Acupuncture
What is Acupuncture?
According to The Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA), acupuncture has evolved
from the ancient art of placing needles into special locations on the body to alleviate pain, improve recovery rates and increase resistance to disease.
It has been practiced by the Chinese and other Eastern cultures for thousands of years and may be used to treat a wide variety of illnesses.
What happens during treatment?
Fine needles are inserted into your pet’s body at specific points. These needles are then moved by the Vet.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when practiced correctly. Under UK law, animal acupuncture can only be administered by an appropriately qualified Veterinary Surgeon. The monitoring and removal of acupuncture needles may be undertaken by a Registered Veterinary Nurse.
How many treatments will my pet need?
Most conditions can benefit from 3-5 treatments delivered at weekly intervals, with progressively wider intervals between treatments as soon as a significant improvement is noted.
How long does a typical treatment last?
Sessions typically take between 25-35 minutes from start to finish.
Pets that are aggressive or fearful can create a safety issue for the Vet administering acupuncture. It’s also not possible to sedate animals so they can receive acupuncture treatment. It is for these reasons we unfortunately have to decline administering acupuncture therapy to these pets. Our team will be happy to advise on other treatment options which are available.
What are the costs involved?
First session £80.00 (inc vat)
Follow up session £60.00 (inc vat)
A course of 4 x sessions booked in advance is £200.00 (inc vat)
How to enquire
If your pet has a condition that you believe could benefit from acupuncture, please speak to our team.
Our experienced vet Sarah Riconda performs the treatment, she is happy to discuss your pets individual requirements before booking.
We can also provide this treatment to pets registered at other vet surgeries, we’re also happy to receive external referrals from other practices.
XL Bully Dogs
At the end of 2023 XL Bully type dogs were added to the list of banned breeds under the Dangerous Dogs Act. This does not mean that all existing XL Bully type dogs will need to be euthanised, but it does mean that there is now strict legislation involved.
Does my dog count as an XL Bully?
Unfortunately, XL Bullys have developed as a hybrid of several other breeds and so it is tricky to decide what is and what isn’t an XL Bully type. The government are making the decision based on a series of measurements and features. The list is not definitive, and many Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, Mastiffs and their crosses may meet the criteria. If your dog meets the majority of the criteria they are likely to be covered by the ban unless are an ‘easily recognised Kennel Club breed’.
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/official-definition-of-an-xl-bully-dog
If in doubt, current legal advice is currently to assume your dog is covered by the legislation and then appeal later when the appeals process is launched. If you chance it you could end up with your dog being seized and held in kennels for 6 months plus without being able to visit and the decision not to register them could be held against you in your court case.
What do I need to do?
You will not be able to sell, abandon, give away or breed an XL Bully type dog after 31st December 2023
All XL Bully types will need to have a certificate of exemption by 1st February 2024 (applied for from the government). The cost is £92.40
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-a-certificate-of-exemption-to-keep-an-xl-bully-dog
XL Bully types must be microchipped, kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public (including in the car)
They must be kept in an escape proof area
Dog must have liability insurance (included in most existing insurance plans or The Dogs Trust offer a policy)
XL Bully types must be neutered. If they will turn 1 before 31st January 2024 this will need to be performed by 30th June 2024. Younger dogs will have until the end of 2024
XL Bully types can not be left with someone else for more than 30 days
How can we help?
Veterinary Surgeons or Registered Veterinary Nurses do not have the authority to say whether your dog is or is not an XL Bully Type.
We can however:
- Help you understand the terminology and where to measure your dog
- Check your dog’s microchip number and that details are up-to-date
- Point you in the direction of good muzzle training (being offered for free by some trainers currently)
- Neuter your dog
- Complete proof of neutering paperwork
- Continue to provide veterinary care to your dog. XL Bully Types will always be welcome at Towcester Vets
- Direct you to further resources if you require them
We understand that this is a hugely stressful time for owners of XL Bully types or similar breed dogs.
Please contact us if we can support you at all.
