Frequently Asked Questions

Expectations for the Initial Consultation:

The ideal location for your visit will be somewhere in your home with minimal activity and where your pet is comfortable. For feline patients that may try to hide or escape, please have them in a room where they will be easy to work with. If your pet enjoys treats, please have those ready to go. I will check the appearance of your pet's tongue, eyes, pulse quality, limbs and general attitude and constitution will be observed. A basic Western physical exam will also be performed. This information, along with your input and information from your regular veterinarian, will be used to determine your pet’s treatment plan. There will be time to perform treatments at the initial consultation. 

Expectations for Follow-up Visits:

Follow-up visits will likely be recommended as many of the integrative treatment modalities take time and repeat treatments to take full effect. You are an integral part of your pet’s care, and we will work together during the appointment to keep your pet comfortable and happy, often by providing treats and petting.

As a specialist, I don’t provide routine veterinary care. I recommend all of my patients have a primary veterinarian. For pets and their parents who are struggling with issues not treatable by western veterinary care or side effects from typical treatments, I provide specialty treatments that are generally outside the scope of a western veterinary practice (light/laser therapy, acupuncture, herbal medicine). 

No. I provide mobile house calls in the comfort of your home.

I serve Monroe and portions of the surrounding counties. Please refer to the map on my contact page for approximate boundaries. Sometimes I can go slightly outside these boundaries for an extended appointment charge. 

I do not administer vaccines, but I strongly recommend that pets get the appropriate vaccines as determined by their primary veterinarian. 

I require that my patients have a current rabies vaccine. This is for the safety of pets, pet parents, and me. Because I prioritize reducing fear for my patients, I avoid using restraint techniques that could potentially decrease the risk of a bite. Per New York State law “lf this [unvaccinated] animal potentially exposes a person to rabies (by bite or other means), it must be confined for 10 days in a facility approved by the county health department where the exposure occurred. lf this animal is potentially exposed to rabies (e.g., due to a bite from an unknown animal), the county health department may require it to be quarantined for six months.” I will see patients with an up-to-date, valid medical exemption from the rabies vaccine. 

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During the initial consultation I will present all the treatment options that are appropriate for your pet. In most cases, patients can benefit from multiple different services. We will work together to create a treatment plan that fits within your budget and schedule. 

Integrative veterinary medicine is an approach that combines conventional western veterinary practices with holistic, alternative, and complementary therapies. As a specialist, I have additional training beyond my veterinary degree and provide services not offered by most primary veterinarians. 

While I am  not a replacement for their services, my services complement your pet’s regular veterinary visits. In-home veterinary services through Healing Hands Holistic Veterinary Specialties enable owners to be more involved with the care of their pets.

I firmly believe the best possible care for pets uses an integrative approach combining conventional western veterinary medicine and holistic, alternative, and complementary veterinary treatments. 

I offer acupuncture, Chinese herbal medications, and light/laser therapy (also called photobiomodulation therapy – PBMT), and I feels strongly that all of my patients also have a primary family veterinarian. Additionally, the results of diagnostics and tests run by your primary veterinarian can focus my treatments and improve patient outcomes.

Most conditions can benefit from treatment with Integrative Veterinary Medicine, which means using western veterinary medicine with Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine and other complementary modalities. Integrative Treatments include Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine, Photobiomodulation [Light/Laser] Therapy, and other complementary treatment modalities. Please refer to THIS LIST for a full listing.

While this list is a general overview, if you have a concern with your pet that is not on the list, please don’t hesitate to reach out to see if I can help (I likely can!). Please use the intake form [here]; I can’t wait to help you and your pet!

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM)

Acupuncture

Light/LaserTherapy (PBMT)

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Photobiomodulation (or PBMT) uses light-emitting diodes [LEDs] or low-level lasers to treat various conditions of the body. Breaking down the word, Photo[Light] – Bio[Body] – Modulation[Changing] essentially means using light on the body to enact changes. 

