the treatment plan
MULTI-MODAL
Looking to achieve a fully multi-modal approach using other complimentary therapies and home management
ACUPUNCTURE
A tailored, holistic treatment plan can provided based on the 'big picture' of your pet's condition
REVIEWS
Regular assessments to check your pet's progress and to avoid problems that could complicate their treatment
Initial Consultation
The first consultation is an extended session.
This will give me a chance to get to know you and your pet, take a history and perform a thorough mobility and joint examination, and pain assessment.
We can then discuss the features of pain that you pet is experiencing and come up with a plan to approach it. This will include how acupuncture can help
If it will be appropriate to use it right away, your pet will receive their first acupuncture treatment.
Follow-Up
At the follow-up appointments we will have a brief catch up on your pet's progress before we proceed with the next acupuncture treatment.
It may also be necessary to repeat aspects of the exam so the plan can stay relevant for your pet. The exam can be uncomfortable so, it will often be limited to the area of concern rather than the full exam that was initaily carried out
We can also continue discussions on lifestyle and environmental management to keep on top of the problem at home.
Acupuncture Only
For the acupuncture only service you will already have a management plan in place from you vet, and they must have signed off that your pet can have acupuncture.
Therefore the first consultation at the clinic will be more streamlined. With a brief history and examination to help structure the acupuncture plan.
Clinic Days
The clinic operates out of a garden studio at my home in Cawston, Rugby. It is set up to be a relaxing space without the feel of it being a vet practice; ideal for those pets that are anxious at the vets.
Consultations are by appointment only on Wednesdays (all day) and Friday afternoons.
Communication
The best way to keep on top of the pain management plan is for me and your vet to work collaboratively.
After the first consultation I will send a report back to you vet. I will also keep them updated as your pet's case develops.