Acupuncture
Find out how acupuncture could benefit your pet
Learn more
- What is acupuncture?
- What can it be used to treat?
- What can I expect?
- How many sessions will my pet need?
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a treatment in which fine needles are inserted into specific points for therapeutic purposes.
Only veterinary surgeons can perform acupuncture on animals as part of a conventional treatment plan.
Acupuncture results in the body producing natural substances such as pain-relieving endorphins.
It is these endorphins that are thought to be responsible for the beneficial effects associated with acupuncture.
Before using acupuncture, an accurate diagnosis is needed to identify whether acupuncture may be a suitable part of your pet’s treatment plan.
It is considered to be a safe, minimally invasive mode of treatment, and when used as part of a broader treatment plan, it may reduce the need for medication.
With this technique, small electrode clips are attached to specific acupuncture needles. Small electric currents of varying frequency and intensity are then passed between pairs of them, increasing the stimulation that can normally be achieved by dry needling alone.
What can it be used to treat?
Acupuncture has been suggested to support the treatment of many conditions, such as:
- Urinary disorders.
- Skin conditions.
- Musculoskeletal disease.
- Digestive problems.
- Muscle injuries.
- Neurological disorders.
The control of pain is one of the most common reasons that we may recommend acupuncture but it can also be used during post-operative rehabilitation following orthopaedic or spinal surgeries.
What can I expect?
Dogs, cats and even rabbits are treated with acupuncture at Rosevean.
Most accept treatment well and often become quite relaxed and sleepy.
For some this effect lasts several hours after treatment.
The needles can be left in place for between five and 30 minutes depending on the needs of each individual.
During your initial appointment, the vet will go through with you your pet’s recent history and perform a full clinical and condition specific examination.
Acupuncture will then be performed, based upon your pet’s individual needs.
How many sessions will my pet need?
Usually, treatment requires four to six weekly appointments, with the first appointment usually being longer.
After the initial course, ongoing treatments will be tailored to the individual patient’s needs, and for those with more chronic (long-term) conditions, may be reduced to a maintenance level requiring less frequent appointments.
It is important that you provide detailed feedback about your pet’s ongoing condition to ensure our treatment recommendations remain effective and appropriate. t
Your pet’s insurance company may cover acupuncture, as it is a recognised complementary treatment, but you should check with your insurance company first to make sure..
To learn more or book an appointment, please contact us on 01736 362215.