Thursday, May 2, 2024
Media Contact: Kinsey Reed | Communications Specialist | 405-744-6740 | kinsey.reed@okstate.edu
Harley, a beloved family boxer, was rushed to the animal emergency hospital after being hit by a car and found to have no use of his back legs. After extensive testing, veterinarians discovered that Harley did not have any broken bones, but rather severe damage to his spinal cord.
“We were told there was a good chance Harley would never walk again,” said Harley’s owner, Judy Ramey. “They told us that acupuncture might heal his injuries, but there are no promises.”
While waiting at home for the next step, Ramey did everything she could to help Harley maintain what little strength she had left. After a few days of rest at home and Ramey’s continued exercise, Harley temporarily gained the strength to stand on all four legs. This gave her hope that Harley might be able to regain her athletic abilities.
“I spoke with a veterinarian there and planned to drive to Arkansas to get Harley the treatment she needed,” Ramey said. “My veterinarian told me that Oklahoma State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital was offering the acupuncture treatment that Harley needed, so I immediately made an appointment.”
When Harley arrived at OSU, Dr. Lara Sypniewski, clinical professor of small animal primary care, examined him. Dr. Sypniewski evaluated Harley and determined that acupuncture, aggressive pain management, and physical therapy were the best options for Harley to return to normal function. Hurley took anti-inflammatories and nerve pain medications and had three intensive acupuncture and laser treatment appointments every two weeks. Additionally, Ramey explained how to complete daily physical therapy exercises to maintain Harley’s range of motion and regain strength. After these initial treatments, Harley showed significant improvement.
Acupuncture is non-invasive and can treat many conditions in animals. This is particularly effective at reducing pain, and in Harley’s case was used to reduce swelling in the spinal cord. A needle the size of a human hair is gently inserted into specific points on the animal’s body, causing a reaction at the level of nerves and blood vessels. This response allows for increased blood flow and helps regulate nervous system responses, including activating the body’s neuropharmacological functions to downregulate pain. Acupuncture helps the nervous system heal itself.
When combined with traditional medical therapies, acupuncture is highly effective in treating a wide range of medical conditions, and fortunately for Hurley, acupuncture was just what he needed to heal.
“Acupuncture with electrical stimulation locally reduces inflammation in the spinal cord,” Sypniewski said. “Additionally, it can be used to increase proprioception and sensation in limbs affected by spinal cord swelling or injury. Additionally, by harnessing the body’s own highly effective nerve agents, it naturally relieves pain. It helps to alleviate it.”
Harley is doing surprisingly well and has recovered better than expected in a short period of time. In addition to acupuncture and laser therapy, Ramey did a large amount of physical therapy with Harley in between treatments.
“His owner’s dedication to physical therapy made a huge difference,” Sypniewski said.
After months of treatment, Harley is back to the daily life she loves. His function and mobility have returned to near normal, and his daily activities are carried out exactly as needed.
“We are so grateful for OSU and everything they have done for Hurley,” Ramey said.
