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Acupuncture for Pets

Relieving Pain and Enhancing healing

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Acupuncture

Acupuncture is derived from the Latin names “acus” meaning needle and “puncta” meaning to prick. The practice of acupuncture is placing very fine needles into specific points on the body to assist the endogenous homeostasis of the various body systems within an organism (bringing the body back to balance). In Chinese medicine this is described as the flow of Qi. Specifically; acupuncture points help to modify nerves, blood vessels, fascial sheets, and lymphatic beds which in turn help the body focus and heal.
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Acupuncture FAQ’s

Why should I choose acupuncture for my pet?

Acupuncture is a minimally invasive treatment for pain management that was first practiced in China. Acupuncture points charted by Chinese scholars were thought to have connection to various internal organs via meridians (channels). In the last few hundred years scientific research has helped to prove that acupuncture points ARE linked to anatomic structures such as major nerve pathways, fascial sheets, blood vessels and lymphatic beds, which can provide analgesia (pain relief), reduce chronic pain and improve recovery outcomes. Appropriate pain management for animals is extremely important in the field of veterinary medicine. Long-term use of medications like Carprofen and Gabapentin can lead to potential damage of internal organs such as kidneys and liver and is something that some owners do not find desirable. Opioids, another form of pain management, is becoming a less desirable choice due to the national opioid epidemic. Thus, making the need for non-pharmacologic therapies for treating pain more popular. Acupuncture is an evidence based, safe, cost effective and readily available treatment that has been proven effective for pain management. In fact, many countries pay for acupuncture treatments as part of their healthcare system.

What can acupuncture treat?

There is evidence showing the success of acupuncture to help treat disorders in the reproductive, musculoskeletal, neurologic, pulmonary, gastrointestinal, and dermatologic systems. Some of the most common conditions treated are:

  • Traumatic nerve injuries
  • Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Asthma
  • Allergic dermatitis
  • Degenerative joint disease – hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear

More is not always better

You may notice that in some sessions patients tolerate a higher dose (more needling) whereas in some session the discomfort may only allow for placement of a few needles. This is dose dependence, and we will listen to how the body reacts and responds to adjust the perfect dose for your pet. Rest assured that even one needle in a “master” point is enough to significantly modify fascia and cause positive change in your pet.

How does acupuncture help my pet?

Acupuncture can stimulate the healing of some conditions while also providing effective pain relief. Following a surgical procedure acupuncture can improve a patient’s comfort level and help speed up the post-operative recovery period. Acupuncture can also be used in conjunction with chronic medication (Carprofen, Gabapentin, Opioids) to reduce the dose or even eliminate the need for daily medication.

The success of acupuncture depends on the patient’s response, the disorder being treated and the frequency in sessions. We will help you put together an appropriate therapy plan based on your pet’s needs. Some cases the results will be almost immediate, in other cases it can take up to 4 sessions before you may start to notice a difference.

What are the side effects?

Acupuncture is a safe alternative for pain management. Most acupuncture treatments stimulate multiple acupuncture points at the same time to take advantage of the interactive response between the various channels within the body. Adverse reactions are rare, some things that you may notice after an acupuncture session are:

  • Mild transient bruising or swelling at the needle site
  • Some conditions may appear mild worse after a session but should resolve within 36 hours.
  • Soreness/stiffness the next day (should not last more than 36 hours)
  • Tired/sleepiness (should not last more than 36 hours)

If you notice any of these effects lasting longer than 36 hours, please let the veterinarian know at your next session, so that appropriate adjustments to the treatment plan can be made.

When can acupuncture be performed?

Acupuncture can be performed at any time after an initial assessment has been made. Each animal will respond/tolerate the placement of needles differently. Caution is exercised in pregnant patients, seizure patients, patients with severe skin lesions, and patients with clotting disorders. The veterinarian will communicate with you if they believe acupuncture is inappropriate for your pet. Acupuncture can also be combined with cold-laser therapy and electro-stimulation for certain conditions.

When can acupuncture be performed?

The first session will last approximately an hour, during this time the veterinarian will assess your pet and the concerns you have regarding your pet’s health and wellbeing. The veterinarian will then perform a complete exam (myofascial, musculoskeletal, and neurologic exam) before developing an appropriate treatment plan. Lastly, the veterinarian will administer the first acupuncture session for your pet.

Subsequent treatment sessions will be dose dependent, but usually last 30 minutes. During these visits, the doctor will briefly assess your pet and discuss how your pet has been doing after their previous visit, before administering their acupuncture session.