Springfield Vet Group Nursing Clinics

Acupuncture (Western Scientific approach) is carried out by veterinary surgeon, Helen Walker, based at the Wickersley branch. Appointments, which need to be half an hour long, can be made at Wickersley or Moorgate Rd, Rotherham branch.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine, solid needles into the body for pain relief or, in some cases, to help the body deal with other diseases.

How does acupuncture work?

It works through the nervous system. The needles block the pain messages and encourage the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s natural painkillers. In conditions that are not painful, acupuncture may help to reset the body’s normal functioning.

Will it hurt?

Acupuncture needles stimulate nerves that do not cause the unpleasant feelings of pain that we are trying to treat. They stimulate other nerves that send a more important message to the brain, which is how they block pain. Sometimes animals may react to this sensation as though they are expecting pain, but then relax because it does not occur. Most of the time they accept the fine needles very well and often become relaxed and sleepy during the treatment. Often they appear to look forward to the next treatment when they come back to the practice.

Would my pet need to be sedated for this treatment?

It is uncommon for animals to need to be sedated. This would only usually happen if they were so painful that any touch or stimulus causes them to be painful. Perhaps surprisingly, cats and rabbits often accept acupuncture treatment very well.

How often would my pet be treated?

The usual course is once a week for four to six weeks. After four weeks we will know whether acupuncture is working for your pet and then, depending on the condition and how they have responded, we will work out a plan that usually involves tailing off the treatment so that the effect is maintained for as long as possible.

Is acupuncture safe?

Acupuncture is very safe, in the right hands. Legally it must be performed by a veterinary surgeon. There have been no official reports of problems in animals, but there are some in humans and these can usually be avoided with care and a good knowledge of anatomy. There are a very few cases in which we would have to be very cautious about using acupuncture, but your veterinary acupuncturist can advise you of these.

What kinds of conditions are treated with acupuncture?

Pain is the most common indication for acupuncture. Usually this means pain associated with arthritis, but also muscle strains, pain secondary to disc disease and bony changes of the spine. Other kinds of pain may also respond.
Functional conditions such as constipation in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs may also respond.

What can I expect during treatment?

After examination, needles will be put into various parts of the body and moved or stimulated a few times. There is not a set “dose” of acupuncture as there is for medication, so your vet will judge how much to do based on your pet’s response both at the time and after the treatment. They may become sleepy and relaxed during the treatment.

And after the treatment?

It is not uncommon for pets to go home and sleep very soundly for a long time. This is a good sign and shows that your pet will probably respond well to acupuncture. But do not worry if they are not sleepy – this does not mean that they will not respond. Sometimes your pet may seem a little more euphoric than usual; this is also a good sign, but keep them quiet for the rest of the day or they may overdo things.
Otherwise treat your pet normally after acupuncture. Do not change exercise, diet or medication unless it has been discussed with your vet.

What about response?

Your pet may show one of the three responses to treatment:
They may seem a little stiffer or more uncomfortable. This just means that the dose was a bit too much, but also shows that they should respond to treatment. After a day or two they will improve again and should be better than before. However, you must tell your vet so that they can adjust the treatment next time.
You may see no response. This is always disappointing but does not mean your pet will not respond; it may just be that they will take a little longer or that their improvement after the first treatment was too brief or small for you to see. We cannot say that they will not respond until after the fourth treatment. Not all animals or humans are acupuncture “responders”, but about 80% will be.

You may see an improvement. This may occur anytime in the three days after treatment. The signs that we are trying to treat may then return before the next treatment, but this is fine. After each subsequent treatment the effects should last for longer, so that your pet may eventually not need more treatments for some time.

Home Visits

We recognise that while the best facilities for treatment of your pet are in the clinic there are circumstances when home attendance is appropriate and we are happy to arrange to visit you on these occasions. Our reception team will be happy to advise you on whether a home visit is suitable for your pet’s requirements.

Please telephone to make your request before 10am when possible to allow us time to make arrangements for the vet to come to your home.

We will endeavour to provide an approximate arrival time later in the day which does not clash with commitments to morning and evening consultation sessions in the clinic.

Please be aware there is an extra charge for this service.

