Acupuncture is the therapy for dogs and cats I most often work with either alone or in combination with other treatments. Sometimes Dorwest herbal products or homeopathic tablets are appropriate and all can be integrated with conventional treatment.
Most insurance companies cover complementary treatments but it is always best to check with your company first.
What is acupuncture used for?
Acupuncture has a similar effect on both animals and people (see Medical Treatment page) and can be very effective in pain control and the most common problem I treat is arthritis, with its resultant lameness and stiffness. It is always best to have a veterinary diagnosis which may involve X-rays and blood tests. Joint pain and back pain often respond well to acupuncture and a huge advantage can be avoiding the side effects of anti-inflammatory drugs. Acupuncture can also be used to promote/preserve liver function; improve skin conditions including lick granulomas, and for chronic bronchitis, irritable bowel and many other conditions.
For more information on acupuncture for animals see:
Sometimes unexpected results happen! Oscar (on the right) benefited from acupuncture for his hip dysplasia and arthritis but acupuncture also shrank an ulcerating growth on the side of his face! Oscar’s owner Pat was amazed at the change in Oscar and was pleased to be able to use minimal anti-inflammatories.
What does the treatment involve?
Most animals are amenable to having acupuncture – they maybe sitting or lying down on the floor or table with the owner close beside them. Often the acupuncture has a relaxing effect and pets get used to the treatment and even seem to enjoy it! The needles are very fine and inserted to certain points which I choose depending on the condition and my anatomical knowledge. Usually the needles are painless but a momentary ‘ouch’ reaction can occur. Four sessions are usually planned weekly or fortnightly.
OSCAR
What are the results?
Owner observation is very important and during the consultation we will have identified specific problems that can be monitored. Along with clinical evaluation, changes in activities and behaviours are indicators of effectiveness including getting up and down, ability to run/jump, playfulness and interaction.
Jet’s owner was surprised that as well as helping Jet’s mobility, acupuncture increased her vitality! She now has regular top-ups every month and enjoys regular hydrotherapy sessions. Jet’s owner says – “I hoped to help with her walking but did not expect to improve her vitality too!”
JET
Grace (right) a 10 year old Springer Spaniel, has had acupuncture treatment every few weeks to help with hip pain due to hip dysplasia and arthritis and also more recently for liver dysfunction. Her owners say that acupuncture has made a big difference to Grace’s quality of life and that she has had to rely less on medication.
A calcified disc in the thoracic spine was diagnosed as the cause of back pain in Gemma, a 9 year old Cocker Spaniel and for three years she had recurring bouts of back pain. Her owner says “Gemma’s back was so sore and she was so miserable despite trying a range of painkillers and we had run out of options. I thought she would be put to sleep. Acupuncture has transformed her life – she runs around and plays and does not need any medication.”
Reah, a 15 year old Miniature Schnauzer, also had back pain due to spondylosis of the spine and was very wobbly on her hind legs. After 2 acupuncture sessions her mobility had greatly improved and her owner said that she was 'bouncy' and hasn't looked back since!
GRACE
Lewis, one of my earliest acupuncture patients, had a poorpatchy coat because of the steroid content of his treatment for spondylosis of the spine. Acupuncture allowed his PLT tablets to be reduced from six tablets aday to one and his coat recovered within 2 months at the same time maintaininghis mobility and pain control.
Mac, an 8 year old Labradorwith osteoarthritis in both elbows, is happier and more mobile since hisacupuncture treatment and has regular top-ups every 6 weeks.
