Acupuncture for Your Pets
by Alice Reakes, DVM
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body
to achieve a desired healing effect. Its use in veterinary practice
began in China at least 3000 years ago. It is now used worldwide,
by itself, with herbs, or in conjunction with Western medicine
and surgery. Stimulation of acupuncture points today is most commonly
done with fine, wire-like needles, hypodermic needles, electricity,
heat, massage or low-power lasers.
When is it used?
Acupuncture is usually used in veterinary practice for pain, paralysis,
and non-infectious inflammation. Examples of this would include
musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and
vertebral disc disease. It can sometimes help with allergic skin
conditions, gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea, and in conjunction
with antibiotics for other inflammatory conditions such chronic
ear infections or lick granulomas.
How does it work?
According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, acupuncture helps to
correct the imbalance in body energy or function which is causing
disease. From a Western point of view, many of the points are
found along the pathways that nerves and blood vessels are found,
and can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, block pain
receptors, and release hormones, endorphins and cortisol (a natural
steroid). And there are some points that, without further research,
we frankly don't know why they work, but after being used for
a couple of thousand years, they just work!
Is it painful?
The needles used are very small, and for the most part painless.
Although they don't feel them going though the skin, sometimes
when they are first inserted into the acupuncture point, they
may cause cramps tingling or numbness which may be uncomfortable.
After the initial insertions, however, most animals relax and
sometimes even become sleepy.
Is it safe?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment, but
there can be side effects. Sometimes animals may be worse for
up to 48 hours after a treatment, or become lethargic for up to
24 hours. This means that some changes are occurring, and most
often are followed by improvement in the condition. If pregnant,
it can induce labor in an animal, or cause a tumor to grow more
quickly if not properly treated.
How long do treatments last?
Needles are left in for as short as a few seconds or as long as
20-30 minutes. Initially, patients may need to be retreated in
a few days to a week, but treatments can usually be tapered off
to the greatest amount of symptom-free time has elapsed, which
can mean weeks or even months.