PBMT is used to reduce pain and inflammation and improve the function of individual cells. This results in faster healing and more comfortable pets. Soft tissue injuries, wounds, and osteoarthritis are prime candidates for PBMT. Its use is equally good for maintaining the function of different bodily systems, such as kidneys, heart, and liver. Anxiety is another condition that is treated successfully with PBMT. 

Learn more about PBMT here.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) dates back approximately 3,000 years. It is generally rooted in Taoist philosophy and it is used to pinpoint and treat underlying patterns of disharmony. The five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) are Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Food Therapy, Tui Na (Chinese Medical Massage), and Tai Chi. Only the first four are used in veterinary medicine. 

Learn more about Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) here.

Yes! Acupuncture has been scientifically proven by numerous studies to treat a wide variety of conditions. Anecdotally, I have experienced many successes and improvements in my patients. Given that animals are not susceptible to the placebo effect, these positive outcomes suggest that acupuncture is genuinely effective.

Learn more about veterinary acupuncture here.

Yes, they are safe to give as prescribed. I only source herbal medicines through high-quality manufacturers that I trust. The primary manufacturer used in my practive is Jing Tang Herbal, and you can read more about their company on their website tcvmherbal.com. 

Learn more about veterinary herbal medication here.

TCVM, PBMT, and other complementary forms of veterinary medicine are used most successfully in conjunction with western veterinary medicine (WVM). This is called Integrative Veterinary Medicine. Integrative Veterinary Medicine (IVM) is the best option for care for your pet because WMV and TCVM/PBMT have complementary strengths that come together for a complete picture of your pet’s health. They work well together for the prevention and treatment of any conditions your pet may have or develop. 

In general, using both modalities together provides the best possible outcome for your pet. Neither of these modalities is the one true answer to veterinary medicine. They each have strengths and weaknesses. WVM excels at getting a specific medical diagnosis and treating acute or emergent conditions. In contrast, TCVM/PBMT works well to manage symptoms of chronic conditions, slow disease progression, or as preventive treatments.

At Healing Hands Holistic Veterinary Specialties, I strive to work closely with your regular family veterinarian. This results in your pet's complete care to ensure their best life and have many years of fun and enjoyment with you. 

An integrative veterinarian is a professional specialist combining conventional western veterinary medicine with alternative and complementary therapies to provide holistic animal care.

Integrative Veterinarians like me use a range of treatments, including acupuncture, herbal medicine, and light/laser therapy, alongside conventional medical techniques to address their patients' physical, emotional, and overall well-being. I tailor treatment plans to each animal's unique needs, focusing on prevention and whole-pet health.

Integrative veterinary medicine is an approach that combines conventional western veterinary practices with alternative and complementary therapies to offer a comprehensive and holistic approach to animal healthcare.

It emphasizes treating the whole animal and aims to provide individualized treatment plans that consider each patient's specific needs, incorporating a variety of therapeutic modalities beyond traditional pharmaceutical and surgical interventions.

A functional veterinarian is a practitioner who specializes in functional medicine for animals. They focus on identifying and addressing the root causes of health issues, often through personalized nutrition, lifestyle adjustments, and natural treatments, to promote overall wellness and prevent disease in animals.

No. However, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) is very similar to functional medicine because it looks at the root cause of health issues. If you are a pet parent looking for supplemental integrative options for your pet from a veterinarian who will listen to you and your pet’s needs, you’re in the right place!

All-natural is a term that has different meanings to different people. To me, it is a buzzword that means a focus on using products and treatments that come from the earth with minimal processing.

While most of my job involves products and treatments that many would consider “all-natural,” I don’t consider myself to be an all-natural vet. I often recommend pet parents obtain medicines, vaccines, and other treatments from their family veterinarian.

I also fully support the evidence-based medicine provided by primary veterinarians. My veterinary philosophy is rooted in an integrative perspective, and I know the best possible care for my patients involves regular and complementary veterinary care. 

Not at this time, but my goal is to expand my service offerings to include veterinary chiropractic care. My specialties focus on traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM), acupuncture, herbal medicine, and light/laser therapy.