Acupuncture

One of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals.

When is acupuncture recommended?

While acupuncture may not be able to cure every ailment, it can be very effective therapy particularly with the below conditions:

Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease (DJD)
Neurological disorders: seizures, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), facial and radial nerve paralysis
Gastrointestinal: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colic, vomiting, constipation, impactions
Other chronic conditions: chronic pain, skin problems, heaves, cough, renal failure, behavioral problems, anhidrosis, and geriatric weakness

Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into specific points on the body in order to stimulate a therapeutic effect. Each of these points has a specific action when stimulated. It may also include other methods such as electrical stimulation, cold laser therapy, or moxibustion. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years to treat many different ailments. Acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or balanced with Western medicine practices to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic animal.

At Paradocs Animal Hospital, we utilize both eastern and western medicine to help maximize your pet's wellbeing. We perform an initial eastern medicine examination on your pet. Once we have a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medical (TCVM) diagnosis, we curate a treatment plan with acupuncture that may also include electro-acupuncture, aqua-acupuncture, and/or herbal medicine.

What is Acupuncture?

Is Acupuncture safe?

Yes, acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist. Some animals might become sleepy or lethargic for 24 hours after acupuncture. In rare cases your pet’s condition might seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in your pet’s condition.

How soon can we expect results?

Some results can be seen immediately after treatment. However, a minimum of 3 to 6 treatments 1-2 weeks apart is often indicated for most conditions.