Service

Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine have been used to aid ailments for animals since 2500 B.C. in China. This valuable practice of medicine has integrated into current Western medicine and is practiced by many veterinarians today.  A Traditional Chinese Practitioner uses acupuncture needles and herbs to improve not only the presenting disease of your pet, but their whole body. 

Make an Appointment

Available Therapies:

Service

Acupuncture

Acupuncture and Herbal Medicine have been used to aid ailments for animals since 2500 B.C. in China. This valuable practice of medicine has integrated into current Western medicine and is practiced by many veterinarians today.  A Traditional Chinese Practitioner uses acupuncture needles and herbs to improve not only the presenting disease of your pet, but their whole body. 

Make an Appointment

Available Therapies:

Available Therapies

 

Acupuncture

This medical practice uses sterile, very thin, flexible needles to stimulate the acupuncture points which lay just underneath the skin’s surface. The needle activates a complex cascade of metabolic, biochemical, and physiological events including vasodilation of local blood vessels as well as “turning-on” and “turning-off” nerve fibers located at the acupuncture site.

Electroacupuncture

This modality uses electricity to stimulate the acupuncture needle and acupuncture point. An electrode is placed directly onto the acupuncture needle and a small amount of electricity is applied. This modality is used primarily for patients with neurological conditions such as paralysis or if they are experiencing significant levels of pain. In veterinary acupuncture, we use very low levels so that your animal will not feel the current.

Laser Acupuncture

Therapeutic lasers have the ability to activate acupuncture points in the body. The laser has a beam collimator that focuses the laser light directly over the acupuncture point. This modality is utilized in veterinary medicine for patients who may be more sensitive to acupuncture needles.

Herbal Medical Therapies

Chinese and Western herbs provide valuable uses. The herbs used in our practice are purchased from highly reputable companies (Jing Tang, Kan Herbs, Mayway) who ensure the quality control and use of plant based herbs for veterinary use. Herbs can be used in conjunction with many pharmaceutical drugs to improve the overall health of the pet patient. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover answers to common questions about our veterinary services in our FAQ section. Simplify your experience with our trusted team of experts

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST VISIT?
The initial consultation will include a detailed history, review of notes from your primary or specialty veterinarian, and a physical examination by Dr Julie Servaites.  Dr Julie will then develop and discuss with you the treatment plan for your pet which may include acupuncture, laser therapy, supplements and/or herbal therapy.  Your pet will receive an acupuncture treatment at their first visit.
HOW OFTEN DO I BRING MY PET FOR TREATMENT?
Each patient’s treatment is as unique as the pet themselves. Dr Julie will discuss with you during your initial appointment the frequency and treatment schedule for your pet.  This will be different for every pet depending on their own individual needs. Typically, acupuncture treatments are more frequent in the beginning and then will be spaced out over time depending on the pet’s response to the therapies prescribed.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
There are very few negative side effects associated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The treatment may make your pet feel tired or sleepy for the first day; other patients can experience an increase in energy and want to play and go for walks. Chinese herbal medicines are very safe but can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stool or reduced appetite. These side effects can be treated by reducing the dosage or by adjusting the formulas. The herbs are free of toxic chemicals and can be mixed with most pharmaceutical medications.
HOW DO ANIMALS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?

The vast majority of our patients accept acupuncture very well. Dogs and cats usually relax and may even get a little sleepy or take a short nap during their treatment. Treatments can vary in length, frequency and method of stimulation based on the recommendations of Dr Julie. Sessions can vary on time based on the needs for your pet, but they are typically 30-40 minutes in length and can be combined with other modalities such as laser therapy. 

WHAT CAN WE TREAT WITH ACUPUNCTURE?
​Veterinary acupuncture & herbal therapy can effectively treat osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, paralysis and other neurological problems, soft tissue sprains and strains, gastrointestinal problems, allergies, cancer, chronic illnesses and more. Veterinary acupuncture & herbal therapy are used in conjunction with traditional veterinary medicine to achieve the best results.  We work closely with your primary care veterinarian and specialty veterinarian to ensure all needs are met for your pet.
SHOULD I GIVE MY PET’S PAIN MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT?
Please follow the instructions given to you by your specialty veterinarian or your primary care veterinarian in regards to your pet’s pain medication protocol. Please do not skip a dose of pain medication as it is important to continue this dosing schedule. Dr. Julie will be able to see and feel lameness and areas of discomfort even if your pet is on pain medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover answers to common questions about our veterinary services in our FAQ section. Simplify your experience with our trusted team of experts

