Why consider Acupuncture treatments?

Acupuncture and Chinese herbs can both augment the effectiveness and reduce the side effects of many ‘conventional’ veterinary treatments. For instance, after surgery, acupuncture treatments can help speed recovery of neurologic and musculoskeletal function. And sometimes acupuncture gives us a safe and effective treatment option where otherwise we can only offer stopgap measures, unacceptably invasive options, or nothing but “the tincture of time.”

Some of the many conditions that respond to treatment with Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM):

Musculoskeletal issues:

  • Arthritis
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Acute soft tissue injuries
  • Masseter muscle atrophy
  • Pain

Neurologic conditions:

  • Seizures
  • IVD induced paresis
  • Generalized weakness
  • Geriatric vestibular syndrome
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Behavioral disturbances

Gastrointestinal problems:

  • Chronic vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Pancreatitis

Dermatologic conditions:

  • Allergic dermatitis
  • Dry skin
  • Pruritus
  • Alopecia

Urogenital issues:

  • Cystitis
  • Urolithiasis
  • Genital pruritus

Endocrine disorders:

  • Diabetes
  • Hyperthyroidism (especially early or subclinical)

Fever

Anorexia

As in all things, there is a balance. Western medicine can offer more effective treatments for some ailments, while Acupuncture and TCVM can be more effective for others. Some animals, too, will be more responsive and/or receptive to acupuncture than others.