Integrative Veterinary Care
FAQs
What are the differences between Chinese and Western medicine?
Key Differences:
- Approach: Chinese medicine is holistic, emphasising prevention, balance, and natural treatments. Western medicine is more symptom-focused, relying on technology and medication for diagnosis and treatment.
- Treatment Duration: Chinese medicine often aims for long-term balance and gradual healing, while Western medicine typically focuses on quick interventions, such as medications or surgeries.
- Prevention vs. Cure: Chinese medicine stresses the prevention of illness through maintaining harmony, while Western medicine tends to focus more on addressing or alleviating specific conditions once they arise.
While they have different foundations, there is value in integrating both systems for a more comprehensive approach to health.
My pet has some neck/spinal/walking issues, will this help?
Yes! Dr. Ralene Fok is deeply passionate about helping patients overcome these challenges.
Dry Acupuncture and Electric Acupuncture have been shown to provide significant benefits for these conditions by stimulating nerve tissues and encouraging the body to release its natural pain-relieving chemicals.
For rehabilitation cases, a multimodal approach is often the most effective. Combining acupuncture with other therapies, such as physiotherapy, can enhance recovery and overall well-being.
Every patient’s progress is unique and depends on factors such as the severity of the condition and how long it has been present. Dr. Fok is committed to providing personalized care, guiding each patient on their journey toward relief and improved quality of life.
Is Acupuncture a once off treatment?
Depending on the situation, most pets in pain will need more than one session. A standard treatment regime example is as below:
- Initial assessment and treatment in the first week
- Follow up assessment and treatment once a week for 2-4weeks
- Maintenance assessment and treatment once every 3 / 6 / 12 months
Note that there is a very small percentage of pets that will not respond to acupuncture treatment at all and this will be discussed further at the time of consultation.
What Can You Expect During a Visit from Ivetcare?
As a mobile vet, I bring my services directly to you. No need to stress your pet out with a trip to the clinic — I’ll come to your home at a time that’s convenient for you.
During each visit, we’ll discuss your pet’s condition, their medical history, and your goals for treatment. I’ll perform a thorough evaluation, and if Integrative medicine such as acupuncture is a good fit, we’ll proceed with the treatment. Don’t worry—most pets find acupuncture to be quite relaxing!
How Can You Prepare For the Visit?
- Email through your pet’s history and any clinical test results prior to consultation.
- Prepare a clean & quiet area for the consultation and treatment.
- Any children and/or other pets must not be in the immediate treatment area and should be monitored by yourself or someone else at all times if present in the same room for safety reasons.
- You will need to be able to hold your pet throughout the whole treatment. If you are unable to do so, you can get someone to help you. If your pet is not held appropriately during the treatment and poses a risk to people in the vicinity, we may not be able to proceed with the treatment.
- You may use calming medications from your regular GP vet 2 hours prior consultation if you feel that your pet may not be comfortable with a stranger in your house. However, this may slightly alter the diagnosis of your pet’s condition, as they would be less responsive to trigger points.
- Let us know if anyone is allergic to essential oils.
- See Services tab at the top for a more specific info for your pet species.
Should You Still See Your Regular Vet?
It is recommended that you still visit your regular GP vet to get a Western diagnosis and tests done (Such as; blood tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, etc) prior to arranging an Integrative appointment for acupuncture.
We believe that the best health care is obtained using the best of both Western and Chinese approach.
What conditions can Acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture, when used together with other forms of Traditional Chinese Medicine, can treat a wide range of conditions.
At this stage, Ivetcare is focusing on providing pain relief for chronic conditions (such as arthritis), assisting with post-operation recovery (by inducing the body to recover quicker), mobility issues affected by muscle and nerve conditions (such as IVDD) and hyperesthesia in cats/dogs.
If you have any more questions or are ready to start your healing journey with your pet, feel free to send us an email to book your appointment!
We’re excited to help you both on this path to wellness.