On Point Acupuncture
Veterinary Services
Veterinary Acupuncture for all species, primarily small animal and equine. We are a mobile practice and serve the Sarasota and Charlotte County areas.
About Dr. Karen Prine
Dr. Karen Prine has been a veterinarian since 1996 after graduating from the University of Florida’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Since then, she has worked in both equine and small animal practices before proudly serving several years in the U.S. Army. In addition, she has received a Master’s degree in Forensic Toxicology and has completed extensive coursework focusing on entomology (primarily ticks) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping.
Dr. Prine is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) who trained at Chi University for both equine and small animal practice, then became certified in the Balanced Method (CVBMA). Dr. Tan's Balance Method is a system of acupuncture developed by Dr. Richard Teh-Fu Tan, which utilizes the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to achieve effective, often immediate, pain relief and healing by balancing the body's meridians. This method has been applied successfully to animals.
Essentially, sometimes fewer needles are used to achieve the ideal outcome.
In her off times, she enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as kayaking, reading, gardening, and other outdoor activities, and of course, her dog, Higgins.
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Owner and Veterinary Acupuncturist, specializing in small animals and equine medicine.
Comprehensive Services that are offered
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is one of the four branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been practiced for nearly 4,000 years. It is defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body with a specific method, resulting in a therapeutic homeostatic effect.
The ancient Chinese discovered that the health of the body depends on the state of Qi, which is the life force or vital energy. There are two opposite forms of Qi: Yin and Yang. Physiologically, Qi flows throughout the body at all times, maintaining a balance of Yin & Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by any pathological factor, the balance of Yin and Yang is lost, and disease may occur. Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow. Acupuncture stimulation resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself.
Qi flows throughout the body along energetic channels called meridians. Each meridian is also associated with a specific internal organ, which reflects the physiological and pathological conditions of that organ. The meridians connect the exterior of the body with the interior of the body.
Acupuncture points are located along these meridians, and when stimulated can relieve pain and help restore normal body function. These points have specific locations and effects and have been well documented over the years. Modern research shows that acupuncture points are located in areas where there is a large density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles, and lymphatic vessels. The stimulation of these points induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin, and other neurotransmitters that produce multiple physiologic effects that activate the body's homeostatic regulatory mechanisms.
Acupuncture is not considered to be a "cure-all" but it can be effective used by itself, or more commonly, as an adjunct to conventional Western medicine. Acupuncture is commonly used when conventional medications are not working, when conventional medications are resulting in undesirable effects, or where surgical treatment is not an option. It can be used as the only modality of treatment or can be combined with other forms of treatment, including herbal remedies, homeopathic remedies, nutrition, and spinal manipulation (animal chiropractic).
If you have further questions, please send us a message at info@onpointvetservices.com .
The information above was provided by IVAS, International Veterinary Acupuncture Society.
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Musculoskeletal problems: Muscle soreness, Back pain, Disc problems, Osteoarthritis, Hip Dysplasia, and Degenerative Joint Disease
Neurological disorders: Seizures, Laryngeal Hemiplegia, Facial and Radial Nerve Paralysis
Dermatologic problems: Allergic Dermatitis and Lick Granulomas
Respiratory problems: COPD/heaves, Asthma, collapsing trachea, laryngeal paralysis and chronic cough
Gastrointestinal disorders: Diarrhea, Vomiting, Gastric Ulcers, Constipation, and Impaction
Endocrine disorders: Cushings, PPID (Pituitary Dysfunction in horses), Thyroid disease, Diabetes
Urinary disorders: Incontinence, Cystitis. Kidney disease
Other chronic conditions: Anhidrosis (inability to sweat), Uveitis (eye inflammation), Corneal Ulcers, Behavioral Problems, Infertility, Depressed Immune Function, Cancer, Liver Disease and geriatric weakness
Performance enhancement
Prevention of disease
And more!!!
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HOW LONG IS AN ACUPUNCTURE APPOINTMENT?
Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point can take as little as 10 seconds or can last up to 60 minutes. It depends on the technique used (dry needle, Electroacupuncture, Aquapuncture etc.) and the condition treated. Most pets sit or even sleep for an average of 15 to 20 minutes during a single treatment session. The first appointment will be longer, possibly 1-1/2 to 2 hours long as a full veterinary examination, medical review and TCVM evaluation in addition to any therapy that may performed as indicated. A few of the questions may seem odd compared to traditional veterinary examinations but they are part of making a TCVM diagnosis. Sometimes acupuncture may not be done on the first visit, herbs or other therapy may be initially prescribed. Follow-up appointments may take up to one hour as necessary.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED BEFORE IT WORKS?