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST VISIT?
The initial consultation will include a detailed history, review of notes from your primary or specialty veterinarian, and a physical examination by Dr Julie Servaites.  Dr Julie will then develop and discuss with you the treatment plan for your pet which may include acupuncture, laser therapy, supplements and/or herbal therapy.  Your pet will receive an acupuncture treatment at their first visit.
HOW OFTEN DO I BRING MY PET FOR TREATMENT?
Each patient’s treatment is as unique as the pet themselves. Dr Julie will discuss with you during your initial appointment the frequency and treatment schedule for your pet.  This will be different for every pet depending on their own individual needs. Typically, acupuncture treatments are more frequent in the beginning and then will be spaced out over time depending on the pet’s response to the therapies prescribed.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
There are very few negative side effects associated with acupuncture and herbal medicine. The treatment may make your pet feel tired or sleepy for the first day; other patients can experience an increase in energy and want to play and go for walks. Chinese herbal medicines are very safe but can cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as loose stool or reduced appetite. These side effects can be treated by reducing the dosage or by adjusting the formulas. The herbs are free of toxic chemicals and can be mixed with most pharmaceutical medications.
HOW DO ANIMALS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?

The vast majority of our patients accept acupuncture very well. Dogs and cats usually relax and may even get a little sleepy or take a short nap during their treatment. Treatments can vary in length, frequency and method of stimulation based on the recommendations of Dr Julie. Sessions can vary on time based on the needs for your pet, but they are typically 30-40 minutes in length and can be combined with other modalities such as laser therapy. 

WHAT CAN WE TREAT WITH ACUPUNCTURE?
​Veterinary acupuncture & herbal therapy can effectively treat osteoarthritis, intervertebral disc disease, paralysis and other neurological problems, soft tissue sprains and strains, gastrointestinal problems, allergies, cancer, chronic illnesses and more. Veterinary acupuncture & herbal therapy are used in conjunction with traditional veterinary medicine to achieve the best results.  We work closely with your primary care veterinarian and specialty veterinarian to ensure all needs are met for your pet.
SHOULD I GIVE MY PET’S PAIN MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT?
Please follow the instructions given to you by your specialty veterinarian or your primary care veterinarian in regards to your pet’s pain medication protocol. Please do not skip a dose of pain medication as it is important to continue this dosing schedule. Dr. Julie will be able to see and feel lameness and areas of discomfort even if your pet is on pain medications.

Testimonials

From Our Visitors

Veterinary Alternatives Centerville
Veterinary Alternatives Centerville
4.9
Based on 63 reviews
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corrinne torpeycorrinne torpey
01:06 03 Oct 23
Veterinary Alternatives is simply amazing! The team is wonderful! Everyone is so nice, my pups love going. We have gone for underwater treadmill, acupuncture and laser therapy!
Sherri SwabbSherri Swabb
01:32 01 Aug 23
Dr Julie is one of the most thoughtful, skilled Veterinarians in our area. We are so fortunate to have her and her team here!! I have learned more about rehab from her then anyone else and she has made a huge difference in my performance dog!
Kate EdmondsonKate Edmondson
14:50 02 May 23
My Rottweiler had ACL surgery and did not use one of her back legs for a year and a half before I found Dr.Julie at Veterinary Alternatives. She was able to use it again after the 1st session and has continued to improve ever since. It's been a year of appointments and the appointments have given my old girl back her strength and energy. It was the best investment I could have made to improve her quality of life.
Virginia RodriguezVirginia Rodriguez
18:28 28 Mar 23
I take my senior dog for acupuncture and Dr. Julie is the best. He is walking so much better with the treatment. She is so compassionate for the fur babies that she takes care of as well as the fur parents. We had to put down our younger dog a few months ago, and she has lent immense support to us in the aftermath. I would give her 10 stars just for her humanity and care.
Jorge MachadoJorge Machado
13:47 24 Jan 23
This place is amazing. They are very caring and honest with the treatment alternatives for your dog. My 12yo boxer is currently in therapy for her back legs and the results are almost immediate.
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21 E. Ridgeway, Centerville Ohio 45459

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