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Acupuncture
Are you looking to refer a patient for Acupuncure from another veterinary practice? Please complete our Referral Form.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is defined as stimulation of specific points on the body, to encourage release of the body’s “natural pain killers”, including endorphins. Acupuncture has multiple beneficial effects including:
- Pain Relief
- Muscle Relaxation
- Enhanced Circulation
- As well as stimulation of the body’s own defence system
Acupuncture works by blocking chronic pain messages and encouraging the brain and central nervous system to produce more of the body’s own natural painkillers.
What is Acupuncture used to treat?
In small animals acupuncture is most commonly used for:
- Musculoskeletal Pain (e.g. back pain, muscle and ligament strains, arthritis, hip dysplasia).
- Dermatological Conditions (e.g. lick granulomas, overgrooming in cats, atopy, improvement of wound healing)
- Neurological Disorders (e.g. traumatic nerve injury)
There are multiple other conditions that have been reported to have successfully responded to acupuncture.
Who will be treating your animal?
One of our vets, Gemma Maynard, is qualified in Veterinary Acupuncture. She has completed the Western Veterinary Acupuncture Group Foundation course.
What can I expect during the Acupuncture session?
Most animals accept acupuncture very well and even relax during the treatment because of the relief of pain, due to the reduction of spasm and stiffness in the muscle. The release of the body’s own opioids can make them sleepy. The owner usually stays with the animal during the treatment and the vet may stay or leave depending on the individual. There can occasionally be a brief moment of sensitivity as the needle penetrates the skin but the patient will usually relax after this.
How can the first Acupuncture session be arranged?
If, after clinical examination, your Veterinary surgeon thinks that your animal would benefit from Acupuncture we will arrange a session with Gemma at our Mayfield Road hospital. Please contact us on 0131 667 2478 for available times and costs.
Many insurance companies will cover acupuncture treatment costs as it is performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon with acupuncture qualifications, but please check with your insurance company, it may be listed under ‘complementary therapies’.
The first consultation will take approximately 60 minutes, with the following appointment being slightly shorter. During the first consultation a full pain review will be carried out to assess medications, environmental and exercise changes to make for your pet. Most conditions require 4-6 treatments, initially about 1 week apart. The treatment interval afterwards varies and will be tailored to suit each individual pet’s condition. It can usually be determined after the first course of treatment whether acupuncture is helping your pet.
Which pets are not suitable for Acupuncture?
While most pets will settle very well into the acupuncture routine, some pets unfortunately do not. If your pet is normally very anxious while at the vets (e.g. pacing, trying to escape the room, nervous of general handling) it is unlikely that they will be good candidates as the stress hormones released can block any good chemicals from the acupuncture. We are always happy to try however and you may be surprised at how well an anxious patient tolerates the treatment. Please feel free to bring along a familiar bed, blanket or special treats to encourage a positive association with the treatment.
Additionally, needles can’t be inserted through areas of infected skin, or through tumour tissue. It may be possible to use sites elsewhere if this is the case.