Veterinary Acupuncture

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is the insertion of small, sterile, stainless steel needles into a patient at precise locations and depths on the body. The insertion of the needles at these points alters the body’s biochemical and physiological properties primarily through the stimulation of the central nervous system. Acupuncture has been utilized in veterinary practice for over 3000 years to treat a variety of animal conditions, any may also be utilized as an adjunct to standard medical/surgical treatments of disease, or as a preventative measure. The American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery. All animals may benefit from acupuncture.

What conditions respond to acupuncture?
Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems that involve pain, non-infectious inflammation (such as arthritis and allergies) and neurologic dysfunctions (such as paralysis). These include but are not limited to the following:

Musculoskeletal disorders – arthritis, intervertebral disease, hip dysplasia, back/neck pain, non-surgical knee injuries
Gastrointestinal disorders – diarrhea, constipation, nausea, decreased appetite, vomiting, regurgitation, inflammatory bowel disease, weight loss, weight gain
Skin disorders – allergies, wound healing, lick granulomas, immune-mediated conditions (Lupus, Phemigus), resistant bacterial infections, drug reactions
Neurological disorders – seizures, nerve dysfunction/damage, paralysis
Respiratory disorders – asthma and other inflammatory airway diseases, collapsing trachea, chronic rhinitis, viral upper respiratory infections
Ocular disorders – keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye), corneal ulceration, glaucoma, uveitis, allergies
Endocrine disorders – hyper/hypo-thyroidism, hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing’s disease), hypoadrenocorticism (Addison’s disease), diabetes mellitus/inspidus
Urinary tract disorders – urinary incontinence, idiopathic cystitis (inflammation in the bladder) or bloody urine, recurrent stones, recurrent urinary tract infections, straining to urinate
Reproductive disorders
Behavioral disorders
Chronic, non-curative disorders – chronic kidney disease, cancer, any painful condition, any quality of life concerns, lowering dependence on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications
Numerous other disorders have also responded well to treatment with acupuncture

Is acupuncture painful?
The insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless, and once they are in place, there should be no pain. The majority of animals of all species tolerate needle placement without any restraint besides normal owner handling. Many animals will appear drowsy or may sleep during the treatment session.

Is acupuncture safe?
The needle utilized during an acupuncture session are very small, sterilized, and of high quality and precision. It is one of the safest therapies if practiced by a certified veterinary acupuncturist who is educated in animal anatomy. Side effects or complications are rare.

How long does each acupuncture treatment take and how long do the effects last?
The length of each treatment and the frequency are often dependent on the individual animal, the disease being treated, and the response to each treatment. Most treatments take a minimum of 30 minutes and may also include electrical stimulation of the points (electroacupuncture), aquapuncture (injection of a therapeutic drug and/or saline at the site of an acupuncture point) or heat treatment (moxibustion). A typical patient is treated weekly for at least 3-4 weeks and then placed on a less frequent maintenance program (every month to 3 months). Animals with more acute and severe diseases may be treated more frequently initially.

For more information and inquiries, please contact Dr. Lisa Teske at Pebble Creek Animal and Bird Hospital.