Acupuncture treats a lot
more than painful conditions!

It is true that acupuncture can have some lasting effects on improving quality of life in deep bone pain cases. However, it works best when implemented sooner in the disease process and it works best in cases that are reversible.

Acupuncture has promise for helping any pet that has a reversible or painful condition.

Pain: muscular tension, neck and back pain, neuropathic pain, soft
tissue pain, bony pain, cancer pain

Gastrointestinal diseases: chronic diarrhea, constipation, vomiting

Skin problems: skin lesions, skin allergies and acral lick granulomas!

Eye problems: best for keratoconjunctivitis sicca but also may help in uveitis, corneal ulcers and cataracts

Neurologic disease: especially epilepsy and seizure cases

Respiratory tract: laryngeal paralysis, seasonal allergic rhinitis,
asthma, and possibly reverse sneezes

Urinary issues: incontinence, recurring urinary tract infections

Immune system: immune function boosts & autoimmune conditions

Exotic species: especially feather picking birds and anorexic reptiles

Acupuncture, a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine or TCM, can be used as part or an integrative approach to many medical problems. In TCM the patient is seen as a whole organism with interconnected energy. In Western Medicine views the animal in terms of its specific body systems. Both TCM and Western Medicine have benefits. Integrative medicine is a combination of TCM and Western Medicine.

At Pet Kare Clinic, we can use acupuncture and herbal medicines to help the body correct imbalances in the flow of Qi (pronounced "chi") or vital energy. Qi moves in the body by meridians that are connected to internal organs. Acupuncture points can be palpated to determine imbalances or Blockages of this energy in the patient. By inserting needles into these acupuncture points, the Qi can be accessed. Acupuncture points can also be stimulated by heat (moxa), mild electrical stimulation (ES) or by injecting a tiny amount of Vitamin B12 liquid.

Recently there has been much peer-reviewed scientific research on the efficacy of acupuncture. Many neuro-physiologic pathways have been explored and shown to have benefit when stimulated with needles, heat, or electric stimulation. Qi can be thought of by the western perspective as flow. Flow of nerve impulses and flow of blood. We are trained in "neuroanotomic acupuncture", which has less emphasis on the "energy" and more emphasis on the nervous system using an evidence based approach.

If how acupuncture works interests you, or if you're seeking additional information regarding the scientific basis for acupuncture, please consult the following Western Veterinary Conference proceedings by Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, DABMA, FAAMA:

If you'd like to discuss how acupuncture works on a neuro-physiologic level, please talk to Dr. Paige.

When Can Acupuncture Be Used?

Acupuncture is often used for chronic conditions when conventional medicine hasn't worked or is unsafe. See the list to the left to see if your pet's condition might be helped!

Acupuncture treatments can also be used in combination with other procedures.

What To Expect During A Treatment

Acupuncture treatments are generally soothing. During a session, needles are inserted into specific places (acupuncture points) and are left in for 10 - 20 minutes. Most animals don't have any outward reactions to this and many get very sleepy or relaxed.

Some animals benefit from "Aquapuncture," or the injection of a liquid - often vitamin B-12 - right at the acupuncture point.

It may take multiple treatments to see the effects of acupuncture, and anyone interested in testing it's efficacy should commit to at least 3 - 4 sessions. Since treatments are often calming, it is normal for most patients to be sleepy for several hours after a session of acupuncture. Studies show that acupuncture works well in about 75% of patients.

We are proud to have a certified veterinary acupuncturist on staff. Dr. Paige is available for you to evaluate if acupuncture is the right treatment for your pet.