Microchipping Your Pet

Microchipping your pet gives them the best chance of being identified and returned to you if they become lost or stolen.

Thousands of pets are lost every year and many are never reunited with their owners. Microchipping can change that.

While collars and tags can get caught and removed, microchipping identifies your pet permanently and harmlessly.

Identichip is a microchip and an electromagnetic coil in a capsule the size of a grain of rice. Once inserted into your pet, it provides an inexpensive but permanent means of identification throughout the life of your pet.

Identichip is inserted into the scruff of the pet’s neck in a quick and painless manner. Each one has it’s own unique identification number.

Once implanted the identichip remains electronically inactive until scanned by a special microchip scanner.

Identichip responds to a low voltage electronic signal from the scanner and transmits its unique code, which is then displayed. This then allows Vets, Pet Rescue Centres, Dog Wardens and the Police to then access a database to discover the identity of the pet and its owner.

Identichip is suitable for all pets.

YOU MUST MAKE SURE THE DATABASE YOU ARE REGISTERED WITH HAS YOUR UP-TO-DATE CONTACT DETAILS

Puppy Parties are free and are held every Monday evening 7pm- 8pm.

The parties are a fun way for your puppy to socialise with other puppies the same age in a safe environment.

The parties encourage your puppy to enjoy coming to the vets, instead of just remembering us for their vaccinations and id chip!

The parties last for 1 hour and are for a 4 week block.

Each week the nurse will give you important information to help keep your puppy happy and healthy.

Your puppy will be weighed every week and will also receive a goody bag full of useful information for you to take home and goodies for your puppy.

If you would like to book in for the puppy parties at this branch, please contact the surgery on 0114 2648913 and ask to speak to Mandy.

Prescriptions

Most medications are dispensed during consultations and after examinations by the veterinary surgeon.

For those pets that are on long term drugs current legislation requires us to carry out regular re-examinations to confirm the usefulness of the medication, the accuracy of the dosage and the absence of significant side effects.

Most long term conditions will require regular veterinary re-examinations every 3-4 months up to a maximum of 6 months. This is subject to the judgment of the clinician in charge of the case, and is determined by the individual case. A repeat consultation fee will be charged.

Please telephone the surgery to order your repeat prescription. We require at least 24 hours notice. If you order on a Friday your request will not be ready until the following Monday.

Springfield Veterinary Group is able to provide written prescriptions on request, but will require at least 24 hours notice. Please note that there is a charge for this service.

Puppy Parties at our Crystal Peaks and Gleadless branches.

“A Great Opportunity to come and have fun at the vets”


Puppy Parties are held every Wednesday evening at our Crystal Peaks branch and every Wednesday afternoon at our Gleadless branch. Each group completes a 4 week course where your puppy can learn basic training techniques and socialise with other puppies and people and meet our staff members.

• Invitations are sent following your puppie's vaccinations at either Crystal Peaks branch or Gleadless branch and places are booked by contacting the surgery.
• Each week your puppy will learn a new command and be weighed to monitor his/her progress.
• Puppy Parties are Free and each week a different topic is discussed such as fleas, worms, microchipping, insurance, dental care and neutering.
• A party bag is provided at each session containing treats and information and you will receive a graduation photograph and certificate on completion of the course.

All the staff at Springfield are pet lovers and know only too well the deep sadness associated with the death of a loved pet. The grief can often be equal to the loss of a close and cherished family member. We know that nothing can be said to fully ease the pain of such as a loss, and we promise to take particular care of you and your pet when this time comes.

In the event of a pet passing away we are able to arrange cremation through Rossendale Pet Crematorium. Ashes can be returned if so wished. These can be returned in a variety of containers or caskets for either scattering or keeping your pet’s ashes in.

Grieving for the loss of a pet, whether through death, parting or enforced separation, can be a sad or difficult experience. Life once filled with the love and friendship of a pet may suddenly seem very empty, and feelings of deep sadness and loneliness are not uncommon.

Sometimes it helps to share those feelings with someone who knows from personal experience how distressing the loss of a pet can be, and who will listen with compassion and without judgement. Help and support can be found on the Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service website.