Veterinary Acupuncture
A healthy body is said to be in "homeostasis" or "balance." Illness and/or injury can cause the body to become unbalanced. Acupuncture is a key therapy used to bring the body back into its proper balanced state.
Acupuncture is the insertion of small, thin needles into specific points on the body to cause a desired healing effect. It has been used in veterinary medicine for over 3000 years and can be used by itself or in combination with western medical treatments and medications. Adding other holistic therapies such as laser therapy, western or Chinese herbal medicine, and nutritional therapy can enhance the effectiveness of acupuncture.
What conditions respond to acupuncture?
Acute or chronic pain from illness or injury
Musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis, hip or elbow dysplasia, torn tendons or ligaments
Neurologic conditions such as intervertebral disk disease, nerve injury or paralysis
Gastrointestinal conditions such as vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, inflammatory bowel disease
Urinary tract diseases such as urinary incontinence, kidney disease
Cardiovascular and respiratory diseases
Other conditions such as behavior problems, immune system stimulation, palliative therapy for cancer pain and side effects of radiation or chemotherapy.
How many acupuncture treatments are needed?
The frequency of treatment and the total number of treatments required will depend on the individual patient and the condition being treated. As a general rule, mild or acute conditions respond faster than more severe or chronic diseases, and younger patients improve more quickly than older patients.
How do I choose an acupuncturist for my pet?
In most states, veterinary acupuncture is considered a medical procedure that only licensed veterinarians may legally administer to animals. Additionally, extensive educational programs should be completed before a veterinarian is considered competent to practice acupuncture.