It depends on the nature, severity, and duration of the condition being treated. A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition such as an injury or for post op pain. A series of 3 to 10 treatments may be needed for many chronic problems. The frequency of treatments for most cases will be weekly for the first few visits and the time between sessions may gradually be increased. For acute injuries, a more frequent time schedule may be needed such as every other day. If there are no significant changes observed after the first several appointments, other approaches may be necessary to help your companion. Acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it is quite effective when indicated.
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HOW SAFE IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Acupuncture should never be administered without a proper veterinary medical diagnosis and an ongoing assessment of the patient’s condition. Because acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, side effects rarely occur, but they do exist.
It is possible that an animal's condition may seem to worsen after a treatment – up to 48 hours. Others may seem a bit lethargic or sleepy the next day. This is an indication that some physiologic changes are occurring, and this is most often followed by improvement of the animal’s condition.
DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Acupuncture is most often performed with sterilized solid, not hollow, needles that are very small. There is sometimes a brief moment of sensitivity, tingling or pressure as the needle penetrates the skin and the acupuncture point is stimulated. This method of acupuncture is called dry needling. Once the needles are in place, most animals relax due to endorphin release and other healing effect. It is fairly common for patients to fall asleep during treatment. They also may feel a “zing” after needles are places which is a good thing as the point and Qi are being stimulated.
Acupuncture should only be performed by a licensed veterinarian. It can be effectively combined with most conventional therapies. The American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
If you have further questions, please send us a message at info@onpointvetservices.com .
With Traditional Chinese Medicine, herbs can be incorporated in the treatment plan of most conditions. They can be used alone or combined with other therapies. Often herbals and a conventional prescription may be used at the same time. Many clinical studies have shown that herbals can be very effective for treating medical conditions including skin problems, heart issues, respiratory disorders, gastrointestinal problems, behavior and performance issues, and cancer
Herbs are especially helpful in the treatment of chronic diseases. They can be used to relieve pain, help improve and restore organ function, as well as strengthen and support the immune system. TCM herbs are directed at the root cause of an illness to correct it and are not given to control symptoms alone.
In general, herbal prescriptions must be given for longer periods of time than pharmaceutical drugs, but the benefit lies in their natural ability to gradually return the body to a state of health and balance, with minimal transitory side effects. Clinical results may be seen in 3 days to 2 weeks, depending on the formulation and the condition being treated. Longer treatment times may be needed.
Prices for herbal therapy will be based on the type of herbal and the size of the patient. Most animals are pretty tolerant to the herbals being added to their regular diet or they can be hidden in cheese, yogurt, peanut butter etc.
There is truth to the old saying: “food is the medicine you take every day.” This belief in the healing power of food is one central to Chinese Medicine, where food therapy is often utilized alone or (more often) in conjunction with other modalities to treat disease patterns. Food therapy is one of the four major branches of TCVM, Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine, alongside acupuncture, herbal medicine, and Tui-na. It is the art and science of tailoring diet plans to individual patients based on their unique inborn tendencies, age, species, geographical location, personality and current disharmony or disease process. Food ingredients are chosen based on their energetic properties, which include both their thermal energetic property or “temperature” and their taste. Chinese food therapy recipes are developed according to TCVM theory and are specific to particular patient types and health conditions. These recipes can typically be classified into one of the following categories:
1. Health Promotion and Prevention - to improve health on a regular basis and to prevent seasonal- and climate-related problems
2. Disease Treatment - to directly treat clinical conditions, including skin problems, autoimmune diseases, and immunodeficiency
3. Adjunct Therapy - to complement primary treatments (acupuncture, herbs, or Western Medicine) of diseases such as otitis, urinary tract issues, gastrointestinal disease, cancer, renal and liver failure
Like other TCVM modalities, the ultimate goal of food therapy is to restore and maintain balance in the body. However, given its very nature, the effects of food therapy are slower-acting than modalities like acupuncture and herbal medicine. On the other hand, there are virtually no side effects when food ingredients are chosen correctly, and food therapy is a mode of treatment that can be used safely throughout a patient’s lifetime.
Part of our therapies offered is a consultation on adding certain foods to the diet or a complete unique diet plan. The latter will be an additional charge.
If you are interested in scheduling an appointment or want to discuss the benefits of acupuncture further, please fill out the form.
Once you fill out the form, we will get back with you as soon as possible. Responses are generally within 1 to 2 business days. Otherwise, please call 941.220.9414 for a potentially quicker response.