How can acupuncture help my pet?
Have you heard of acupuncture for pets? Many pet owners are unaware that this therapy is an option for their furry family members. In this post I will try to explain how it works and how it may be helpful for your pet.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has evolved from the ancient art of placing needles into special locations on the body to alleviate pain, improve recovery rates and increase resistance to disease. It has been practised by the Chinese and other Eastern cultures for thousands of years, but in recent decades there has been a wealth of scientific studies into the effects of acupuncture on the body, meaning it has become more accepted into Western medicine. Acupuncture is available on the NHS for a limited number of conditions including low back pain, migraine headaches and allergic rhinitis (hayfever). It is a very safe treatment with minimal side-effects and can be used alongside conventional medicines.
How does it work?
By stimulating receptors under the skin, and nerve endings within connective tissues and muscles, acupuncture needles produce a range of effects including
Release of endorphins ( the body’s own morphine-like chemicals) and dilating blood vessels to improve blood flow to constricted areas, relieving pain and promote healing
Relief of tension and constriction in the myofascial system (muscles and connective tissues). These often become painful secondarily to the initial disease, as the animal tries to compensate for or protect the damaged area - sometimes these actually become the primary source of pain for the animal.
Influences on the emotional centres of the brain and autonomic nervous system to bring a painful animal out of their ‘flight or flight’ state into a calmer state of mind, reducing muscular tension and anxiety to improve wellbeing
More recent sophisticated studies have revealed effects on the hypothalamus, immune system and autonomic nervous system - all systems designed to maintain a normal physiological balance in the body. This has led to its use in a wider range of internal medical disease conditions.
When can acupuncture be useful?
Acupuncture is most often used to treat musculoskeletal conditions (of the bones and muscles) and painful conditions, including:
neck pain
osteoarthritis (joint pain)
muscular or ligament injuries
dental pain
postoperative pain
spinal pain ( e.g. from a disc protrusion or collapse, IVDD)
It can also be useful in chronic medical conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), urinary problems such as cystitis or incontinence and chronic respiratory diseases - particularly when conventional medicines have failed or are inadequate to control the patient's symptoms. These conditions are often where the body's own regulatory systems (known as homeostatic mechanisms) are working poorly, perhaps due to stress, or other ongoing illness.
Acupuncture treatment can only be carried out by a registered veterinary surgeon (MRCVS) or a registered veterinary nurse (RVN) under veterinary supervision, and should always follow an accurate diagnosis of the problem where possible, and a full appraisal of all available treatment options. In many cases acupuncture is best used in conjunction with conventional medicine however, in some situations, it can be used as a sole treatment. Adding acupuncture to a treatment plan can help to reduce the requirement for other medications, reducing the risk of side effects.
Will it work for my pet?
Although most commonly used in dogs and horses, any animal may benefit from acupuncture, with reptiles and zoo animals having received acupuncture for many years. Acupuncture responses can vary from instant improvement to no benefit at all, with most animals falling somewhere in the middle. The standard approach is to try 3-4 sessions at weekly or biweekly intervals and then review how the animal is progressing. A veterinary acupuncturist will not insist on continuing if there is no obvious benefit to your pet.
Will it hurt?
Most pets will tolerate the superfine needles much more easily than a standard veterinary injection, and the acupuncturist will use a very gentle approach in the first instance, slowly feeling the muscles and joints for any highly sensitive areas before choosing where to place the needles. Often animals will benefit from some distraction when the needles are inserted (bring out the lickmat!) but once the endorphins start to be released most animals will relax, sometimes into quite a sleepy state!
What are the side effects?
Acupuncture is extremely safe when practised correctly, with side effects usually mild such as temporary muscle soreness or a tiny bleed when a needle is removed, that stops with pressure. Occasionally temporary nerve irritation may occur. The most common side effect is a really good sleep afterwards!
How can I find a veterinary acupuncturist near me?
There is a searchable directory on two member association websites:
Author bio:
Carole Parsons BVSc CertAVP(VetGP) MRCVS has been a general practice vet for 20 years and stepped away from full time clinical work last year to concentrate solely on acupuncture and pain management for pets in their homes. She runs a mobile service in the East Midlands and comes to the practice every Thursday.