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Services

Pet Acupuncture

Appointment
cat sleeping under a blanket

Pet Acupuncture In St. Louis, MO

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture is a component of Traditional Chinese Medicine, which was developed in ancient China. Acupuncture (along with food therapy, massage therapy and herbs) has been used to treat both humans and animals for thousands of years. Acupuncture involves the placement of thin sterile needles into specific parts of the body to cause a therapeutic effect.

HOW DOES ACUPUNCTURE HELP?
Acupuncture points are located in areas where there is a high density of nerve endings, small blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. Studies have shown that acupuncture stimulates the release of endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. This encourages blood flow to an area, interrupts pain signaling to the brain and spinal cord, and can relax myofascial trigger points.

WHAT CONDITIONS CAN ACUPUNCTURE TREAT?
Acupuncture can be beneficial for a number of conditions. Many people are familiar with the use of acupuncture for pain relief. Studies have proven that acupuncture can also help with the promotion of healing, regulation of gastrointestinal motility, immunoregulation and modulation of inflammation.

Acupuncture has been used to successfully treat:

  • Musculoskeletal conditions such as muscle soreness, back pain and osteoarthritis
  • Neurologic conditions such as seizures, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and nerve paralysis
  • Gastrointestinal conditions such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation
  • Other chronic conditions such as skin problems, asthma, bronchitis, chronic kidney disease, chronic liver disease, infertility and behavioral issues

Acupuncture can also provide relief for patients with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy or in hospice care.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING A VISIT FOR ACUPUNCTURE?
During your initial visit the veterinarian will go over your pet’s health history form and perform a thorough physical examination. Once a treatment plan is developed the veterinarian will insert very thin acupuncture needles into specific points. For most patients this is non-painful and some patients even fall asleep during treatment! If your pet is uncomfortable with needle placement, we can discuss alternative options (such as laser stimulation of acupuncture points) or offer anti-anxiety medications prior to the next treatment. The needles are typically left in for 15-30 minutes. At that time the veterinarian and care team may also discuss additional therapy options for your pet, including massage, herbal therapy or food therapy.

Initial visits take about 1 hour, with follow-up visits typically taking about 20-30 minutes.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS?
In general, acupuncture is very safe! Though uncommon, side effects include mild bruising or a temporary decrease in energy (for no more than 24 hours). Acupuncture should be used cautiously in patients that have open wounds, cancerous growths, or are pregnant.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD MY PET RECEIVE ACUPUNCTURE?
The effects of acupuncture are cumulative – meaning the more a patient receives treatment the better response they are likely to have. Some pets experience improvements after their first visit, but we recommend at least 4 treatments (1-2 weeks apart) to be sure we can get the full benefit from the initial treatment. Pets with acute issues (such as surgery or trauma) can be seen more frequently and may require fewer overall visits. Patients with chronic conditions may need ongoing care. As your pet responds, we can typically increase the amount of time between visits (from every 2-3 weeks to monthly visits).