Holistic Photo Gallery

Homeopathic medicinal pellets are dispensed in a small glass vial. The cap is used to measure the dose, typically just one layer of pellets on the bottom of the cap (called a monolayer). This is then placed directly in the mouth without food. The pellets are sweet tasting and dissolve quickly. Pellets may also be dissolved in water and then given as a liquid.

Chinese herbs are usually dispensed as powders that are mixed in moist food (usually canned). Many are also available in tablet or capsule form. The dose is measured using a one-gram spoon (shown here), and depends on the size of the animal. For finicky pets, start with a small amount and gradually increase to the prescribed amount.

Acupuncture needles are sterile, packaged in foil cards, and are dispensed with other medical sharps after use. The needles are very fine and flexible; the ones shown are only 0.2 millimeter in diameter. These are composed of a stainless steel shaft with a copper handle, but other combinations of metals, or metal with plastic, are also used.

Here, a dog receives acupuncture along her back. The needles are not inserted very far, just through the skin into underlying tissues. Insertion is well-tolerated by the vast majority of dogs and cats. On occasion, a point will be too sensitive for needling, in which case acupressure is used instead.

This is Jane with all her acupuncture needles in. Now she will sit or lie down quietly until the needles are ready to be pulled out, usually between 10 and 20 minutes depending on point location and the ailment being treated. See Jane smile! Animals usually become relaxed during acupuncture. Many clients bring a favorite blanket or bed from home for their pet to lie on during the visit.

This tool, called an Activator, is used to provide spinal and limb adjustments using a technique called Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation. It provides a very fast and very light force to key areas around joints, helping them to regain normal function. There are four force settings since this tool is also used for humans, but for dogs and cats the lightest setting is used (appropriate for children).

Here, a dog receives an adjustment with the Activator tool. The tool makes a noise best described as a click or a snap, but once the animals realize it doesn’t hurt, they don’t seem terribly bothered by it. For those with extreme noise phobia, a period of desensitization to the noise precedes each session until they grow accustomed, but most do just fine.