June 2015 Acupunture

Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine

Acupuncture has been practiced as a part of Chinese, or Eastern Medicine for thousands of years. It has been widely accepted as a treatment option for animals for several decades and can provide benefits for a variety of conditions.

Acupuncture has been a part of St. Albert Animal Clinic for the past 7 years. We are pleased with the results we have seen in a wide variety of cases, in both cats & dogs.

Acupuncture is a viable treatment option in most patients. It is used as part of an integrated approach to managing many conditions in the canine and feline companion. Each patient is assessed individually; we gain information from the owner regarding concerns for their pet; a full physical exam is done and we may recommend/perform diagnostic tests to assist in arriving at a diagnosis. Acupuncture may be offered or recommended as part of a treatment plan for your pet.

Acupuncture in cats & dogs is performed by a veterinarian who has taken additional training to become certified specifically in the practice of acupuncture. At St. Albert Animal Clinic this is Dr. Burgess.

Acupuncture treatment involves the placement of very thin, sterile needles at specific locations in the patient. The location of needle placement will be determined by the condition being treated and the individual patient. Most patients tolerate this procedure very well and often relax during their treatment. For the more nervous or active patients, aquapuncture (a small volume injection given under the skin, at specific sites) may be an option.

Acupuncture works through various modes of action. It produces different effects in the body, including pain inhibition, effects on the cardiovascular, respiratory & nervous systems.

We are recognizing an increased frequency of cats with arthritis and back pain. Cats naturally hide their pain very well, and may not show obvious symptoms until the pain is advanced. Chronic pain in cats may be accountable for changes in grooming behavior, litter use, social activities, jumping or other subtle changes. Acupuncture may be helpful in relieving discomfort in these patients. This is just one example of the many situations where acupuncture can benefit our patients.

St. Albert Animal Clinic is pleased to accept new patients, as well as a referral from your regular veterinarian.

For referrals, we request a formal referral letter from your regular veterinarian, along with details of any diagnostics (lab tests or radiographs) that have been performed.