Allen Heights Veterinary Hospital

What is Medical Acupuncture? How does is compare to Traditional Chinese Medicine? 

Medical Veterinary Acupuncture is a completely science based approach to acupuncture.  MAV uses the same tools as TCM.  However, MAV does not describe acupuncture as an energy medicine nor does MAV use metaphor or a metaphysical paradigm to  describe  what acupuncture does.  Using the ancient knowledge of the Chinese physician, our understanding of physiology and disease and confident in todays’ scientific understanding of acupunctures’ mechanisms we have one more powerful tool to restore balance and promote healing for our patients.     

What can Acupuncture treat?

Peri- and post-surgical pain and dental pain

Pain related to osteoarthritis, IVDD, tendon or ligament injuries, sacro-iliac disease and lumbo-sacral stenosis

Nerve injuries/paralysis

Relieve edema from congested lymphatics

Possibly faster and smoother anesthesia recoveries

Skin problems: lick granulomas, allergies, wound healing.

Elimination disorders: feline lower urinary tract disorder, Urinary and fecal incontinence.

Gastrointestinal problems: diarrhea, vomiting and IBD

Respiratory problems: allergic asthma and chronic upper respiratory problems

Ocular (eye) problems: dry eye and corneal ulcers.

Improve symptoms related to organ and gland disease (kidney failure, diabetes, adrenal & thyroid disease)

What is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is literally inserting fine gauge, sterile needles into the skin, the subcutis or muscle trigger points.  There are specific points that, when stimulated with a needle, have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiological mechanisms in the body.  We most commonly modulate pain pathways, inflammatory cascades and affect circulation.  The effects of needling decrease pain & inflammation, modify gastrointestinal, organ and gland function in the body and bring about faster wound healing.  Because we are using the body’s own healing mechanisms there are no contraindications with other medications.  It’s important to know that acupuncture is not a cure all, or panacea, it is one of our tools to use to help resolve diseases and imbalances.

Is it painful? How will my pet react?

We expect the pet to feel nothing or a small pin prick when the needle is inserted.  People report feeling warmth, tingles, radiation and sometimes itchiness at the needle insertion site. 

During treatment your pet may doze, walk around or just sit there.  After treatment you may notice sedation, calmness or immediate improvement of their condition.  Some pets’ conditions deteriorate temporarily before improving.  Some pets need multiple treatments before we see improvement

What is the cost and time commitment?

The exams and treatment sessions can last 30-60 minutes.

Multiple treatments are required for maximal effects, once to twice weekly and 5-8 treatments.  Once we think we have seen maximum benefit from acupuncture we then decide on a maintenance schedule.

Fees can range from $25-120.00 depending on the problem and time involved.