FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Doc Truli coming for a holistic visit?
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Text (813) 714-7863, or email DrTruli@VetVMD.com or call (877) 378-7854. Dr Truli will need your name and address and your pet’s current concern(s) to see availability to book an appointment.
Q: How far in advance do I have to make an appointment?
A: 1 day to 2 weeks is the time window that usually works for the core practice area of Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, West Chase, Clearwater, Odessa, St Petersburg and South Tampa. 2-3 weeks may be needed for Tarpon Springs, Tampa, barrier islands like Belleair Beach, Treasure Island, Tierra Verde. Special arrangements can be made for Riverside, Brandon, Hudson, New Port Richey, Sarasota, Temple Terrace or out-of-town services to Naples or West Palm Beach.
Clients traveling from out of state or country to see Dr Truli often enjoy staying at the Grand Hyatt Tampa Bay Casitas. They are private and pet friendly houses outside of the main hotel in a park-like environment with bay access and several restaurant options on the Hyatt property. They are located very near the Tampa International airport and central to Tampa Bay destinations.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Initial consultations are $375-$475. Travel to your home, tests and supplements or medicines are additional. Initial acupuncture, veterinary medical manipulation (lay people say chiropractic adjustment) or laser therapy (whichever your pet is comfortable with) is included.
Additional time is available at the rate $262/hr billed in 5 minute increments. Travel, tests, treatments and remedies are additional.
Follow-up visits, semi annual check ups and case evaluation for chronic, known issues is $262/hr. Usually 1 hour is plenty of time to go into great detail with the follow-ups.
Special pricing is available for ongoing care. For example, once we have our initial consultation, your pet’s situation may be a fit for ongoing care packages such as a monthly acupuncture treatment package.
A: Yes. When you contact us for an appointment, please leave your name and address. We have greater flexibility scheduling in some towns than others, depending on the current clients to whom we are already committed.
Q: Are your appointments all house calls, or do you have an office I can come to?
Holistic House Calls for Pets
A: All services are provided in house calls. We do not have a consultation office.
Q: Do you do Laser Therapy?
A: Yes
Q: Do you only do in person evaluations or do you offer phone or long-distance consults?
A: Phone consults are available for established patients for follow-up advice and recheck consults. The Florida veterinary medical license requires a valid veterinary-patient-client relationship in order to diagnose, prescribe or perform surgery. The relationship must include a physical examination of the pet at least once a year.
“I practice hands-on medicine,” says Dr Truli. “The foundation of any successful health plan and treatment is an accurate assessment of the diagnosis. Integrating Traditional Chinese Medical techniques like pulse and tongue diagnosis with a very thorough history and a nose to tail examination gives us a list of possible Western Medicine diagnoses and a Chinese Medicine Diagnosis. It’s no mystery that when we look, feel and listen, we gather more information, save time and money, and serve the pet with improved results.”
“I prefer the scale you have not already calibrated for me…”
Q: What kinds of problems can holistic medicine help?
A: Almost anything that Western Medicine can help. Each situation is different regarding chances for successful cure, just like in Western Medicine. Every pet’s quality of life can be improved with holistic care, especially food therapy. Did you know Doc Truli is a Certified Veterinary Food Therapist (CVFT) certified through intensive training at Chi University in Reddick, Florida?
Q: What are some examples of cases you have treated with holistic medicine?
A: autoimmune disease, thunderstorm phobia, seizures, dry eye, kidney failure, osteoarthritis, cruciate ligament knee injuries, hip dysplasia, chronic diarrhea, laryngeal paralysis, collapsing trachea, neuritis, cancer, hyperactivity and lack of focus, liver disease..please call and inquire about your situation! (877) 378-7854
Q: Can I book a holistic wellness check-up even though my pet is not sick?
A: Yes! That is the ideal situation. Check out Dr Truli’s Holistic Check-Up.
Q: Are you available times other than 9-5 because I work?
A: Yes, nights and weekends are no extra charge.
Oliver sleeps during acupuncture and laser for his sore hips.
Q: Do I have to be there with my pet? Or can my husband, wife, grown children, pet sitter, housekeeper be there?
A: More Covid advice: if anyone in your household or in contact has tested positive or is in a 14-day quarantine, Dr Truli will not provide in-person consults. Please call and we will figure out a plan to get you the help you need. The primary caretaker for your pet must be at the first consultation. The more family members who live with the pet participate in the consultation, the better your pet’s prognosis. Arrangements and exceptions can work for subsequent visits.
