acupuncture

Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture is one of the worlds’ oldest and safest medical treatments, having been used successfully to treat animals as well as humans for at least 2000 years. It is performed using very fine sterilised needles placed in specific points on the body. It affects biochemical pathways and stimulates the release of the body’s own pain relieving chemicals.

Acupuncture is particularly effective in chronic pain management of musculoskeletal and neurological conditions. It is not a cure-all but where indicated can produce excellent results. Beneficial effects have been seen in a range of conditions such as:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal/neck pain from arthritis or intervertebral disc disease
- Muscle and ligament strains
- Skin disease such as lick granulomas
- Epilepsy
- Chronic gastro-intestinal disease
- Chronic respiratory disease

Is it painful?
Insertion of needles may cause a brief moment of sensitivity. However, most animals are very tolerant of acupuncture and may even relax so much as to fall asleep!

How long does the treatment last?
Each session lasts around 30 minutes depending on the patients’ condition. Most will have an initial course of 4 sessions a week apart. Improvement is often seen after the first 2-3 treatments, and sometimes immediately. The frequency is then reduced depending on the individual.

If you feel acupuncture may benefit your pet then please contact the surgery and we will be happy to discuss it further with you.