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Leah Braas, DVM Frequently Asked Questions: Acupunture Dr. Leah Braas graduated from Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine in 2002. She has been working at Iowa Veterinary Specialties in the Emergency Department since 2012. Dr. Braas has recently studied at the Chi Institute, the leading educational institute for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Braas will be performing acupuncture and other integrative medicine at Iowa Veterinary Specialties through the Hospice and Palliative Care department. Dr. Braas is excited to combine Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine techniques alongside more conventional Western Veterinary Medicine. Is Acupuncture Painful? • The needles used for small animal acupuncture are relatively painless. The pet may feel a small pinch or nothing at all upon insertion. Dr. Braas ensures that each patient is comfortable during each treatment. Is Acupuncture Safe? • Acupuncture is one of the safest medical treatments for your pet, especially when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Are there any side effects? • Side effects are very rare with veterinary acupuncture. Sometimes it may seem that symptoms will worsen 48 hours after treatment, or the pet may be lethargic for a day or two. These are due to physiologic changes happening in your pet and are most often followed by marked improvement in symptoms. How can acupuncture benefit my pet? • As with any medical treatment, acupuncture’s efficacy is based on the individual pet’s tolerance of the treatment, the pet’s condition, and the number of acupuncture treatments given. Veterinary Acupuncture 6110 Creston Ave. Des Moines, IA 50321 515.280.3100 www.ivsdsm.com
