Any questions? Find helpful info here for new and established patients.
How do I schedule AN appointment?
You can self schedule by going to the SCHEDULE page on the site. If you don't see a time or an appointment type that applies to you, feel free to reach out through the CONTACT page about your specific needs as I may have some flexibility with scheduling during the week. I'm currently at Tomlinson's Allendale on Tuesdays and Thursdays and I see housecalls on Wednesdays. I work as a relief vet on other days.
What kind of appointment should I schedule?
The easiest way to sort this out would be to reflect on your pet's medical history. If they only have one minor issue and are generally healthy according to their primary vet, you can schedule a healthy pet or 30 minute consultation. If you've seen the vet many times about the same issue or there are several different concerns and the pet is older, a one hour or chronic issue consultation is best.
What kind of vet clinic is ACudog herbal cat vet?
ADHC is an integrative veterinary medicine practice. Integrative medicine draws from a solid conventional base and offers a natural health and healing approach utilizing what is best for the individual's unique needs. Neutriceuticals, herbal medicines, acupuncture, laser therapy, and behavior modification techniques are common therapies. Conventional medicine can also be utilized when necessary.
Do you have a fully staffed practice? including a receptionist and technician?
I'm a solo practitioner and do not currently employ any staff. This is typical of most independent solo vets. We wear many hats! This practice style is very different than what you may be used to. If you're looking for a full service clinic or for grooming services, there are many great options in town.
You offer housecalls and you also offer In person appointments on location?
I am a housecall vet and I also offer in-person (in-pet) consultations at Tomlinson's Feed in North Austin. I settled on this novel style of practice so that I could offer both options to my patients. Housecalls are wonderful, but not everyone can afford them. For patients who live far away, I can sometimes arrange a 1/2 way or other type of meeting point to keep travel fees more affordable. The space at Tomlinson's is cozy and does not look, smell, or sound like a vet clinic. Its a great homey alternative and can be a fun visit to the pet store too! I've welcomed many nervous dogs and cats and have been delighted to see how relaxed they are in the space.
What is the best way to get my pet's medical history to you?
Once you schedule the appointment, you'll receive a link to a new patient form. If your pet has an extensive medical history that relates to the current problem(s), Its best for you to request the medical notes from your vet and make sure they include any diagnostic tests, then you'll follow instructions on forwarding the records to me. Having these prior to your appointment is crucial and allows more in person time for your pet.
How much do your services cost?
You can see a description of all of the services and costs on the SCHEDULE page. Click on the link at the top of the page. My labwork is typically about 25%-50% cheaper than vet clinics because I don't have the same overhead and can offer more affordable pricing.
WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET IN TOUCH?
You will have my clinic number that is typically used for appointment logistics once you've scheduled with me. You are able to text this number and leave voicemail (text preferred). If you have a medical issue or a concern that would require a more lengthy response, I would prefer that you email me or use the 2 contact options on my website (the televet chat or the CONTACT page). This way I can keep important notes properly organized in the medical file.
I see That you offer holistic wellness care. do you also stock vaccinations?
At this time, I don't stock vaccinations for logistical reasons. I do advise on modified vaccination protocols and antibody titer testing where its appropriate. For a new puppy or kitten, we may discuss individualized modified protocols, and nutrition. I believe in empowering pet parents with knowledge that will guide them in making the right decisions for their pet's health. Minimizing vaccinations and avoiding overvaccinating fit into this plan.
Update: I do have a limited number of Rabies Thimerosol Free 3 year and some Distemper/Parvo vaccines.
Update: I do have a limited number of Rabies Thimerosol Free 3 year and some Distemper/Parvo vaccines.
What if my pet needs xrays, a dental cleaning, or surgery?
I can offer most diagnostic tests. I can also refer patients directly to a radiologist for xrays, ultrasound, or MRI. There will be scenarios when I may not be able to run a test that requires multiple blood draws on the same day, or if your pet is super nervous and you don't feel able to assist me with gentle holding techniques. In general, its best for me to operate in the role of an integrative veterinary consultant and prefer that all of my clients maintain a relationship with a primary vet clinic they trust for minor emergencies, dental cleanings, and surgeries.
Do you offer discounted or low cost services?
I recommend health insurance and accept Care Credit. Austin is an expensive and pet care is too! Emancipet offers low cost care: wellness/vaccines, spay/neuter, heartworm prevention, and some surgeries. Prickly Pear Pet Vaccines offers walk in wellness appointments.
