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Dog

CANINE ACUPUNCTURE

It's not unusual for a dog to have a chronic condition like skin problems, gastrointestinal issues or pain that doesn't respond to traditional veterinary medicine. Acupuncture is an option for treating many of these conditions through its anti-inflammatory action.

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Research has shown that a dogs acupoints are located in densely packed areas with structures and functions that work towards creating a pain relief response. For example, when a needle is placed on the acupoint of a dog, it stimulates the lymphatic vessels, pain-relieving neurotransmitters, and nerve endings.

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Acupuncture also delivers pain relief, usually immediately, to a dog living with a painful or chronic condition. It can take multiple treatments for an issue to resolve itself, but treatment with acupuncture keeps stimulating the horse's body to self-heal and return it to normal function.

What Canine Acupuncture Can Treat and Manage?

  • Arthritis

  • Addison's 

  • Cushing's

  • Cranial Cruciate Ligament Disease

  • Dermatitis & lick granulomas

  • Gastrointestinal issues

  • Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

  • Intravertebral Disc Disease

  • Certain Neurological Conditions & Paralysis

  • Nerve injuries

  • Pain & Inflammation

  • Respiratory problems

  • Sinusitis

  • Tendonitis 

  • Urinary Incontinence

  • Wound Healing

WHAT TO EXPECT

The first appointment always begins with a thorough history-taking and general exam. Depending on the issue at hand, a more specific exam may also be conducted. Once points of concern have been identified, acupuncture needles are placed at points that are generally well tolerated and then progress to points that may be more sensitive. For dogs that are reactive to the needles, other modalities like myofascial release and cold laser will be considered. If the dog is not open to treatment, and does not give consent, other options will be discussed at that time. Especially during the first appointment, needles are placed slowly and the number is limited in order to gauge how the dog responds. Most dogs respond well to the needles and seem to find the treatments relaxing. Once the needles have been in place for 15-30 minutes, they are removed and the patient is returned to its daily routine.

 

The most common course of acupuncture treatments is 3 appointments, spaced one to two weeks apart (although this is variable from case to case.) After the initial series patients are maintained with follow up acupuncture sessions as needed from once every couple of months to once every couple of years. After the first session, the exam is abbreviated based on past findings as well as changes reported by the owner. It is at this point that electro-acupuncture or aqua-acupuncture may also be incorporated into the treatment plan.

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