Veterinary Acupuncture
What is veterinary acupuncture?
Example of a few different acupuncture needles that vary in length and gauge or thickness.
Acupuncture is the method of inserting needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to elicit a positive response from the nervous system.
In veterinary acupuncture, this form traditional Chinese medicine is applied to animals patients.
To promote a healing reaction by the body, needles are inserted into acupuncture points that follow patterned lines named by the ancient Chinese as “Meridians.” With modern research, it is now known that the meridians follow along major nerve pathways. For example, the Governor Vessel Meridian and Bladder Line Meridian both follow the spinal cord.
The Acupuncture Meridians
Acupuncture needles are inserted into the skin and underlying fascia along these meridians which causes an activation of the nervous system and pathways. By using the combination of the traditional Chinese Meridian line and knowledge of the anatomical nervous system, acupuncture needles modulate nerve pathways to promote either activation or relaxation of musculoskeletal areas or organ systems.
For instance, if a pet is struggling with irritable bowel syndrome, placing needles in acupuncture points along with Bladder Line Meridian will cause an activation of the parasympathetic nervous system to promote the “digest” portion of its function.
What to expect during your acupuncture appointment
Initial Evaluation
The initial appointment can take between 60-90 minutes, depending on the complexity of the case. During this appointment, a full detail of the pet’s history, lifestyle, current and past ailments, and the goal for the therapy treatments will need to be provided by the owner.
Dr. Wodzinski will then perform a detailed examination of the pet, including observing their behavior, watching them move around their environment, a myofacial examination, a neurologic examination (if warranted), and a diagnostic acupuncture examination.
Together the owner and Dr. Wodzinski will decide which treatment(s) will be the most beneficial for the pet. If acupuncture is indicated, the goal of the first treatment is not to get as many needles in as possible, but to treat the most important issues while making sure the pet and owner are comfortable.
Follow-up Treatments
Most issues cannot be resolved in one session, just as they cannot be resolved with one dose of a medication. At least three sessions of acupuncture are recommended to start to see the full potential desired effects. The frequency and total amount of these sessions will always be decided based on what is best for the pet and the owners’ lifestyle.
Follow up sessions will typically last about 45 minutes and will always include an updated history on how the pet is doing by the owner, as well as any changes that the pet may be experiencing since their last visit.
An evaluation of how the pet is moving and a myofacial examination will be performed by Dr. Wodzinski to determine what changes have occurred in since the last visit. Typically with acupuncture, each visit builds upon the last and a more pronounced positive effect is seen as the pet begins to embrace the tranquility of the acupuncture and its analgesic effects.
FAQs
What conditions is acupuncture helpful for?
Acupuncture can aim in the comfort in almost every animal. The most common conditions acupuncture is used for includes:
Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
Pain management related to chronic orthopedic issues or conditions such as cancer
Neck pain and back pain including intervertebral disk disease (IVDD…we are looking at you dachshunds!)
Gastrointestinal problems including irritable bowl disease/syndrome
Orthopedic issues including torn cruciate ligaments, hip dysplasia, nerve issues, or compensation pain due to amputation or non-weight bearing injuries
Respiratory issues such as asthma or allergic conditions
Is acupuncture painful?
Acupuncture is not painful as the size of the needles used are the size of a few hairs. Pets can be startled by the needle placement, however the analgesic effects of the needles quickly makes the treatment a positive experience.
Are there any negative side effects to acupuncture or contraindications?
The most common side effect of acupuncture is increased tiredness following the sessions. Less common side effects include tenderness or soreness at acupuncture point insertion points or bruising.
There are no real contraindications of acupuncture. Electro-acupuncture, however, is avoided in certain heart conditions, cancers, and neurologic conditions.