Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care for Pets
By Neal J. Sivula, DVM, PhD |
Many of us use holistic therapies for ourselves, but we may not be aware that these options exist for our pets as well. Numerous holistic therapies that people use, including acupuncture and chiropractic, are also used for animals.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of very small needles into specific points on the body. It is one part of the 3000-year-old system of Traditional Chinese Medicine predicated upon the belief that life force, or qi (pronounced “chee”), moves through the body along specific pathways. By influencing and balancing this energy through the use of acupuncture, health can be restored. Our more familiar, western medical system can explain at least part of the benefit of acupuncture by its effect on nerves, hormones and other chemicals in the body. Acupuncture is used in humans and in animals to treat musculoskeletal pain, nerve disorders, skin problems and allergies to name a few.
The acupuncture filaments resemble needles but are much different than a traditional hypodermic needle that your pet is exposed to during routine injections. Acupuncture needles are much more slender, and the ends are blunt. They enter the skin with little or no discomfort. The number of needles used depends on the condition being treated and the stage of treatment your pet is in. It may vary from 1 to 15 needles. They are generally left in place for 10 to 20 minutes.
Depending on your pet's condition, treatments may be weekly and in some urgent conditions, twice weekly. It takes a little while for the effects to build up in your pet's body, so undertaking an acupuncture-treatment series involves commitment on your part to give the treatment time to work. The positive effects of acupuncture treatment may not be seen until after six to eight treatments. When the positive effects are seen, they may at first last for only a few days after treatment. Positive effects last longer following each subsequent treatment. As the effects last longer, the interval between treatments is lengthened until the maintenance level is reached. Some pets come in for treatments every few months, while others get a monthly maintenance treatment.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic care is essential for the long-term well being for your pet. The goal of chiropractic care is to maintain an optimum relationship between your pet's spine and nervous system so that the nervous system functions properly. A well-functioning nervous system not only keeps your pet free from pain but helps improve the function of internal organs as well.
A chiropractic examination identifies any subluxations (a chiropractic term to define partial dislocations in the joints between two bones) that may exist in your pet's spine or limbs. Chiropractic adjustments correct those subluxations. Almost anything can cause subluxations. They occur secondary to trauma, conformational problems, sports injuries, other joint problems and illnesses. Sometimes there is not an obvious cause. These subluxations lead to inflammation around the joint and cause reduced function of the nerves. This results in the pet experiencing pain, decreased mobility and reduced nerve flow to internal organs. Signs you may notice in your pet include pain, change in personality, decreased performance or altered organ function.
After the adjustment, the nerve function can return to normal. Each pet is unique and may need a series of adjustments to achieve optimum spinal health. The speed of healing depends on a number of factors including how long the subluxations have been present, the animal's general body condition, nutritional status, presence of other diseases and arthritis.
Chiropractic is most powerful when used to prevent problems. It is much easier to maintain a healthy spine through regular care than to attempt to correct months or years of long-standing spinal problems with a treatment or two. A chiropractic maintenance schedule based upon your pet's unique needs will keep the nervous system in optimal health.
| The acupuncture filaments resemble needles but enter the skin with little or no discomfort. In this photo, the upper, thicker portion of the needle is visible. The lower, inserted portion is extremely thin. |
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Who should perform these therapies?
In Ohio, only licensed veterinarians may perform these therapies on animals. In addition, the veterinarian should have specialized training in acupuncture and chiropractic for animals. Acupuncture training for veterinarians is offered by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society, the Chi Institute and the American Academy of Veterinary Medical Acupuncture. Training and certification in animal chiropractic is offered through institutions approved by the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association. The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association has a website where member veterinarians can list their areas of interest within holistic veterinary medicine (www.ahvma.org). Owners should always ask the potential practitioner questions about his/her training and experience with holistic therapies for pets.
Resources:
• American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association: www.ahvma.org
(410) 569-0795
• International Veterinary Acupuncture Association: www.ivas.org
(970) 266-0666
• American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture: www.aava.org
(860) 635-6300
• Chi Institute: www.tcvm.com
(800) 891-1986
• American Academy of Veterinary Medical Acupuncture: www.aavma.com
(970) 297-4202
• American Veterinary Chiropractic Association: www.animalchiropractic.org
(918) 784-2231
Dr. Neal Sivula graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1988. He completed an internship, residency and PhD in veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota and has advanced training in acupuncture and chiropractic for animals. He owns Dancing Dogs Animal Wellness Center, which is located within the Metropolitan Veterinary Hospital in Akron, Ohio. He can be reached by e-mailing dancingdogs@metropolitanvet.com or calling (330) 666-2976.
Photos courtesy of Dr. Neal Sivula.
