Acupuncture for Pets

Relieving Pain and Enhancing Healing New Layer Request Appointment A green heart shape against a black background symbolizes the compassion and care that every dedicated veterinarian brings to their practice.

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.  A golden retriever is lying on a table as a veterinarian in blue gloves gently takes a blood sample from the dog's front paw using a needle. The vet ensures the dog's face remains relaxed and calm.

Acupuncture FAQ’s

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Three tabby cats with wide eyes and perked ears stare curiously ahead, as if posing for their first vet visit, against a white background.