Veterinary Acupuncture                                 

What Is Acupuncture?

            Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to cause a healing effect.  Stimulation of acupuncture points alters various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve the desired effect and to help the body heal itself.  Acupuncture has been used for 4000 years on animals as well as humans.  As a matter of fact, it is still the treatment of choice for one quarter of the world’s population for many medical problems.[i]  It is now being used by increasing number of veterinarians in the western world to treat a variety of maladies in every species of domestic and exotic animals.  It is not a cure-all but when it is indicated, it works very well.

What Conditions Can Be Treated With Acupuncture?

            Acupuncture is mainly indicated for functional problems such as pain, paralysis, and non-infectious inflammatory conditions (such as allergies). In China, it is often used as primary treatment, in conjunction with herbal formulas, prior to conventional medicines and surgery.  In the western world, we most often use acupuncture for chronic conditions for which conventional medicines are not working or contraindicated, due to side effects, or when surgery is not feasible.  We also use acupuncture in conjunction with modern treatments, or to aid in pain control and recovery following surgery.

 The following are examples of just some of the conditions acupuncture is commonly used for:

            Musculoskeletal Conditions

-         Hip Dysplasia

-         Osteoarthritis

-         Intervertebral Disc Disease

Neurological Disorders

-         Seizures

-         Nerve Trauma

Respiratory Problems

-         Feline Asthma

Skin Problems

-         Lick Granulomas

-         Allergic Dermatitis

Gastrointestinal Conditions

-         Chronic Diarrhea

-         Chronic Constipation

Performance Animals

-         Improving Athletic Conditioning

-         Treatment of Sports Injuries

How Does Acupuncture Work?

            According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body.  Acupuncture is believed to balance the energy and thereby assist the body in healing disease.

Is Acupuncture Safe?

          Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment when performed by a properly trained veterinarian.  Side effects are rare.  Some animals, especially older pets, may worsen or appear sleepy or lethargic immediately after initial treatments.  These effects are temporary and reflect physiological changes and adjustment and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.  Placement of the needles may cause surprise or some pain, but often pets do not notice.  Once the needles are in place, they are not painful.  Most animals become relaxed and may even become sleepy.

How Often are Treatments Needed?

            Treatment length and frequency vary widely depending on the condition being treated.  The length is usually between 10 and 30 minutes.  A simple, acute problem, such as a sprain, may take only one treatment.  A chronic condition may need ongoing treatment.

            For chronic conditions, such as arthritis, a pet may receive one to two acupuncture treatments a week for four to six weeks.  Once maximum positive response is seen, treatments may be tapered to achieve the greatest amount of symptom free time in between.  Many patients can be maintained with acupuncture treatments two to six times a year.