Acupuncture Success Stories
Overview
Acupuncture is an ancient healing art from China. The first documented use of acupuncture on animals was over 4,000 years ago. Acupuncture involves the stimulation of special points in the body, often by the insertion of thin, sterile needles. Inserting the needles is not painful, and animals tolerate it well. The acupuncture points can also be stimulated by massage, pressure, laser, or electrical impulses. Many acupuncture points are located at clusters of nerves and blood vessels. Stimulating the points can have several beneficial effects. Studies have shown that acupuncture can increase blood flow, lower heart rate, improve immune function, and reduce pain, among other things.Dr. Burnett has completed a year-long course of study taught by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS). She is excited to offer acupuncture in her practice, to complement conventional treatment options.
We have seen a number of acupuncture success stories here at Burnett Veterinary Hospital. They include:
Recovery from Paralysis
A cat came into the hospital with a dirty, open gunshot wound to its spine. It could not move its hind legs. I cleaned the wound and prescribed antibiotics, which helped the wound heal, but did not improve the cat's paralysis. After three months the owner decided to give acupuncture a chance. After just one treatment the cat began moving his feet weakly. After the second treatment he began walking again, and after the third treatment the owner called to say the cat was climbing stairs on his own.
Improvement in a Chronic Condition
Chronic conditions often respond well. There is a diabetic patient in my practice whose blood sugar level improved levels after two acupuncture treatments. The owner also noticed that his hair, which had been falling out in patches, grew back. The cat also became more active and playful. Of course, he still needs to be monitored on a regular basis.
Aiding Conception
A young, healthy Arabian broodmare had trouble conceiving last season. Lisa and Buddy Yates, owners of Infinity Farm Arabians in Hubert, North Carolina, were excited about breeding "Sweet Temptations TF" to national champion "Pimlico RCA" of Rock Creek Arabians. However, the only option they had was to breed the mare by artificial insemination (AI). Last year, it took three AI procedures to get Sweet Temptations in foal. Due to the effort and expense of breeding by AI, as well as the potential for wasted time, the Yates asked me to do acupuncture on the mare to maximize her chances of conceiving.
I did two acupuncture treatments on Sweet Temptations TF, and performed the AI two weeks after the second treatment. The mare conceived immediately, and her ultrasounds have been normal. Infinity Farm Arabians is happily anticipating the foal's arrival in February, 2009.
Conclusion
In conclusion, acupuncture can be helpful in many different kinds of cases. I advocate using it in conjunction with Western medicine, always with the aim of producing the best possible outcome for the pet. I would be happy to consult with you about how acupuncture may helpful in your pet's specific situation.