Q: What do you need for the appointment? How do I prepare an area? Or what do I do???
A: A quiet, calm, clean area like a table for a small pet or a rug by the sofa with a coffee table for Doc Truli’s Doctor Bag and Notes is nice. The room your pet likes best is good. The best lighting in the house or natural sunlight is good. Obviously, a safe area where your pet cannot run away!
Q: Do you accept credit cards, or checks, or just cash?
A: Cash, checks, Applepay or tap cards accepted. Cash and checks are preferred. We also accept Mastercard, Visa, Discover, American Express and Applepay and Google Wallet for your convenience.
Q: Do you accept pet insurance?
A: Be sure to let Doc Truli know you have pet insurance. She provides a letterhead, itemized invoice with proper patient identification that you can submit for your covered insurance reimbursement.
Q: How do you keep pets from running away during acupuncture? and Do you sedate pets for acupuncture?
A: They like it! The only tiny bit of pain is the split-second when the acupuncture needle (a registered FDA medical device) goes through the skin. Under the skin does not hurt. Beta-endorphin release in the body causes a natural relaxation, just like humans get with an “exercise high.” A third of the pets go to sleep. Most other pets lay quietly, relax, and look surprised and happy (see picture on the right, doesn’t she look happy?) Some stubborn, opinionated pets need 2 or 3 treatments before they admit it feels really good! and no, Dr Truli does not sedate pets in a house call setting as emergency and resuscitation equipment and availability will never be as good at home as it is in a full-service hospital. We take no chances with your pet’s health and safety!
German Shepherd enjoys acupuncture in the comfort of his own bed!
Q: How many treatments does my pet need?
A: This is a wide-open question until we have a Chinese Medicine Pattern Diagnosis. Generally, an acute problem (sprain, injury, infection) takes one to three treatments over the course of a week or two. Chronic problems like arthritis usually take three to eight treatments to see the majority of the improvement, and then monthly maintenance. Dr Truli will prescribe the ideal treatment course during your initial consultation.
Q: Can you do blood work?
A: Yes. All kinds…some tests, like tests for Cushing’s disease are more accurate in a house call because your pet is more relaxed than at a pet hospital. Yes…we can do heart worm tests and fecals like a “regular” vet. We also perform Vitamin D3 level testing and Omega Fats testing routinely. There are now (as of 2021) validated cancer marker blood tests and arthritis indicators we run routinely. There are even new simple blood tests to help distinguish if a pet has inflammatory bowel disease or lymphoma.
Q: Can you tell me what my pet should eat?
A: Yes. Based on nutrition science and Chinese Medicine theory we can design a custom recipe diet plan for you and your pet. Then you can control the ingredients and source them where you feel is healthiest. (Don’t worry, Dr Truli does not judge if you feed your pet kibble or canned.)
Q: Do you give shots?
A: We offer vaccination services for registered patients for safety, convenience, comfort and privacy. Even though this practice is about 90% holistic, it is also integrative. Vaccines have their place. Dr Truli can discuss your needs and you can decide what level of vaccination you feel is best for your pet. Please note- this is a holistic practice and priced according to the experience, attention and education of the practitioner. This means- if you only need a house call Rabies shot, we can refer you to affordable veterinary services that provide those services.
Puppies benefit from integrative care with a lifetime of less drugs, functional medicine, balanced fresh food and emotional and intellectual sports and activities.
A: No. We focus on holistic medicine. We partner with your trusted general practitioner and the best specialists in order to provide your pet with excellent, complete care. We work with the best 24-hour care hospitals to ensure your pet gets whatever health care is required.
(Chinese herbal medicine, acupuncture or homeopathy and functional medicine with whole food supplements can help certain dental issues to reduce or avoid dental surgery.)
Q: How do I make an appointment?
A: Text (813) 714-7863, or email DrTruli@VetVMD.com or call (877) 378-7854. Dr Truli will need your name and address and your pet’s current concern(s) to book your appointment.
Dr. Sandra Truli Springer, VMD, MS-TCVM, CVA, CVFT, CVTP, CVCH, CTCVMP, CTPEP, CVMMP
“Truli holistic veterinary services” | Care provided in your home!
Greater Tampa Bay, Florida, USA
Text (813) 714-7863 or Call toll-free 1 (877) DR TRULI | (877) 378-7854
