Think acupuncture for pets sounds rather ‘new age’? Not at all! Veterinary acupuncture has been in practice for thousands of years. Here, we’ll explain what acupuncture for pets is, how it works, and why it’s used. We’ll also hear the story of eight-year-old Biskit, and her remarkable recovery using acupuncture.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a practice that involves inserting fine needles into the body, usually as a form of pain relief, but also to treat certain diseases.
Pain can be effectively managed using acupuncture, as it blocks pain messages, encourages the central nervous system to produce more of its natural painkillers, and relaxes muscles.
If you want to know all the details of how acupuncture works, and how it could help your dog or cat, check out our page here to find out more.
Why choose acupuncture for pets?
- Acupuncture stimulates the release of ‘feel good’ endorphins in the body, which act as natural painkillers
- It’s a safe and effective alternative to medicinal painkillers
- It relaxes the body and relieves tension
- Can be used to treat pain issues associated with conditions such as arthritis, muscle strain, and disc disease and bony changes to the spine
- Functional conditions such as constipation in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs may also respond to acupuncture
Biskit’s Story
Biskit is an eight-year-old American Eskimo/German Shepherd cross. She’s enjoyed acupuncture treatment here at Aldgate as part of a holistic programme designed to manage pain and mobility issues.
Before developing these issues, Biskit was very active. She loved playing at the beach and enjoying long evening walks. Over time, however, Biskit’s owner noticed that her mobility was deteriorating.
“Biskit really started to slow down,” her owner said, “and had aged rapidly over just a couple of months. She was struggling to stand up as she had such weakness in her hind legs.
She couldn’t support her weight, and was left with a floppy back left leg and no resistance in her foot. It was sad because she had all the enthusiasm for walks but couldn’t manage more than fifty yards.
I knew she must have been in such pain because she was so weak and lame all the time, which was very unusual.”
After prescriptions of painkillers and anti-inflammatories failed to improve the situation, her owner was recommended Rayana at Aldgate’s Driffield practice. Rayana is a Veterinary Surgeon with a certificate in acupuncture and chronic pain management. In treating Biskit, Rayana began by conducting a full history and assessment of Biskit’s mobility, including recording videos for comparison before and after treatment.
The acupuncture needles were inserted along Biskit’s spine from neck to tail. Biskit was an ideal patient, remaining incredibly relaxed and not flinching once. The needles stayed in for around half an hour and were then removed without any discomfort. Despite being quite a nervous dog, Biskit found the sessions enjoyable.
After a day or two, the results kicked in.
“It was like she’d been reversed back in time,” said her owner.
“All her muscles had relaxed, and she was suddenly better than she was years ago. It’s like she’s got new legs.”
Biskit, pictured above right, had a pain management plan which also included laser therapy treatment, as well as ongoing monthly injections.
“Before the treatment, you could really see the weakness in her legs. I was thinking that she would have to become a house dog, as she just couldn’t manage walks anymore. Now, with all the treatments combined, she’s 90% improved and can spring up in seconds, which would take her half a minute before. Watching the before and after videos of her movement shows how amazing her recovery has been.”
“Biskit is back to enjoying walks again, pulling on the lead as if she has a motor attached to her.”
How do I schedule an acupuncture appointment for my pet?
If you would like more information on acupuncture or any other of our pain management treatments, and to discuss whether it could be a solution for your four-legged friends, please call or email us using the links below.
