Our Services
Physical Exams
Included at each appointment is a thorough physical exam. Dr. Pollock is both a licensed Veterinarian and a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Both Eastern and Western modalities will be integrated in the patient evaluation.
Diagnostics
Any prior blood work or x-rays from your regular veterinarian will be evaluated when they become available. After taking into account the history and physical exam, further testing or radiographs may be recommended.
Food allergy testing is highly recommended with any unresponsive skin allergy or GI issue. A saliva sample is used in testing for the most common 24 food sensitivity and intolerances. A 12 hour fast is recommended (water is ok).
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a natural healing method that has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for over 3000 years. Meridians or pathways along the body have been mapped out with specific acupuncture points. Qi (pronounced “chee”) energy flows along these pathways. Disease, chronic pain, anxiety can cause an imbalance of the Qi along these meridians. Specific points are selected and then stimulated producing many physiological changes in the body. These changes include an increased blood flow, release of endogenous opioids, and immune stimulation. Other effects are blood pressure regulation, anti-inflammatory effect, GI regulation, improved performance and micro-circulation. The focus of acupuncture is to create balance in the body and stimulate self-healing. Acupuncture can be used alone or easily integrated with western medicine.
Examples of Treatable Conditions:
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Joint pain (DJD) arthritis/ligaments
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Disc disease (IVDD) Back/Neck pain
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Rear end weakness
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Neurologic disease
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Urinary/Fecal incontinence
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Renal Disease
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Skin disease
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Cancer
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Behavioral issues
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Immune mediated disease
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Post surgical recovery
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...and more
Types of Acupuncture Point stimulation:
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Dry Needle technique- This is the most common method. A very thin sterile stainless steel needle is placed at a specific acupuncture point to stimulate a desired effect.
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Aqua-Acupuncture- An injection of a fluid (usually Vitamin B12 or sterile saline) is used to strengthen and lengthen an acupuncture treatment.
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Electro-Acupuncture- After needles have been placed at specific acupuncture points, an electrical current is passed between the needles.
Dr. Pollock is both a licensed Veterinarian and Certified in Veterinary Acupuncture. Please call or email to set up an appointment.
Food Therapy
Food Therapy is both art and science. A diet is tailor-made for a specific
individual with the intention of promoting health and treating clinical
conditions. Chinese food therapy features ingredients chosen for their
energetic properties warm, neutral, and cold)and taste (sweet, salty,
bitter, sour, or pungent). Recipes are then developed using personality
type, tongue and pulse, Yin-Yang, Five Elements, Eight Principles and
Zang-Fu physiology. The power of food is well documented in both
western and eastern medicine. Food therapy can be implemented in
various ways to help an animal and will empower their caretaker to
choose a healthy delicious diet.
Food Therapy can be utilized in the following ways:
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Homemade diet-A recipe developed specifically for the patient type and health conditions.
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Topper for food-smaller portions of healthy choice food can be added to their current diet.
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Picking the best commercial diet-Based on Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), specific ingredients can be chosen.
Food Therapy can be used alone or in conjunction with Acupuncture
and Herbs. The goal is to treat disease patterns and restore balance to
the body. Contact Dr. Pollock to set up an appointment and see how
Food Therapy can benefit your family member.
Chinese Herbs
Chinese herbs are an integral part of Chinese Medicine. They have been studied
and used for over 3000 years. They can be used to compliment acupuncture or
western medicine. Herbs are generally prescribed as formulas for animals. The
formula may contain up to 20 different single herb ingredients. A variety of plant parts may be utilized including roots, bark, leaves, fruits, buds, or flowers. Only specific formulas produced for animals are used. The formulas come as powders to sprinkle on food, capsules, or small tea pills. Choosing the correct herbal formula is done threw a thorough history, physical exam, tongue and pulse, and using Yin-Yang, 5 Elements, Eight Principles, and Zang-Fu physiology.
Chinese Herbal Medicine is a natural treatment option that is generally safe,
effective, and well tolerated. The goal in using herbs is to correct imbalances and to promote the body’s ability to heal itself. Clinical research has shown it to be effective in treating:
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arthritis
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chronic pain
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musculoskeletal pain
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tendon and ligament injuries
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Kidney disease
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gastroenterology
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skin conditions
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cancer
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behavior
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...and more