VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE

What Is Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is defined as 'the insertion of a solid needle into the body for the purpose of therapy, disease prevention or maintenance of health.'

Single-use, sterile needles are placed at anatomical landmarks on the patient in order to get maximum beneficial effect.

Acupuncture works by acting on the nervous system. It inhibits the nerve fibres responsible for chronic pain, and stimulates the release of endorphins and other neurotransmitters and hormones, to provide a feel-good effect, further blocking the perception of pain.

Why Acupuncture?

Acupuncture can offer relief for many conditions including:

osteoarthritis
hip and elbow dysplasia
neck and back pain
muscular pain
generalised stiffness
lick granulomas
chronic constipation

It is often used when the patient fails to respond to medication or when harmful side effects give cause for concern. It can be used in early stages of pathology, when the signs are not severe enough to warrant longterm medication, yet some pain relief is required. At the other end of the pain spectrum, it can be added in to the treatment plan when the patient requires further pain relief despite already being on high doses of conventional medication.

The Law Concerning Acupuncture in Animals

Only registered qualified vets are allowed to use acupuncture in animals, with the exception of registered veterinary nurses working under direct supervision of a veterinary surgeon.