Veterinary Acupuncture

As the gulf narrows between Eastern and Western medicine, acupuncture is being used to complement traditional medicine. Acupuncture is the placing of needles into various areas of the body, to evoke a healing effect.

Veterinary acupuncture is over 2000 years old. Veterinarians in ancient China observed that digital pressure applied to certain points in an animal's body relieved pain in a given area, or reduced signs of generalised ill-health. It was later discovered that a better effect was produced if a needle penetrated these points.

Over the last 30 years, veterinarians all over the world have been using acupuncture to treat both large and small animals with considerable success. It can be used very successfully in veterinary medicine, either on its own or alongside traditional therapies. It is often successful when traditional treatment fails, or is contra-indicated. Although it is widely renowned for its analgesic (pain killing) effect, it is one of the few forms of medicine that has a beneficial effect on the immune system, thereby increasing an animal's ability to fight against disease. For this reason, there is often a whole body improvement when acupuncture is used.

Some conditions, which respond well to acupuncture are as follows:

The following points should be noted:

Acupuncture —

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Questions and Answers

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT THE ANIMAL?

Animals accept acupuncture needles reasonably well. The needles are stainless steel and very fine. As the animal is made a fuss of during the treatment, some animals even come to enjoy it!

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE?

The Veterinary Surgeon will do a full clinical examination to decide if your pet is a suitable candidate for acupuncture. Once decided, needles are left in place for approximately 10 minutes. The entire procedure takes about 20-25 minutes.

HOW OFTEN ARE THE TREATMENTS?

Some treatments resolve after one session (rare). Most may need weekly, monthly or yearly sessions.

Some chronic conditions can be alleviated or even cured, some require booster acupuncture. Acute conditions may be treated daily or 2-3 times per week. The number of treatments varies accordingly to the severity of the condition and the length of time the problem has been in existence. Each patient responds differently. It is difficult to predict.

DO I STOP ALL MEDICINES?

If your animal is under treatment, the vet will advise you accordingly at the time of consultation. However some painkillers may be necessary in the initial stages.

1S THE ANIMAL SEDATED?

NO — sedation affects acupuncture. However, some animals may require restraint and/or muzzling.

WHAT IS THE SUCCESS RATE?

Generally 70% show a good response, 20% show some response and 10% are non-responders! Some cases appear to be worse after the first treatment, and then improve. If no improvements are shown after 3 sessions then the treatment will probably be ineffective. If however the slightest improvement has been made then it will be worth carrying on further treatment.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

The charges vary with each case. Please ask our receptionist.

IS ACUPUNCTURE COVERED BY INSURANCE COMPANIES?

YES — some do, however you must confirm this with your insurer.

Acupuncture is therefore a useful form of therapy, especially for those conditions that normally couldn't be treated effectively, or those, although treated by traditional medicine, runs the risk of drug therapy giving undesirable side effects. It is described as the safest form of medicine in existence.