Conditions Treated by Acupuncture

Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of pet problems, including arthritis pain, neurological issues, metabolic concerns, and spinal difficulties. Veterinary acupuncture has been shown to benefit pets suffering from a wide range of conditions.

Conditions which benefit from veterinary acupuncture:

  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Chronic Diarrhea
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Immune System Weakness
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)

  • Keratoconjunctivitis (KCS) or “Dry Eye”
  • Kidney Disease
  • Lick Granulomas
  • Liver Disease
  • Neurological Conditions
  • Pain and Nausea Related to Cancer
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Spinal Cord Disorder

Conditions which benefit from veterinary acupuncture:

  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Chronic Constipation
  • Chronic Diarrhea
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Immune System Weakness
  • Irritable Bowel Disease (IBD)
  • Keratoconjunctivitis (KCS) or “Dry Eye”
  • Kidney Disease
  • Lick Granulomas
  • Liver Disease
  • Neurological Conditions
  • Pain and Nausea Related to Cancer
  • Seizure Disorders
  • Spinal Cord Disorder

What happens During Acupuncture Sessions?

First Session

A cat sitting on a table
At your pet’s first visit, the Doctor will obtain a detailed history of your pet’s current condition and answer any questions you may have prior to the examination. A full physical examination will then be performed and a treatment plan will be created. If you have pet insurance which covers this service, kindly give a blank form at the time of the first visit. The first visit takes approximately 60 minutes to complete assuming you have provided the acupuncture intake form in advance in advance. Your pet may or may not obtain their first treatment at this visit.  Some pets may be a little nervous in a new clinical setting. If you think your pet may be anxious, please contact us beforehand so we can make some recommendations to make this a comfortable and stress free visit. It may be helpful to bring your pet’s favorite blanket or toy for relaxation. Most pets, however, become very relaxed after needle insertion. The doctor outlines a treatment protocol that may involve one to three sessions per week for several weeks. Often, the number of sessions is tapered off as the dog improves, so visits are scheduled less frequently.

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Follow Up Sessions

A dog with needles on its back
The effects of acupuncture treatment are cumulative so there is a benefit to repeated sessions, but the goal is to achieve the greatest degree of improvement nd maintain that level with the fewest treatments necessary. There are few side effects with acupuncture, but some dogs may be sore or stiff following a treatment session, while other patients appear tired. These symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours. The doctor will outline a treatment protocol that may involve one to three sessions per week for several weeks. Often, the number of sessions is tapered off as your pet improves, so visits are scheduled less frequently. Follow up Treatment Sessions typically take approximately 30 minutes unless your pet presents with an additional problem which requires a physical exam. In these cases, an additional appointment may be needed in order to provide enough time for the doctor to thoroughly assess and treat your pet.

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