Restore Balance, Promote Healing.
Acupuncture is a form of ancient treatment that uses tiny needles to promote circulation, stimulate nerve function, mitigate pain, and manage a variety of medical conditions that arise when a body is out of balance. This is accomplished by gently placing needles in specific points along channels, or meridians, that correlate with a patient’s individual condition. Traditional acupuncture arose in China, Japan, and Korea, where it was used primarily to treat people and oxen. In veterinary medicine, many of the traditional acupuncture points used in people have been transposed to dogs, cats, and horses.
Acupuncture can be helpful to manage a variety of conditions, such as osteoarthritis, neuropathy, geriatric changes, and symptoms associated with chemotherapy. It can also help with immune system disorders and behavioral concerns. When combined with western veterinary medicine, we offer our patients an integrated approach to maintain health, wellness, and balance.
Acupuncture needles are much smaller than vaccination needles. They are manufactured, stored, and used according to best sterilization practices. They are typically inserted and left in place for 15 to 30 minutes. For patients who are very reactive to needles, there are other treatment options, such as acupressure or moxibustion.
Acupuncture is currently performed at our hospital by Dr. Hadley on cats and dogs. At your first acupuncture appointment, you can expect Dr. Hadley to perform a thorough physical exam. Once the exam is complete, she will put together a treatment plan and place a few acupuncture needles. This appointment can last up to 1 hour. The following appointments will be every 2 weeks, or as Dr. Hadley feels is appropriate for your pet. These appointments will last anywhere from 30 min to 1 hour, where only needles are place. We are unable to perform any other services such as blood draws, vaccines, other exams, etc. at acupuncture appointments.