Veterinary Medical Acupuncture Pain relief and improved quality of life

Acupuncture Acupuncture involves the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response and is used world round to treat a wide variety of ailments. It works by essentially assisting the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. Acupuncture stimulates local nerves at the point of insertion and increases blood flow to the area to speed healing. The release of hormones, such as endorphins and cortisol also works to provide pain relief and anti-inflammatory effects.

Acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work to greatly improve the quality of life for the patient. The American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.

What To Expect Common Conditions Treated:
  • Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, hip dysplasia, and torn ligaments/tendons.
  • Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
  • Skin problems such as lick granulomas and wound healing
  • Postoperative care
  • Traumatic nerve injury
  • Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea, IBD, and constipation.
  • Chronic eye conditions such as KCS
Other conditions such as behavior problems, immune system stimulation, palliative therapy for cancer pain and side effects of radiation or chemotherapy.

Given the very thin nature of the needles used, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and some may fall asleep. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensations, presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps, or numbness which can occur in humans and which may be uncomfortable for some animals.

Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. An animal’s condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals become lethargic or sleepy for 24 hours. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition. In general, acupuncture can be effectively combined with most conventional and alternative therapies. Our Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist has the comprehensive training, knowledge, and skill to understand the interactions between different forms of treatment and to interpret the patient’s response to therapy.

The success of the treatment will vary according to the skill of the veterinarian, the condition being treated, and the number and frequency of acupuncture treatments. The length and frequency of the treatments depend on the condition of the patient.

In general acute problems require fewer treatments than chronic issues. Younger patients also tend to heal more rapidly compared to senior pets.