Veterinary Acupuncture

CVA in 2024

  • Like acupuncture in human medicine, animals benefit from the stimulation of specific points distributed throughout their body, using very fine needles or pressure-inducing substances. Acupuncture needles stimulate nearby nerves and tissues and send therapeutic benefits to other parts of the body along well-described meridians or channels.  Today, there are over 170 acupuncture points identified in the dog and cat species. Acupuncture is a key part of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) which also includes herbal supplements, food therapy, and Tui-na (medical manipulation). In the end, acupuncture can help maintain your beloved pet’s overall wellness as well as treat disease or injury.

  • Acupuncture works best in animals that are comfortable in their surroundings with minimal stress. Treatments can be done at home or in a familiar location. The points used in acupuncture are in areas with a high density of nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation caused by acupuncture needles leads to the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters.

  • Over 95% of patients that take acupuncture experience no pain. In dogs and cats, you may observe a relaxation effect and it is common to have the pet fall asleep during the treatment. Sedation is not necessary and it’s actually discouraged because it can interfere with the TCVM diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

  • Veterinary acupuncture can provide therapeutic benefits for a variety of complaints, especially those associated with pain, chronic disease or geriatric conditions. It complements the traditional western medical approach and together, they ensure that you are providing your pet with the best care possible. 

    Dr. Jarrell will work with your primary care veterinarian, especially for pets suffering from arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), back pain, tendon/ligament injuries, degenerative joint disease (DJD), overall soreness, geriatric weakness and hospice care.

  • Only veterinarians licensed in your state are qualified to practice veterinary acupuncture. A veterinarian with a CVA certification has completed specialized training in TCVM tcvm.com and has the highest level of knowledge when it comes to providing the most comprehensive treatment plans possible.  

  • As with all medicine, treatment lengths will vary. Initially, 3-5 weekly or bi-monthly treatments will be needed to appreciate a measurable effect. Treatments intervals can be extended after that to 1-2/month. For overall well-being, 3-4 treatments per year are recommended.  Please note that acute conditions generally respond more rapidly than longer standing conditions. There are discount packages to encourage continued treatments with the goal of sustaining your pet’s overall health and well-being.

  • For all Speculo patients, an initial consultation visit is required. The price of the initial consultation (home-based) is $150. We provide dog and cat acupuncture in Greensboro, Summerfield, Oak Ridge, Jamestown, High Point, Winston-Salem and the surrounding area. Acupuncture packages, with additional discounts, are available. 

    There is a $75 fee for cancellations with less than 24-hour notice. 

    Initial Consultation $150

    • Plus $45 trip fee for each home visit

    Individual Post-Consultation Visits $125

    • 10% discount applied if a follow-up appointment is scheduled within 1 month of the initial consultation.

    • Plus $45 trip fee for each home visit

    Package #1: Three (3) Individual Post-Consultation Visits $335

    • All visits must be completed within 3 months.

    • Plus $45 trip fee for each home visit

    Package #2: Five (5) Individual Post-Consultation Visits $550 

    • All visits must be completed within 6 months.

    • Plus $45 trip fee for each home visit

Appointments for all Speculo Clinical Services are now available. To book a consultation or follow-up acupuncture appointment, please contact us at the button below.

It’s All About Quality of Life

Palliative Care

CTPEP in 2024

  • Caring for your senior pet or one with chronic debilitating conditions is never easy but you can embrace it with the same unconditional love that your pet has given you over the years. We offer tools, such as the Quality of Life (QOL) Scale and hospice care support with the focus on maintaining their comfort for as long as possible. 

  • Pet parents involved in palliative care need help assessing their pet’s QOL on a daily basis. It is hard to make the life-ending decision, referred to as euthanasia, because your pet cannot tell you their wishes. Determining the right time requires an acknowledgement that the pet is having more bad days than good ones and that they truly are experiencing an unnecessary level of suffering and distress. 

  • Dr. Jarrell recognizes that clients need to know all options in order to make the decision that is best for their pet, themselves and their extended pet family. She demonstrates her compassionate support by assuring the owner that there is no judgement associated with whatever decision is made. She acknowledges that pets observe and feel the stress associated with making such a difficult decision, so she works with you to create a plan early that defines the signs and status that illustrates a decline in health whereas euthanasia is necessary for humane care.

    Along with the QOL Scale, you can also schedule a Speculo In-Home QOL Consultation Visit (online scheduling coming soon). This visit will include a general physical examination, review of current medications and dosage, a review of the pet’s current daily routine, a review of any behavioral (Shen) changes and other QOL markers. Together with the pet’s care team, Dr. Jarrell will work with you to ensure that the alleviation of pain and distress and heartfelt good-byes occurs in the most respectful, peaceful and painless manner possible. 

Appointments for all Speculo Clinical Services are now available. To book a consultation or palliative care follow-up appointment, please contact us at the button below.

Coming in 2025

Veterinary Food Therapy

Veterinary Herbal Medicine