Dr. McKinstry,
Veterinarian
VMD, MS (TCVM), CVA, CVTP, CVFT, CVTH
(610) 368-3387
Phone:
(610) 444-2287
Now Accepting New Patients
550 Schoolhouse Rd
Kennett Square, PA 19348
Please call for an appointment
610-368-3387 or 610-444-2287
Monday 9 AM - 8 PM
Tuesday 10 AM - 8 PM
Wednesday 9 AM - 8 PM
Thursday Closed
Friday 9 AM - 8 PM
Saturday 10 AM - 6 PM
Sunday Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
We hope the following answers most of your questions. Please don't hesitate to call Elizabeth McKinstry or e-mail at ElizabethMckinstryVMD@Gmail.com if there are any questions or concerns.
Warning Signs of Illness
Unintentional weight loss
Loss of consciousness
Seizure
Change in appetite - eating more or less
Acute vomiting (several times a day)
Chronic Vomiting (more than twice a week)
Diarrhea
Increased thirst
Straining to urinate or defecate
Urinating large volumes or urinating more frequently
Inappropriate urination or defecation
Limping
Heavy breathing (breathing with an open mouth)
Lethargy
Runny eyes or nose
Sudden changes in attitude or personality
Inability to move back legs
Weak, wobbly, or uncoordinated movements
Drooling and bad breath
Bloated abdomen
Hair loss
Weight loss
Muscle wasting/prominent backbone
What are some common chronic diseases?
Renal Insufficiency
Hyperthyroidism
Diabetes Mellitus
Irritable Bowel Disease
Periodontal Disease
Cancer
Urinary tract issues
Pancreatic disorders
Dermatitis - itchy, flaky skin
Ear Infections - discharge, debris in ear, odor
What constitutes an emergency?
Uncontrolled bleeding
Struggling to breathe
Blue tinged gums
Sudden weakness/inability to walk
Inability to urinate
Loss of consciousness
Seizure, excessive vomiting (vomiting for more than 24 hours)
Vomiting all food or water consumed
Vomiting blood
Known ingestion of any medication not prescribed for your pet
Suspicion of broken bones
What is Chinese Medicine?
Chinese Medicine is a science that has been practiced for more than 5,000 years.
In Chinese Medicine, one treats the pattern of symptoms with acupuncture, herbs, diet, massage, and lifestyle changes.
To visit the Chi Institute Web site Click Here
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the practice of inserting very fine needles into the superficial areas of the body (the skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscles) along acupressure points to improve the flow of qi (life energy or life force).
Acupuncture is commonly used to relieve pain and treat various diseases or disorders.
Electroacupuncture is when a mild electric current is applied to the inserted needles to further stimulate the acupuncture points. For more information, please visit the: Veterinary Acupuncture site
Is acupuncture painful?
The needles used in acupuncture are very fine and their placement is virtually painless. In fact, most animals become relaxed once the needles are in position.
Is acupncture effective?
Many scientific studies have demonstrated the efficacy of acupuncture for the treatment of medical ailments such as chemotherapy-induced discomfort, autoimmune disorders, arthritis, chronic back pain, hypertension, allergies, and numerous other conditions. The World Health Organization recognizes roughly one hundred diseases, symptoms, or conditions for which acupuncture is effective.
What is Tui Na?
Tui Na is a type of massage which stimulates acupressure points to treat musculoskeletal conditions.
Can you treat my pet's chronic condition?
Dr. McKinstry employs a wide variety of alternative and conventional medicines and techniques that allow her to effectively treat many chronic conditions. Feel free to call her at 610-368-3387 if you would like to know more about treating your pet's particular condition.
Do you accommodate clients who only
want certain forms of treatment?
Yes. If a client wants to limit treatment to just acupuncture, or just western medicine, or just xyz; the doctor can almost always accommodate that. However, it should be noted that for many conditions the doctor can provide better care with an integrative combination of healing modalities.
Do you make house calls?
Dr. McKinstry generally only makes house calls for large animals, such as horses.
Do you treat other species beyond cats, dogs, and horses?
Yes, Dr. McKinstry treats a variety of animals.
Where is your veterinary practice located?
550 Schoolhouse Road, Kennett Square, PA 19348
The veterinary practice is located on a beautiful horse farm on Schoolhouse Road. The practice is the white building at the end of the long
straight driveway that has 2 rows of evergreens along it (keep going straight down the driveway past the sign that says 'McKinstry').
Helpful Health Web Sites:
American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) - Healthy Pet.com
College of Veterinary Medicine Indoor Pet Initiative
Loss of Pet:
Veterinary Hospital University Of Pennsylvania (VHUP) Grief Support
Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement