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Acupuncture is a complementary therapy to many western medicine treatment plans
that is often incorporated into pain management
plans for pets with musculoskeletal and orthopedic
diseases. For geriatric dogs and cats with arthritis,
a combination of rehabilitation and acupuncture
may be helpful in alleviating pain and discomfort
when used in conjunction with pain medications.
WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture has been used for 4,000 years
in humans and animals. It consists of inserting
thin, sterile, stainless steel needles into a
patient at precise locations and depths to alter
the body’s biochemical and physiological
properties, primarily through stimulation of the
central nervous system.
Acupuncture helps the body heal itself and may
help decrease the dosage of a pet’s pain
medication that may have unwanted side effects
such as liver damage, nausea, and decreased appetite.
WHAT CONDITIONS RESPOND
TO ACUPUNCTURE?
• Musculoskeletal
disorders – arthritis, degenerative
joint disease, hip dysplasia, intervertebral
disc disease, post-operative orthopedic surgery
• Neurological disorders
– paralysis secondary to disc disease,
seizures
• respiratory disorders
– chronic asthma
• ocular disorders
– KCS (Dry Eye)
• gastrointestinal
disorders – megacolon in the feline,
inflammatory bowel disease, chronic/acute
diarrhea, constipation, nausea, decreased appetite
• chemotherapy
– side effects can be decreased
• cancer pain
How often will my pet need
acupuncture?
Acupuncture is performed once or twice a week
for 4-8 treatments or until the desirable effect
is reached. Treatments are then tapered according
to the patient’s response, typically about
every two to six months for maintenance.
Is acupuncture safe?
Acupuncture is performed with sterile, thin needles.
It is one of the safest therapies utilized if
practiced by a competent acupuncturist. Side effects
are rare. Because acupuncture balances the body’s
own system of healing and no chemicals are administered,
complications rarely, if ever, develop.
How long does any acupuncture treatment last?
The length and frequency of treatments depends
on the condition of the patient. The initial consult
and treatment will take 60 minutes. Subsequent
treatments may take 30 minutes.
Is an acupuncture treatment painful?
While some pets may feel a little bit of discomfort
as the needles are inserted, most relax during
treatment and many even fall asleep.
To make an appointment or to learn more about
how your pet may benefit from acupuncture, please
call the RBVH
Physical Rehabilitation Center at
(732) 747-3383.
Beverly Drotos,
DVM, CCRP, Certified in Acupuncture
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