Acupuncture

What exactly is acupuncture?

Veterinary acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic and exotic animals. Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles, hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage and low power lasers to stimulate acupuncture points. 

How can acupuncture help my pet?

Acupuncture works well for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain. This can include many musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, disc disease, seizures, gastrointestinal disorders such as vomiting, diarrhea and constipation, chronic respiratory problems such as asthma, and skin problems, kidney disease and some urinary tract disorders. Driven by traditional Chinese medicine-trained practitioners, acupuncture can be helpful in the treatment of non-functional problems such as behavioral and developmental disorders. 

Acupuncture can be used to treat: 

• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis or vertebral disc pathology, and hip dysplasia 

• Skin problems, such as lick granuloma Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea 

• Selected reproductive problems 

In addition, regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. World-class professional and amateur athletes often use acupuncture as a routine part of their training. Acupuncture is often used on animals involved in athletic competitions like racing, jumping, and showing. 

How will my pet sit still for acupuncture?

For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. The larger needles necessary for large animals may cause some pain as the needle passes through the skin. In all animals, once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation, presumed to be those such as tingles or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable at times to some animals. In most countries, states, and provinces, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer to animals.