An initial consultation with Dr. Cubelo will allow her to assess your pet and learn more about its health. Pairing that with her expertise will allow her to develop an inclusive plan that best suits the needs of you and your pet. The initial consultation consists of a physical exam, a review of patient history, and a discussion around client and patient goals.
Appointments can be held in the comfort of your home or in our casual office space!
At home can mean where ever you and your pet are most comfortable. If weather permits, outside appointments are always refreshing. Our office is set up to be a comfortable space with couches instead of steel exam tables with a less hectic lobby than traditional pet hospitals.
Overall, a quiet confined space or area with a little bit of room is perfect for us to go over your pet’s history, any questions you may have and for me to examine and treat your pet.
Acupuncture needles are much smaller than the average vaccine needle. Sometimes pets will have a slight reaction on insertion of the needle, but then relax and get comfortable.
Most pets tolerate the needles quite well and will snooze away after a few minutes. Some pets like to walk around with their needles in, and often times some will fall out. Dr. Sharon typically will only replace needles if they are immediately shaken out. Pet personality types can determine the duration of their treatment, which can mean less than 10 minutes or over 30 minutes with needles in; whichever the length, this will be the correct duration for your pet.
Yes! In the hands of a trained practitioner, it is safe and painless. The main safety concern is for patients with cancer and the locations of needle placement.
There’s a long history of ancient Chinese doctors who believed that illness was due to an imbalance of energy in the body. The body uses 14 major energy pathways, called meridians, which are stimulated with specific needle placement. This can help the body move energy, break down blockages, and correct the imbalances.
Yes! In the hands of a trained practitioner, it is safe and painless. Sometimes adjustments are done in stages to prevent soreness. Spinal or neurological problems that have not undergone diagnostics will not be given any spinal adjustments.
For both acupuncture and manipulation treatments, it is recommended to start with weekly treatments for the first month. This will allow for us to jumpstart the treatment plan and see the benefits faster. We then begin to lengthen the time between appointments until we find the “sweet spot”, where the patient maintains balance and has more time between appointments. This may vary from patient to patient.
Dr. Sharon will spend time to go over your concerns and the pet’s history, lifestyle and personality. An Alternative physical exam will be performed, which will include a tongue and pulse analysis, point sensitivity and motion testing joints. A treatment plan will be recommended and discussed and if appropriate, a treatment will be performed (ie. acupuncture, Tui-na, or medical manipulation).
While Dr. Sharon believes in both conventional and alternative medicine, her focus during appointments is to provide the alternative care that your primary veterinarian may not provide.
*Note: Copper’s IVC does not provide any diagnostic bloodwork, urinalysis or radiographs. We also do not provide heartworm or other parasite prevention. We ask that you maintain a relationship with your full service veterinarian for these purposes.