Acupuncture can be used to treat a number of different conditions in animals and is exceptionally good at helping to control pain levels in our pets. Caroline routinely treats cats, dogs and rabbits with acupuncture.
Acupuncture is a system of healing which has evolved from the Chinese and other Eastern cultures over thousands of years. Acupuncture is the process of inserting very fine needles into trigger points or muscle bodies which we believe inhibits the nerve pathways that cause pain; it also improves circulation near to the needles which helps promote healing.
Acupuncture is also thought to stimulate the release of pain-relieving chemicals in the brain and spinal cord which result in good levels of pain relief.
As with humans, there is now a strong body of evidence to support the use of acupuncture in the treatment of animals.
There are two types of pet acupuncture therapists.
- The traditional Chinese therapists use a combination of herbal medicines and acupuncture needling along meridians or energy channels and acupuncture points.
- The Western Scientific approach uses fewer needles inserted directly into acupuncture and trigger points. Points selected for needling may be distant from the source of pain, making the treatment more easily accepted by animals.
Both approaches consider the overall well-being of the pet. Western veterinary acupuncture is used particularly in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders and chronic painful conditions as well as the promotion of skin healing. The Eastern approach is often applied to other disease states too.
Caroline practices the western scientific approach, to complement traditional veterinary medicine and surgery.
Our acupuncture consultations last for 30 minutes so that Caroline can assess the individual before performing acupuncture. Most pets accept this readily and often will become very sleepy and relaxed during the procedure, they are often keen to come in for repeat visits! We recommend an initial course of 4 treatments, usually given 1 week apart.
It’s important to remember that acupuncture is not a replacement for conventional medicine. We use acupuncture in conjunction with conventional medicine offered to maintain your pet’s health and well-being.
Acupuncture is routinely used to treat painful conditions, or slow healing wounds in cats, dogs and rabbits here at My Pets Vets.
Conditions treated with acupuncture
Acupuncture proves beneficial in managing various conditions in pets, including:
- Arthritis (inflammation of a joint)
- Muscle and ligament sprains and strains (overstretch injuries and inflammation)
- Back Pain
- Lick granulomas and similar chronic skin conditions
- Pain
- Hip dysplasia
To learn more visit: www.abva.co.uk. Acupuncture works well when combined with the use of our therapeutic light laser here at My Pets Vets.
