What is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Animal acupuncture is a complementary medical practice with a certified veterinarian that entails stimulating certain points on the body, most often with a needle penetrating the skin, to alleviate pain or to help treat various health conditions.

How does acupuncture work?

Think of it as treating pain with pain. The brain and the spinal cord are in charge of experiencing pain and treating it.

When the needle is inserted it will cause an initial reaction. As the needle is twisted or adjusted up and down, collagen and elastin fibers will stick onto the needle, causing a coupling between the tissue and the needle triggering local microinflammation and irritation of muscle fibers.

Nociceptive fibers start activating the brain's natural neurochemical pharmacy, downregulating pain as well as releasing opioids, serotonin, endorphins- all making the patient feel good. Most pets enjoy these treatments because of this and they will relax and often don’t want to leave. They look forward to coming back for subsequent sessions.

When would acupuncture be useful?

• Treating any painful condition- back pain, arthritic pain, spinal cord injuries, birth defects, trauma such as a hit-by-car injury, traumatic fall and impact
• Treating neuropathies- Spinal cord disease, intervertebral disc disease, neuropathies, nerve damage to a body part
• Immune conditions- inflammatory bowel disease, immune mediated skin conditions, dry eye (KCS)
• Cancer- aids in pain and discomfort as well as homeostasis or rebalancing of the body’s natural state

What to expect during an acupuncture appointment:

With an initial consultation a full physical exam will be completed, including identifying points of tension/pain and discomfort, as well as a neurologic assessment for any nerve deficits. During this time the doctor will determine general areas for needle placement.

Needles will be placed- starting with small gauge initially. Needles are left in place for 10-15 minutes. After pulling needles, the class IV therapeutic laser is used in certain locations to augment the effects of acupuncture treatment.

A discussion of how frequently sessions should be continued will take place to maximize the benefits to your pet.

Cold Laser Therapy:

Cold laser therapy has had enormous advances in recent years. We now use laser therapy to treat a multitude of issues, from acute wound healing to chronic arthritis pain. Laser therapy works to increase cell metabolism, thereby accelerating healing, decreasing inflammation, and decreased pain.

We are seeing amazing results. Recently a cat was hit by a car and sustained a spinal cord injury, leaving him paralyzed on the left hind limb. After two weeks of laser therapy, range of motion physical therapy, and acupuncture he is walking again. Traditionally this kind of recovery can takes months, if achieved at all. Post-operative pain can also be significantly minimized with a combination of pain control medication and laser therapy in synergy. In as little as six ten-minute sessions, we see amazing results.

To schedule an acupuncture appointment with Dr. Rockwood, call us at 831-484-9744.