Acupuncture Services
Acupuncture
Acupuncture, the stimulation of specific points on the body, has long been one of the most common types of holistic medicine for pets and humans alike. Acupuncture has been utilized for millennia, and is said to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions and help the body heal itself.
Research has demonstrated acupuncture can be effective for certain medical conditions. Acupuncture points contain nerve bundles, clusters of blood vessels, and increased numbers of mast cells that release histamine and other chemicals when stimulated - including endorphins and enkephalins, the body’s natural pain killers.
At Tower Hill Animal Hospital, we can treat certain cases of arthritis, hip displaysia, seizure disorders, sprains, allergies, keratoconjunctivitis sicca ("dry eye"), lick granulomas, neurological conditions, chronic digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel disorder, diarrhea, and constipation), spinal cord disorders, and more with acupuncture.
Before treatment starts, one of our doctors will thoroughly examine your pet. This examination often involves an in-depth history of environmental and emotional situations that may be affecting your pet’s condition, as well as palpation of certain acupuncture points. Acupuncture does not replace the use of traditional treatments for the above disorders; rather, it complements them. Therefore, all pets undergoing acupuncture must have a complete western workup and be treated medically or surgically as appropriate prior to acupuncture.
Treatments last approximately 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the method used. Pets are typically treated once weekly for four to six weeks, but this can vary based on the individual pet’s response to the treatment.