Pet Acupuncture
A gentle, non-invasive, ancient Chinese approach.
Veterinary Acupuncture is used to treat pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, arthritis and neurological issues. By using a multi-modal approach to pain and disease that includes traditional medicine and acupuncture, here at Aspen Grove we can treat our patients better, faster and with fewer side effects.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the insertion of small needles into specific points on the body to cause a desired healing effect. This technique has been used for animal patients for thousands of years to treat various ailments.
Acupuncture is also used as preventative treatment against various acute and chronic conditions in veterinary medicine. The American Veterinary Medical Association considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.
Used either alone or in conjunction with conventional modalities, veterinary acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes.
Common conditions that respond to acupuncture
Acupuncture is mainly used for pain, inflammation, muscle spasms, arthritis and neurological issues.
Musculoskeletal and neurological problems
- Arthritis and hip dysplasia
- Intervertebral disk disease
- Nerve injuries, paralysis
- Acute pain, surgical or traumatic
Gastrointestinal problems
- Diarrhea, vomiting
- Inappetence, anorexia
Other uses for acupuncture
- Feline asthma
- KCS (dry eye)
- Immune support
- Lick granulomas
- Feline lower urinary tract disease
- Numerous other conditions have responded to acupuncture as well.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture works primarily through the central nervous system affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. It increases circulation, causes a release of many neurochemicals, some of which are endorphins, the body’s ‘natural pain-killers’, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, stimulates the body’s defense systems, as well as numerous other beneficial effects. Much of the effects depend on the specific imbalances in the nervous and bodily systems of the patient.
A healthy body is said to be in homeostasis, or in balance. Illness and/or injury cause the body to become unbalanced. Acupuncture is a key therapy used to bring the body back into its proper homeostatic state and is known to affect all major physiological systems.
How will my pet react to acupuncture?
For dogs and cats, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Once the needles are in place, your pet will experience no pain. Many animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy.
Is acupuncture safe for pets?
Acupuncture is performed with sterile, one-time use stainless steel needles. These needles are much thinner than those that are used to give injections. It is one of the safest therapies utilized if practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Complications and side effects are rare because acupuncture balances the body’s own system of healing and no chemicals are administered.
If you’d like to learn more about acupuncture or you’d like to schedule a consultation for your pet, call us at (970) 416-0232.
