What conditions respond to acupuncture?

We often use acupuncture to bridge the gap between medicine and surgery. It is generally our therapy of choice when medication is not working or when it is contraindicated because of serious side effects. We also often use acupuncture when surgery is not feasible, either because of anesthetic risk or the owner's desire to avoid a surgical procedure. Some common examples of use include:

• Musculoskeletal problems: hips or elbow dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, chronic pain syndromes, and neck or back inuries. Acupuncture is often used in conjunction with chiropractic care for these problems.
• Skin problems: frequent skin infections, ear infections, excessive hair chewing, flea bite allergies, lick granulomas, and chronic mange infestations. Herbal treatment may be appropriate as well.
• Nerve disorders: traumatic nerve injury or paralysis, certain types of muscle weakness or paralysis resulting from back or neck injuries, degenerative nerve conditions such as German Shepherd myelopathy.
• Respiratory problems: asthma, chronic lung disease, respiratory changes associated with heart failure.
• Urogenital problems: frequent bladder or prostate problems. Herbal treatment may be added.
• Reproductive problems: failure to cycle, uterine infections, as an alternative to Cesarean sections.

2.

Here's how acupuncture works:

According to Chinese philosophy, disease is an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture therapy is based upon balancing the body's energy by regulating the flow of energy, and thereby permitting the body to heal itself.

We now know that acupuncture affects all major body systems. It works primarily through the central nervous system. Over 100 different neurotransmitters and neurohormones have been identified as factors that are released as a result of acupuncture treatment. As these factors are released, they enter the circulatory system and can exert their effects in areas very distant from the actual acupuncture point treated. Acupuncture also increases blood flow, pain relief, and immune response in the area treated, thus exerting a local effect as well.

3.

Acupuncture treatment is not painful.

Acupuncture is performed with thin, flexible needles many times smaller than the ones used to give your pet an injection. We only use disposable needles. Sometimes a pet will experience a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle passes through the skin. Once the needles are in place, most animals relax, sometimes even falling asleep during the treatment!

Acupuncture treatment is safe.

Acupuncture is one of the safest therapies available, if performed by a certified acupuncturist. Because acupuncture balances the body's own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, it is rare for complications or side effects to develop.

How often and for how long is a pet treated?

Treatments may last from 30 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the method employed. Patients are often treated 1-2 times a week for 6-8 weeks. A positive response is usually noted during the first 4-6 treatments, sometimes earlier, depending on the condition treated. Once a response to treatment is seen, we reduce the treatments to the minimum that will maintain the patient.

There are many methods of stimulating acupuncture points. Besides the common use of needles in treatment, we may use other techniques, such as:

• Electroacupuncture: use of a mild electric current with or without needles
• Acupressure: application of pressure over an acupuncture point.
• Moxibustion: application of heat, by burning herbs, over an acupuncture point.
• Laser acupuncture: application of laser light to an acupuncture point.

6.

Which of the Doctors at Knollwood perform veterinary acupuncture?

Dr. Mitchell is skilled and experienced in veterinary acupuncture.  She received her certification in 1993, through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS).  She is also certified in veterinary chiropractic through the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association.   She is one of  less than 700 veterinarians in the entire United States who are double certified in these specialties.   She lectures extensively to veterinary groups across the country about veterinary acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic, and related therapies.  She is a teaching instructor for the IVAS course.

For information about acupuncture consultations and treatment, please click here to contact our Consultation Coordination Team. 

Please note that a consultation with Dr. Mitchell is not appropriate if your pet has an immediate or an emergency medical need.  There is currently a 4-6 week wait for consultation appointments, due to Dr. Mitchell's teaching and lecture schedule.  If you have an emergency with your pet, or if your pet is experiencing a current health crisis, please consult with your ongoing veterinary care provider.