Small companion animals, such as cats and dogs, as well as exotic animals, are candidates for acupuncture treatment. Acupuncture is the 2,300-year-old Traditional Chinese Medical art and science of using small needles inserted into specific body points to promote healing. Modern research has shown that acupuncture positively influences immune system function, gastrointestinal function, internal organ function, and provides pain relief (see www.nih.gov and CAVM therapies).
Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine practitioners use acupuncture to treat a wide variety of medical problems and diseases, including behavioral disorders such as fear, anxiety, depression, and anger. Cardiovascular problems, such as cardiac arrhythmias and weakness leading to heart failure or obstructive pulmonary disease, can also be addressed with acupuncture. Additionally, acupuncture can be used as an emergency therapy, either at home or in the clinic, for cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Pulmonary weakness, which may lead to exercise intolerance, chronic coughing, frequent upper respiratory tract infections, or chronic nasal discharge, can be successfully treated with acupuncture.
Ocular disorders, such as difficult-to-heal corneal ulcers, chronic conjunctivitis, and eyelid muscle weakness, may benefit from acupuncture. Many forms of dental pain, redness, swelling, and inflammation can have their symptoms significantly reduced or relieved through acupuncture. Some chronic ear problems, such as external auditory canal and middle ear inflammation, may also be alleviated more rapidly when acupuncture is used in conjunction with Western medications.
Benefits of Acupuncture for Dogs
Acupuncture is particularly well-known for its positive effects on a variety of gastrointestinal disorders, including inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. Hepatic disease, whether of infectious or endogenous origin, may be soothed, and hepatic regeneration can be encouraged through acupuncture treatment. Various forms of renal disease, including kidney failure and urinary problems such as inflammation, infection, and urinary leakage, may be successfully alleviated—and sometimes even cured—by acupuncture.
Musculoskeletal issues, including pain, strain/sprain, inflammation, and weakness, are often significantly improved with acupuncture. Neurological disorders such as paresis, paralysis, and vestibular disease may resolve more quickly when acupuncture is added to the animal’s Western biomedical protocol.
Most companion animals readily accept acupuncture treatment. Although the procedure may cause slight discomfort, the majority of animals actually “pull” their caretakers into the office for re-checks and further treatments, as though they’ve experienced the positive effects and are eager for more.
We use small, thin, sterile metal needles that are discarded after each treatment. Needles are discarded because they become dulled after the first insertion and to eliminate the possibility of iatrogenic (acupuncturist-caused) infection. Occasionally, other acupuncture modalities, such as electroacupuncture, aquapuncture, or gold-bead implants, are used to increase the duration and effectiveness of treatment. Each companion animal is unique, and their acupuncture sessions are individually designed based on their current medical needs.
About the Author:
Dr. Bruce Ferguson is both a practitioner and instructor in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM). His practice is referral-based in Perth, Western Australia. Dr. Ferguson offers Veterinary Acupuncture, Herbal Medicine, Tui Na, and Whole Food Therapy to his veterinary patients. He is also occasionally available as a relief veterinarian for TCVM and Holistic veterinary practices in the Southeastern States. To learn more, visit: https://www.naturalvet.org
