What's new on the Elands Veterinary Clinic Web site

What's new? - Quite a lot!

As 2007 kicks off, Elands Veterinary Clinic continues to go from strength to strength.

(see below)

Please feel free to e-mail me here with any suggestions for improvements to our web site. We are hoping to set up a page for pictures of your pets. E-mail them to me here if you would like your pet included.

Meanwhile feel free to browse around!

Acupuncture has been used to treat animals as well as humans for over 4000 years. Currently between 12 – 19% of the world population report having used acupuncture to treat a wide variety of conditions. In veterinary medicine acupuncture is predominately used to treat conditions that are poorly controlled with conventional medications or where medication is contraindicated.

Acupuncture involves placing specialised solid metal needles into particular locations in the body called acupuncture points. These points can be specific areas of pain in the individual animal or points traditionally associated with the condition concerned. Most cases require a combination of acupuncture points to be used. Stimulation of these specific points alters biochemical and physiological conditions within the body. Research shows the placing of an acupuncture needle can relieve muscle spasm, increase blood circulation to a local region and lead to release of natural pain relieving and anti-inflammatory agents.

WHICH CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?

Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is used to treat a wide variety of conditions affecting any part of the body. However in veterinary medicine acupuncture is used mainly for conditions involving pain and muscle spasm.

Conditions that can respond well to acupuncture include:

• * Osteoarthritis
• * Hip dysplasia
• * Intervertebral disc disease
• * Neurological conditions
• * Traumatic nerve injuries
• * Stress induced dermatitis
• * Stress induced gastrointestinal problems

WHAT WILL HAPPEN IF MY PET HAS ACUPUNCTURE?

Acupuncture sessions last approximately 20 minutes. The consultation begins with the veterinary surgeon performing an examination to identify painful points on your pet. The animal is then allowed to settle comfortably and needles are placed. These are left in situ for up to 10 minutes then removed. In some cases the animal is then repositioned and further needles placed.

Most animals are very relaxed during an acupuncture session with some even falling asleep during their consultation. Obviously as every animal is different each case is treated as an individual and the consultation tailored accordingly.

WHAT CHANGES WILL I SEE ONCE MY PET HAS HAD ACUPUNCTURE?

In a study of dogs with degenerative joint disease, 70% of the dogs showed an improvement in mobility after a course of acupuncture. However every animal will show a different response to the treatment and will take a different length of time to respond.

In general an initial course of three weekly appointments is recommended. Depending on the level of improvement this course will then be extended to a full course of 4 to 6 weeks. If no improvement is seen after these sessions then unfortunately acupuncture is not the treatment of choice for your pet.

The effects of acupuncture also last a variable length of time in each individual case. Therefore the need for follow up appointments will be discussed in each case. Some animals need only a single course others need regular treatments.

*NEW* In line with our mission statement and philosophy of constant improvement - we are now offering laparoscopic (key-hole) spay operations for bitches.

Less trauma - less pain - quicker recovery

click over to Client area for more info

We are pleased to announce a major new information service for all pet owners - My Vet Online - contains a wealth of knowledge on all aspects of pet healthcare, preventative healthcare and diseases. Click on the button on the left or the link at the bottom of any page and see for yourself!

The site is continually being updated and there is lots to see and do, including descriptions of the services we offer, a video clip of endoscopic surgery, - and even ways to save you money (see our phones page for information on how to get all your local and national off peak call for free, as well as 30% discount on all other calls! We think it's brilliant.)

For the latest news and updates on Clinic events, services and facilities, visit the "Client Area" (don't forget to run your mouse over the fish) and click on the "News" button. Come and see our exciting new developments for 2007!

updated 04/08/2007

Clinic Home Page | What's New | Clinic Information | Client Information | My Vet Online | Online Vet-2-Pet shop | Useful Links | Clinic Location |