Acupuncture Treatments for Dogs and Cats

Acupuncture is one of the oldest methods of Chinese medicine. The word refers to the use of very tiny "sterile" needles at predetermined locations called "acupoints" to prevent or treat disease. Stimulation of these points includes needling, injection and/or electrical stimulation.

A typical acupuncture session takes 30-45 minutes, and is painless. Some animals actually fall asleep during the session and many improve dramatically. Most chronic diseases take 4-6 sessions to show improvement as results are cumulative. Our goal is to treat your pet with as few sessions as possible to get lasting results.

Some pets do not require more than two or three treatments to resolve the problem. Others require periodic acupuncture visits, every 3-6 months, to maintain a high quality of life.

Before starting acupuncture, your pet should have a comprehensive examination including blood tests and/or x-rays to help determine a treatment plan. Once a diagnosis is made, all therapeutic options, including medicine and surgery are reviewed.

Acupuncture may be used in conjunction with other medicines, surgeries, or alone, if appropriate. Acupuncture can be used when other drugs or treatments are ineffective or cause unpleasant side effects and when surgery is not feasible due to age or other medical conditions.

Acupuncture is very beneficial for treating multiple problems in one animal, such as arthritis, back pain, separation anxiety and kidney dysfunction, all occurring simultaneously in our older pets. Acupuncture also takes into account each animal's unique personality and the severity of the condition.

Most chronic musculoskeletal conditions require 4-6 acupuncture treatments, with cumulative results. Often the most profound results are noticed at the 3rd or 4th visit. Most animals respond quite favorably to acupuncture; many relax and fall asleep due to release of endorphins during treatment. Although you should be present for the initial acupuncture exam, follow-up treatments can be on a drop-off basis, as a scheduled medical procedure.

Dogs have over 140 acupuncture points located along 12 meridians (cats have over 116, people have over 360). Meridians form the basis of acupuncture, as they are pathways by which energy (Qi) and blood circulate in the body. Acupressure points "acupoints" can be used to both diagnose and treat disease. When touched, these points can be sensitive if there is an imbalance in the body. Meridians connect the internal organs with the external body and help to maintain equilibrium and harmony in your pet.

Acupuncture can be used to treat and/or improve many chronic disease processes in our pets including arthritis, disk disease, hip dysplasia, kidney disease, urinary incontinence, stress/anxiety, lick granulomas, endocrine diseases (such as Cushing's in dogs and hyperthyroidism in cats), non-healing wounds and musculoskeletal or tendon injuries. Acupuncture can relieve pain, improve blood flow and stimulate the immune system to fight disease and improve the quality of your pets life.

Case Study

Dr. William's dog Kody, a 14 year old black lab, was unable to walk more than a few feet without falling over. He had little control of his hind legs. Following the first acupuncture treatment Kody was able to walk short distances and was more interested in his surroundings. Following the 3rd acupuncture treatment Kody was walking longer distances, was stronger, his hind legs were more coordinated, and his hair-coat was once again shiny and beautiful.