I think it might be time to say goodbye to my beloved pet. Can you come to my home?
I do offer euthanasia at home in a non-emergent capacity depending on your location. I also offer telemedicine consultations to new clients who are struggling with end of life decisions. These consultations sometimes result in a palliative care plan or the difficult decision is made to say goodbye. The goal is to provide compassionate guidance and some peace of mind.
How does the first appointment go?
During the appointment, we'll review medical history and go over the new patient form. After the physical exam (includes eastern and western approach), we'll discuss a plan that may include supplements, herbals, diet/nutrition alterations and recommended therapies. Sometimes its necessary to run special diagnostics to guide treatment. We will work this plan out together based on your preferences and budget. I can usually get herbs ordered within 24 hours. Please stay in touch with me if you have any questions about any of the recommendations and don't forget to schedule a follow up! If I've only seen you once and I don't get a chance to re-evaluate and reassess, I am limited in how much I can help.
Where do I purchase recommended supplements or herbal medicine AFter my appointment?
Herbal prescriptions have to be ordered from trusted herbal pharmacies and will be shipped directly to you. They may be for short term or long term use depending on the case. Sometimes, over the counter supplements or local herbal pharmacies are utilized. After starting any herbal, its ideal to schedule a recheck within 3-4 weeks as the formula or plan may need to be adjusted. If the condition is chronic, you can expect a minimum of 3-6 months on formulas.
I received the supplements, how do I dose them?
What is my pet’s dose? Some distributors will not include dosing information with your order. This guide should cover most formulas.
Kan Essentials compressed Tablets or Tinctures dosing and some helpful tips for administering. Target dosing is typically twice daily.
https://www.kanherb.com/cons_pi_vet_guides.asp
Time to heal powdered herbs (natural path, evergreen, others) - these are usually ¼ tsp per 15# up to 60#. Then you add an additional ¼ tsp per 25#. Ex: A 60# dog would get 1 tsp twice daily and an 85# dog would get 1 ¼ tsp twice daily.
Jing Tang- this depends on whether or not the herbs are concentrated, in capsules, tea pills, or powders. You can use the dosing information per weight from the bottle.
ALWAYS introduce herbs over several days to 1 week to the target dose especially if your pet is known to have sensitivity to diet changes/new foods. If you do notice any GI issues, stop the formula and let me know! The exception to this would be if the formula is for the GI issue. These can usually be introduced in a few days.
Kan Essentials compressed Tablets or Tinctures dosing and some helpful tips for administering. Target dosing is typically twice daily.
https://www.kanherb.com/cons_pi_vet_guides.asp
Time to heal powdered herbs (natural path, evergreen, others) - these are usually ¼ tsp per 15# up to 60#. Then you add an additional ¼ tsp per 25#. Ex: A 60# dog would get 1 tsp twice daily and an 85# dog would get 1 ¼ tsp twice daily.
Jing Tang- this depends on whether or not the herbs are concentrated, in capsules, tea pills, or powders. You can use the dosing information per weight from the bottle.
ALWAYS introduce herbs over several days to 1 week to the target dose especially if your pet is known to have sensitivity to diet changes/new foods. If you do notice any GI issues, stop the formula and let me know! The exception to this would be if the formula is for the GI issue. These can usually be introduced in a few days.
We've been using the herbs and supplements for about a month, do I let them run out or do I recheck before reordering?
Its usually not the goal to keep pets on the same herbs and supplements forever. Some herbal medicines are potent anti-inflammatories and may be needed in the initial treatment stages, but wouldn't be appropriate long term. Some are gentle and balancing and are more appropriate for chronic use. Sometimes we're using herbals in the beginning while we focus on diet changes that can also provide healing. Food is medicine but diet change alone may not get us where we need to go as quickly as combination therapy (diet, herbs, and supplements). You can also use the Televet chat on the HOME page to request an herbal order.
What kind of recheck appointment is right for me?
Ideally an in person recheck is ideal. These are usually 30 minute appointments. If budget constraints or your location makes this difficult, we can schedule a telemed call.
when does it make sense to schedule a telemedicine appointment?
Established clients (pet has been seen in the last year) can schedule a telemed appointment for minor concerns that don't require an in-person exam. High resolution photos taken in natural light can be very helpful. Second opinion consults or follow ups after an emergency visit, nutrition and home cooked diet consults may require 30 minutes to one hour.