Veterinary Acupuncture
Initially, veterinary acupuncture was performed on livestock, but the benefits of acupuncture were soon applied to companion animals as well.  Research has shown acupuncture works via several mechanisms, including the stimulation and release of Qi (energy) and release of anit-inflammitory mediators results in both local and systemic responses such as pain relief.

 

Conditions Potentially Treatable with Acupuncture

Numerous acute and chronic conditions are treatable with veterinary acupuncture such as:

Chronic Inflammitory Conditions:  Inflammitory Bowel Disease, Ear Infections, Allergies

Musculoskeletal Disorders:  Arthritis, Hip Displasia, Immune-Mediated Arthritis, Intervertebral Disc Disease

Respiratory Diseases:  Asthma, Cough, Bronchitis

Soft-Tissue Injuries:  Muscle, Tendon, and/or Ligament Injuries

Age Related Changes:  Chronic Kidney Disease, Urinary Incontinence, General Weakness, Chronic Heart Failure

Also:  Siezures, GI Disturbances, Fever, Anemia, Anxiety, Low White Blood Cells (especially useful for patients receiving chemotherapy)

Duration of Treatment

How long an individual treatment will last depends on several factors, including the type of condition, how long the pet has had the condition, and how well the pet responds during each treatment session. 

Most initial exams and treatments require about an hour, with follow up treatments lasting about 30 minutes.  Pets can always be dropped off for treaments and picked up later in the day. 

How many treatments a patient will need varies on an individual basis.  Most acute diseases require fewer sessions, while chronic diseases may need to be seen more frequently or for maintenance. 

Generally, the longer the pet has had any given condition, the longer it will take to resolve/improve the condition.  For most chronic diseases pet owners should be prepared to commit to three acupuncture sessions before assessing whether or not significant improvement has been seen.