Acupuncture

Veterinary Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese method of treating injury, illness and imbalance in animals.  Acupuncture involves the stimulation of specific points along 12 energy channels (the Meridian System) using needles, electrical current, laser stimulation and/or injection of fluids. The acupuncture point stimulation appears to help the subconscious brain to focus on the targeted regions, and in doing so helping abnormal pain and muscle dysfunction to come back to normal.  Specifically, veterinary Acupuncture is largely based on transposing Human Acupuncture points to animals.  However, certain points identified specifically by Veterinary Acupuncture as far back as 700 B.C. are also used in addition to those transposed from Human Acupuncture.  In many cases, current research continues to validate location and actions of those points. 

Key Benefits

• Safe and effective treatment of many medical conditions
• Minimal side-effects
• Reduce or eliminate need for drugs
• Reduced pain, better joint mobility
• Improved blood supply
• Mitigation of drug side-effects
• Treatment of some medical conditions considered untreatable by Western Medical standards

Capabilities

• Diagnose energy imbalances that could lead to physical disease if untreated
• Treat energy imbalances manifesting as behavioral or physical problems

Examples

• Adjunct treatment for the side-effects of chemotherapy.  The NIH recognizes Acupuncture as a valid adjunct to cancer treatment in helping to eliminate the nausea, vomiting and weight loss side effects common to chemotherapy treatment
• Treatment of chronic pain conditions, such as osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia, or other orthopedic disease
• Alternative or adjunct treatment of neurological or spinal surgery in animals with conditions such as inter vertebral disk disease (IVD), spondylosis, paralysis or paresis
• Treatment of nerve trauma that can result in conditions such as brachial plexis avulsion, facial paralysis (Horner’s syndrome), muscle atrophy or paralysis
• Treatment of chronic, degenerative diseases such as liver disease, chronic renal failure, feline asthma, and many others

What to Expect

First Visit

The success of acupuncture treatment depends on the owner's attentiveness to their pet's condition and how the animal's body responds to the change. The goal in acupuncture is to stimulate specific points in order to balance systems within the body. Chiropractic evaluation is usually the first step in the treatment process, with acupuncture in only a single or few points. On your first visit, be prepared to discuss specifics of your pet's symptoms, even if they seem unrelated to you. Also, please bring any previous medical records, radiographs (x-rays) or blood work. Your pet may be nervous and apprehensive during the first few treatments, so don't be surprised if they act aggressive and need to be muzzled or taken to the back. Many times a pet will try to protect their owner and act aggressive towards the veterinarian or technician only in the owner's presence. Before a treatment, the veterinarian will need to visually and manually (with their hands) examine the animal. You may need to walk your dog down the hallway or restrain them for treatment.

Will my pet like the treatment?  Most dogs and cats seem very comfortable with the treatment.  Occasional discomfort is usually very temporary.

Aftercare/ Follow-up

The veterinarian will give you follow-up instructions during your visit. Although it varies depending on the animal's condition, it usually involves a recheck evaluation within 1-4 weeks. An adjustment or more acupuncture may be done during this recheck, but the follow-up evaluation is just as important to planning a treatment plan as the first. If you cannot make an appointment during this time period, please be sure to call us with a report on how your pet is responding. Do not be surprised of (but please note) any changes in activity or eating habits; this is very normal. Some pets will be a bit achy and sleepy for 24-48 hours after the treatment. This is considered to be part of the healing process in some animals. Occasionally after a spinal adjustment or acupuncture, the symptoms of the problems get worse for a short time. This is believed to be due to the body re-adjusting to the change which is being brought about.  On rare occasions pets will need some anti-inflammatory medication for a few days after treatment. Please pay attention to any changes in the pet's condition, and do not be discouraged. If the pet does not respond well to acupuncture treatment, chiropractic or herbal remedies may be more suitable for their condition.

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