The Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture

Your vet may suggest acupuncture if your pet suffers from joint inflammation, allergies, gastrointestinal problems, hip dysplasia, or neurological conditions. The ancient Chinese technique is frequently advised as an adjunct to conventional vet treatments such as medication and surgery.

While alternative treatment is helpful, it is not appropriate for all pets. Acupuncture should not be used for severe conditions like infections. Some pets may refuse to cooperate when an acupuncturist asks them to remain motionless for 20 minutes.

Acupuncture, according to research, can help reduce pain and swelling while likewise enhancing a pet’s quality of life.

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture stems from the Latin words “acus” for “needle” and “punctura” for “to prick.”

Acupuncture has been used efficiently on people and animals for approximately 4,000 years. Medical and veterinary acupuncture, also known as neuroanatomical acupuncture, stimulates the animal’s nervous system. Acupuncture is utilized for pain alleviation and seizure therapy combined with standard vet care.

In its most basic form, acupuncture treats illnesses or symptoms by inserting extremely thin needles into specific spots on the body. Acupuncture points can likewise be stimulated without needles by acupressure, cupping, or by administering heat, cold, water, ultrasound, or other methods at the practitioner’s discretion. Veterinary laser therapy, which promotes cell regeneration and circulation, is likewise utilized by some acupuncturists instead of needles.

What conditions respond well to acupuncture?

Acupuncture is used not just for pain alleviation. Veterinary acupuncture can be used in conjunction with traditional veterinary therapy to help address medical issues and provide patients with a higher quality of life.

Acupuncture is often used in small animals for neurological conditions such as muscular strains, arthritis, postoperative orthopedic ailments, and nervous system diseases such as postoperative neurologic conditions and seizure management. Acupuncture can also be used to treat various medical problems, including kidney or liver illness, dermatological disorders, and pain management.

Acupuncture is most utilized in big animals to treat musculoskeletal and reproductive problems. Treatment is also available for facial paralysis, TMJ discomfort, and nasal difficulties, among other things.

How safe is acupuncture?

When carried out by a licensed acupuncturist from reputable facilities like Berkeley Dog & Cat Hospital, this procedure is one of the safest treatments available. Since acupuncture balances the body’s intrinsic healing system, few side effects exist. Occasionally, an animal’s health might appear to deteriorate briefly before recuperating.

Key Takeaways

• Is my pet a suitable candidate? Acupuncture might not be the ideal solution for elderly pets or those struggling with significant diseases or accidents. It is beneficial in pets suffering from orthopedic problems such as joint inflammation and back discomfort.
• What about the adverse effects of needle insertion? While your pet might suffer an infection at a needle site, acupuncture reactions are rare.
• How long will it take for the procedure to work? The number of sessions your pet may require to obtain alleviation differs on the diagnosis. Commonly, improvements happen after three to four sessions.
• What additional treatments would be beneficial? Veterinary acupuncturists might propose electro-acupuncture, which transmits moderate electric currents through the needles for greater stimulation, or herbal medicines to augment acupuncture and hasten healing.