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Acupuncture is the placing of needles in the body at specific sites to produce a healing effect. Ancient Chinese medicine works on the principle that disease is caused by imbalances of energy in the body and by stimulating acupuncture points these imbalances are corrected. Western medicine has now suggested that acupuncture points are actually asscociated with nerve conduction pathways but what ever your belief , it can be a highly effective form of therapy.
Veterinary acupuncture is over 2000 years old and was on the curriculum of the first European Vet Schools. As advances in more orthodox treatments were made, acupuncture became almost obsolete. In the last 30 years more and more vets have been using acupuncture in both pet and farm animals, with considerable success.
Acupuncture is often turned to when orthodox treatments fail, or are contra-indicated. However, it can be used along side such treatments as well. Most animals tolerate the needles very well and often relax during treatment. Acupuncture is an invaluble tool for pain relief but many other conditions are also treated successfully .
Conditions which respond:
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Muscle sprains and strains
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Back pain
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Paralysis
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Arthritis
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Hip Dysplasia
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Some allergic conditions
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Some skin conditions
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Some digestive disorders
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Some respiratory conditions
An initial consultation for acupuncture determines which points will be used for the particular condition. The needles are placed and left in for about 10 minutes. The number of treatments required varies, rarely is only one treatment required. Treatment is usually carried out once a week for 2 to 3 weeks, then at longer time intervals, often requiring only booster like sessions.
If no improvement is seen after 3 sessions then acupuncture will probably be ineffective.
At the Drove Veterinary Hospital we have vets trained in acupuncture so that treatment is an option for your pet. Your vet may suggest treament or you may wish to contact us independantly.
To arrange an acupuncture consultation please ring the hospital and speak to either Anna Hunt, Kate Brodie or Lynne Gaskarth.
Acupuncture is a useful form of therapy in veterinary medicine, especially for chronic conditions which are failing to respond to more orthodox treatments.
In an emergency please telephone (01793) 522483 (24hrs).
Drove Veterinary Hospital, 252 Croft Road, Swindon, Wiltshire SN1 4RW.
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