Managing chronic pain in dogs can be difficult and a real cause for concern. It’s natural to look for solutions that make your companion as comfortable as possible, especially if you want to minimize the potential long-term side effects of painkillers. You may be considering holistic complementary therapies. The best known of these is canine acupuncture, which is gaining popularity and credibility. Learn more about the potential benefits and limitations of this low-risk treatment.
What is dog acupuncture?
Although acupuncture has existed in some form for thousands of years, it’s only in recent decades that veterinarians have begun prescribing it as a treatment for dogs. What does the procedure involve?
“Acupuncture needles are inserted into specific acupuncture points that are densely populated with nerves and blood vessels. Stimulating these specific ‘acupuncture points’ can trigger reactions in the circulatory and nervous systems,” says the board-certified veterinarian. says Dr. Patricia Cole, DVM, a medical acupuncturist and veterinary pain therapist. This increased circulation changes nerve activity, which should promote healing in the nervous system and reduce pain and inflammation.
Acupuncture is not a one-time treatment. The effects are thought to be cumulative, so dogs typically receive multiple individual sessions ranging from 5 to 30 minutes. Depending on your dog’s response and symptoms to the acupuncture treatment, your veterinarian may discontinue the session if there is improvement or if your dog’s underlying injury or condition has improved. In some cases, acupuncture sessions may be continued less frequently and for longer periods of time.
Is acupuncture effective for dogs?
There are two main philosophies of acupuncture: traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and medical acupuncture.
Dr. Tara Edwards, DVM, is a veterinary acupuncturist, canine rehabilitation therapist, certified veterinary pain practitioner, and a diplomat with the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation. She explains that TCM focuses on energy imbalances and how the flow of Chi energy, the body’s essential life energy, affects health. Instead, Dr. Edwards applies scientific, evidence-based integrative medicine acupuncture. “We focus on how specific neuroanatomical points affect the underlying physiology,” she says.
Clinical trials in human acupuncture are extensive. Although the mechanisms of acupuncture and its true effects are still not fully understood, the results of many of these studies are promising. For example, acupuncture has clinically important benefits for chronic pain patients, including reducing pain caused by osteoarthritis.
Clinical trials in the veterinary world are more limited and have less consistent results. For example, a single study has shown that acupuncture may have positive effects in treating conditions such as Cushing’s syndrome, spinal cord injury, and liver damage. These encouraging results mean more rigorous trials are underway. However, evidence from human and animal studies taken together still shows that medical acupuncture may be helpful for some pain conditions in dogs.
Potential benefits of acupuncture for dogs
Similar to human medicine, veterinarians use acupuncture for a variety of conditions, as well as pain management and rehabilitation assistance. Dr. Edwards explains that good acupuncture research is inherently difficult for many reasons. This means that there is not scientific data to support the use of acupuncture for all conditions for which acupuncture is prescribed. However, since acupuncture is less invasive and has few side effects, owners may be willing to try it in conjunction with other traditional treatments.
Below are some of the most common reasons to book an acupuncture session for your dog.
pain management
“Acupuncture can trigger the release of endogenous opioids, the body’s natural painkillers, which can help reduce the need for prescription drugs,” says Dr. Koh. According to Dr. Edwards, because needles affect the nervous system, pain management assistance can be local (targeting a specific area or organ of the body), central (through the central nervous system), or systemic (through the central nervous system). performed on the entire body).
There are several methods of acupuncture. Dr. Edwards explains that the drug can trigger the release of neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers), cytokines (signaling proteins that help control inflammation and protect the immune system), and growth factors (molecules that affect cell growth). It points out that there is. “The release of these local substances improves circulation and reduces muscle tension,” she says. She also explains that needles can interfere with pain signals entering the central nervous system, producing beta-endorphins that have a systemic analgesic (pain-relieving) effect.
For this reason, acupuncture has become a popular adjunctive treatment option for painful musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis in dogs, injuries that limit range of motion, and even post-surgical pain.
cancer
Although there is no research to support that acupuncture “cures” cancer in dogs, Dr. Jerry Klein, chief veterinarian for the American Kennel Club, says acupuncture may reduce side effects such as nausea and pain. says. Research suggests that in human patients, acupuncture may help modulate the immune system, manage pain, and reduce unpleasant side effects of radiation and chemotherapy, such as nausea and loss of appetite. .
sports strain
If your dog competes in top-level agility or participates in other high-impact activities, you may want to consider regular acupuncture. These sessions can help reduce sports-related pain and strain issues.
anxiety
If your dog’s anxiety is a big concern, acupuncture can also be used alongside behavioral support and traditional medications. “There are certain pressure points that maintain homeostasis and calm the mind and body,” says Dr. Koh.
Are there any risks to acupuncture treatment for dogs?
Part of the appeal of acupuncture is that it is low risk and minimally invasive. “Supporting the body alone or with primary treatment is a safe and cost-effective option,” says Dr. Koh.
You may be concerned that needle placement will cause discomfort during your acupuncture treatment. “Most pets are unaware that the needle is being inserted and are often able to relax during the treatment,” says Dr. Edwards. It is not uncommon for dogs to fall asleep during or immediately after a session.
Find a certified medical veterinarian and acupuncturist
You want to make sure that the person performing acupuncture on your dog understands what they are doing. An unqualified acupuncturist can cause injury, infection, and unnecessary stress. When you choose a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA), you can be confident that they have solid medical experience. In addition to this, Dr. Edwards says a broad knowledge of pain physiology, neurophysiology, neuroanatomy, and the importance of fascial assessment (assessment of the supporting connective tissue of muscles) is required.
Your local veterinary practice may already have someone on staff with a CVA or be able to refer you to one. Alternatively, the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists is a good place to start your search. “A certified veterinary acupuncturist is the most qualified veterinary acupuncturist to evaluate your pet, determine a diagnosis, and develop a treatment plan that takes into account all of your pet’s medical history and co-occurring medical concerns to provide the most comprehensive care.” experts,” says Dr. Edwards. .
