FeedCompanion Animal Acupuncture
Treating our pets with acupuncture is not a new idea.
Some of the earliest records of veterinary acupuncture date to 3000 years ago in India and China. At that time, the only animal acupuncture patients consisted of elephants and livestock. This ancient practice remained obscure in Western cultures until the last 50 years. It is now estimated that 150,000 veterinarians worldwide practice acupuncture and it is a booming business.
What is it?
If your pet has been suffering from a condition and other treatments just aren’t doing the trick, you may want to give acupuncture a try. It can treat almost any disease/ailment especially those involving pain and inflammation. Acupuncture can be used to target one specific area of the body or the body as a whole. It stimulates the body’s natural defense mechanisms and balances energy, thus assisting the body in healing disease and preventing injury. Small gauge needles are inserted into various areas of the animal’s skin known as “acupuncture points.” Many of these points are located over peripheral nerves and have electrical properties which distinguish them from the surrounding skin. In addition to stimulating nerves, acupuncture also increases blood circulation and releases hormones. In recent years, the use of electrical and laser stimulation has been added to increase effectiveness in certain cases.
Common health conditions which respond to acupuncture:
Skin Problems: licking granulomas and allergies
Neurological/Musculoskeletal Problems: nerve injuries, hip dysplasia, arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, paralysis and muscle spasms
Respiratory problems: asthma
Gastrointestinal Problems: diarrhea and vomiting
Some Reproductive Problems
Will there be pain or side effects?
You may think needles entering the skin would cause pain but acupuncture is virtually painless. In humans, treatment can sometimes cause numbness, tingling or cramps so some pets may be uncomfortable. However, many pets become relaxed during a session, even sleepy. When administered by a properly trained veterinarian, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment. Side effects are rare but do exist. Occasionally an animal’s condition may worsen during the first 24-48 hours after treatment but are most often followed by an improvement in the condition.
How long are acupuncture treatments?
For most conditions, treatments typically last 30 minutes. Stimulating one individual acupuncture point can range from 10 seconds to 30 minutes depending on the ailment and method of stimulation. Simple problems such as strains or sprains may only require one treatment, but more severe/chronic conditions may take up to several dozen treatments.
When several treatments are needed, the frequency of visits is intense at first, but then decreases. Some patients start with 1-3 treatments per week for the first 4-6 weeks, but reduce it down to a few visits per year. Most pet owners see quite an improvement in their pet’s condition within just 4-8 treatments!
Choosing an acupuncturist:
In the U.S. only a licensed veterinarian can practice acupuncture because it is considered an invasive or surgical procedure. They should have formal training (certified) in acupuncture for animals through an organization such as The International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. Most large cities have at least one clinic with a veterinary acupuncturist. You can call get a reference from your regular veterinarian and even research practices online. Ask questions about the veterinarian’s training and philosophies regarding acupuncture. Many of these clinics also offer chiropractic and massage therapy so your furry friend can undergo a total Zen experience!
