Acupuncture for Animals

By Martha A. Greco, D.V. M.

What is acupuncture ?

Acupuncture is a part of the traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) approach to promote health and well-being. It has been used for hundreds of years in China and other countries and since the 1970’s has become increasingly popular in the United States for people and animals. Several different techniques are used to stimulate the acupuncture points but the most common is the use of very fine needles which are inserted through the skin.

How does it work?

In TCM, disease and pain are thought to be the result of imbalances in the body’s “Vital Energy”, which the Chinese call Qi (pronounced “chi”). Qi travels through channels or meridians in the body and acupuncture points are slight depressions where the flow of Qi can be changed or regulated. Stimulation of the appropriate points helps the body to get back to a balanced state.

While there is not a complete understanding of acupuncture by Western scientists, it appears that acupuncture can block the transmission of pain messages to the nervous system. It also causes the release of endorphins (the chemicals responsible for the “runner high”). Other effects include the stimulation of anti-inflammatory cells and substances that promote health and healing.

What kinds of problems does acupuncture help?

Acupuncture seems to be especially helpful for painful problems such as hip dysplasia, arthritis and intervertebral disc disease. However, it can also be useful in acute and chronic internal diseases such as kidney failure, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, and urinary disorders. Allergic conditions involving the skin and respiratory systems can sometimes be relieved so that regular medications can be reduced or discontinued. It seems to be an especially welcome option for many geriatric animals who seem to be more comfortable and energetic after their acupuncture treatments.

What is involved with acupuncture treatment?

Generally 10-20 needles are placed in an animal and left in for up to 30 minutes. The needles are fine and because they are made differently than the hypodermic needles that are used to give injections they cause less discomfort than vaccinations or other injections. Acupuncture seems to induce a state of relaxation and occasionally the animals seem to go to sleep during their treatments. In some cases the needles are connected to each other with a mild electrical current. Sometimes there will be a dramatic change after just one treatment but several treatments may be required to determine if it will help. Usually patients are treated every 1-2 weeks.

What will I see after my pet has been treated?

The response is variable and depends on the individual animal, the condition being treated and the method of treatment. Sometimes there is an immediate dramatic improvement especially if the problem is a recent one. It is not uncommon for the pet to seem actually a little worse for the first 24-72 hours. Then there is usually some improvement, often an increase in energy and appetite. Any changed noted in the pet after an acupuncture treatment indicates that there was some effect.

How often will my pet need to be treated?

This is variable too. Usually it is advisable to treat weekly for several weeks and evaluate the response to the treatments. Often the treatments can be spaced at longer intervals or even discontinued depending on the condition being treated. Some chronic problems will need to be treated occasionally for the rest of the pet’s life.