Acupuncture is one type of therapy that a veterinarian may use to treat your animal. Simply stated, acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body which have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions in order to achieve a desired effect. It is a means of helping the body heal itself. Acupuncture has been used successfully for nearly 4000 years on animals as well as humans. It is now being utilized by an increasing number of veterinarians for various conditions. It is not a panacea (a cure-all), but where acupuncture is indicated, it works well.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.  What conditions respond to acupuncture?

Acupuncture bridges the gap between medicine and surgery. It is used when medications are not working or are contraindicated due to possible side effects, or when surgery is not feasible.

2. What conditions are most often treated with acupuncture?

In small animals, acupuncture is most commonly used to treat musculoskeletal problems and skin problems, such as:

Musculoskeletal:
•  Hip arthritis
•  Arthritis
•  Intervertebral disc disease
•  Long-term injuries
•  Pain

Dermatologic (Skin):
•  Lick granulomas
•  Sensory neurodermatitis
•  Allergies

Preparation
The Veterinarian prepares her needles, arranging them so that she can easily reach and manipulate them while working with her patient.

Treatment
The needles are very slender, and are placed as required to help ease the animal's pain. This is a calm and controlled procedure.