During the TCVM/Acupuncture physical, the doctor will examine the eyes, ears, nose, gum color,  and teeth; listen to the heart and palpate (feel) the abdomen, however this examine is more involved than a regular veterinary physical.

During the TCVM/Acupuncture assessment, the doctor will also make note of how the pulse feels, color of the tongue, and temperature of the nose and ears.  The doctor will ask specific questions about eating and drinking habits, sleeping patterns, as well as temperature and surface preferences of the pet.  Information that may not hold much significance to a western veterinarian, or details that the veterinarian may not know how to classify, can be very telling for a veterinarian working in Chinese modalities.

This more complete physical accompanied by an in-depth questionnaire are repeated at each visit.  The information gathered during the TCVM/Acupuncture appointment allows the doctor to determine what is known in Chinese medicine as a pattern.  Patterns are what all treatments in Chinese medicine as based upon.  When the patient's pattern changes, the treatment is modified.

Once the patient's pattern is determined, the veterinarian will treat the pet with the acupuncture technique(s) best suited for that patient and the pattern presented.  Treatment may involve one or all the treatments listed on the Acupuncture & TCVM page.

With TCVM visits, the veterinarian may advise dietary restrictions or changes, exercise and massage may be recommended, and herbal formulas could be part of the treatment plan.  These additional therapies ultimately aid in spacing out the acupuncture treatments.