Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body.  How acupuncture works can be explored from either a scientific (or Western) perspective or a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective.

From a scientific perspective, acupuncture represents stimulation of nerves and blood vessel points.  This stimulation causes a release of chemical mediators into the surrounding local tissues which can also throughout the body.

From a TCVM perspective, acupuncture involves stimulation of points along channels or meridians on the outer surface of the body to alter the Qi, or “vital energy,” within the body.  Sometimes the energy flow becomes obstructed, and the acupuncture helps to relieve this obstruction to restore the flow of Qi throughout the body.

Bramble

Post-Clipping Alopecia is a condition where the normal hair cycle of growth becomes arrested after clipping or shaving. The hair follicles remain in a prolonged resting phase, so normal hair regrowth does not occur. In Bramble's case, only some of  the follicles were dormant, leaving her with a sparse, patchy coat. Over the course of a few months, Bramble received multiple acupuncture treatments to help stimulate the hair follicles to become active again.

What to expect…

The first visit will last approximately one hour. The doctor will review your pet’s history. Information such as past and present medical history, medications, daily routine, and behavior questions will help the doctor to understand your pet.

Treatment frequency can vary from weekly to every few months depending upon the case.  Initially, treatments occur more often, but then are tapered on an individual basis.  Sometimes 3-4 sessions are needed to appreciate an improvement.  Once an improvement is seen, the treatments are tapered to allow the greatest symptom-free time between sessions.

What Conditions can acupuncture treat?

 Performance Issues or Improving Performance
Back Pain or Discomfort
Arthritis
Hip Dysplasia
Intervertebral Disk Disease
Neurologic Disorders
Metabolic or Hormonal Issues
Respiratory Issues such as heaves or asthma
Gastrointestinal Concerns
Wound Healing

Integrating acupuncture with conventional medical care can help your horse or your pet to feel his or her best. 

Contact us

 

Please reach out to let us know how we can help you. We serve patients in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Connecticut by appointment. Contact us directly to schedule equine patients and small animal house calls.

 

For small animal patients around the Uxbridge, Massachusetts area, please contact Uxbridge Animal Hospital for appointments @ 508-278-5869.