Acupuncture

While many people are familiar with human acupuncture practice, few are aware that animals may also benefit from this treatment. Most dogs and cats are comfortable with acupuncture needles, so restraint or sedation is rarely needed. In fact, most patients are excited to come to the hospital and enjoy their treatments. Acupuncture is a medical modality which stimulates the body’s own healing processes, including the relief of pain. Many patients find improvements from their ailments using acupuncture either as the sole method of treatment or in conjunction with surgery and medication. An added benefit of acupuncture treatment is the enhancement of well-being and vitality.

Acupuncture is a gentle and healthy way to provide comfort to your best friend. VCA Colonial Animal Hospital is proud to offer acupuncture services by Dr. Johnson who trained in veterinary acupuncture at the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The following list is given as a starting point for referring veterinary patients for acupuncture. It is not meant to be an exhaustive list of all the conditions where acupuncture can be effective.

Pain Management
• Post-operative
• Back and neck surgery
• Cruciate surgery
• Fracture repair
• Dental surgery
• Arthritis
• Hip dysplasia
• Degenerative joint disease
• Intervertebral disc disease (non-surgical)

Symptom Control/Adjunctive Treatment
• KCS
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Megaesophagus
• Megacolon
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Incontinence – fecal and urinary
• Epilepsy
• Lick granuloma
• Ear infection
• Bladder infection
• Rhinitis/sinusitis
• Fertility issues

Contraindications for Acupuncture in Animals – Acupuncture is not Indicated for:
• Severely debilitated animals
• Sepsis
• Severe bleeding disorders

Acupuncture Should be Avoided for:
• Extremely frightened or aggressive animals
• Fatigued or weakened animals
• Right after eating a large meal