If you are considering a form of alternative medicine for your dog’s chronic pain that is safe and effective, consider acupuncture.
What is acupuncture? Acupuncture has been around in some form for thousands of years, but it is only in recent decades that veterinarians have started prescribing it as a treatment for dogs.
“Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific points where the nerves and blood vessels travel closely together,” said Dr. Patricia Kohr DVM, a certified veterinary medical acupuncturist and veterinary pain practitioner.
“Stimulation of these specific ‘acupoints’ can trigger a response in the circulation and nervous system.”
This increase in circulation can alter nerve activity and help heal the nervous system, which should help decrease pain and inflammation.
Most dogs do not seem bothered at all by the needles. Some dogs even relax or fall asleep during sessions.
These acupuncture treatments are believed to be cumulative, so they are done in a series of multiple sessions.
Most treatment plans start with an initial course of three to six sessions once or twice a week. This depends on what the acupuncture is treating.
Intervertebral disc disease and chronic arthritis may need more treatments than an acute injury or recovery from a surgery.
As your dog improves, the visits may be spaced further apart, such as every two weeks, once a month or even at longer intervals.
Most holistic vets will not use acupuncture as a sole therapy but incorporate it into a treatment regimen, including cold laser treatment and canine rehabilitation, and possible western pain medications.
The American Board of Veterinary Specialties estimates that 4,000 to 5,000 veterinarians in the United States have completed an acupuncture certification. Approximately 80% of these practitioners work primarily with small animals.
“Acupuncture is great to use for pain control,” according to Dr. Daniel Eckman, a veterinarian at the Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
“Recent studies have shown that acupuncture can be equally as effective as opiates but with no addictive side effects.”
According to Dr. Tara Edwards DVM, “By selecting a certified veterinary acupuncturist, you can be sure they have solid medical experience.”
Edwards is a veterinary medical acupuncturist, canine rehabilitation therapist, certified veterinary pain practitioner.
Only licensed veterinarians who have completed specialized post-graduate training and certification in animal acupuncture can be a CVA.
Human acupuncturists cannot legally or safely treat dogs unless they are also a licensed veterinarian.
Unqualified acupuncturists could cause your pal injury, infection and unnecessary stress. Your local veterinary practice may already have a CVA on staff or may be able to refer you to one.
“Acupuncture can trigger the release of endogenous opioids, the body’s natural painkiller, which can help lower the need for prescription medications,” Khor said.
Edwards explained that the acupuncture needles influence the nervous system at three levels:
- Locally (targeting a specific area or organ of the body)
- Centrally (through the central nervous system)
- Systemically (throughout the entire body)
There are several ways in which acupuncture does this. Edwards notes that it can cause the release of neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers), cytokines (signaling proteins that help control inflammation and protect the immune system), and growth factors (molecules affecting cell growth).
“The release of these local substances can improve circulation and reduce muscle tension,” she said.
Edwards also explained that the needles can interfere with incoming pain signals in the central nervous system and produce beta-endorphins that can have a systemic analgesic (pain-relieving) effect.
Acupuncture is a popular supplementary treatment option for painful musculoskeletal conditions such as chronic arthritis, injuries that limit range of movement, and even post-operative pain.
In Santa Barbara, there are certified veterinarians in acupuncture who offer services at brick-and-mortar veterinary hospitals and others who do house calls.
House calls may be easier on dogs that are older and have osteoarthritis, which makes it painful for them to get in and out of the car.
House calls may also decrease any stress associated with leaving the familiarity of their home and being with you.
Click on these links to find veterinary acupuncturists near you:
- Curacore’s Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians
- International Veterinary Acupuncture Society
- Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine
