Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine

We believe that our patients and clients deserve access to the best and latest information and techniques. Our doctors and staff take part in regular and advanced continuing education programs, and we are constantly updating our technology to provide better care for your animal family.

Dr. Indriolo has taken her interest in acupuncture and developed her skills through attending the demanding Chi Institute’s Small Animal Acupuncture Certification course; she will complete her course work in August. More than 2,000 licensed veterinarians have graduated from the Chi Institute, and there are now active and competent TCVM practitioners in the USA, Canada, South America, Europe and Japan.

Here at Bond Animal Hospital, acupuncture is used only as part of a comprehensive therapeutic plan; acupuncture assessments, treatment plans and treatments are scheduled through our reception staff after a veterinary recommendation.

History

The practice of acupuncture began in China during the Zhou dynasty (1128- 221 BC). At that time, medicine advanced as practitioners focused on research and science, rather than dogma and tradition.

These Chinese practitioners understood that qi (“chee”), the vital air we breathe, was required to sustain life, and that the circulatory system delivered nutrients from food and air to the body. Acupuncture channels were identified and named, typically following the path of large nerves or vessels, reflecting their advanced understanding of anatomy.

Acupuncture points

Acupuncture is the insertion of a sterile needle into very specific anatomic locations. In animals, we have mapped out between one and two hundred acupuncture points in large and small animals.

Acupuncture points take their name based on the “channel” on which they lie, which may not be related to the adjacent anatomy or therapeutic indications for that point. For example, large intestine points on the forelimb are not used to affect large intestine function. Rather, acupuncture points are typically associated with specific anatomic locations, and are based on their anatomical features. Generally, acupuncture points are in the vicinity of major nerves, blood vessels or lymphatic vessels.

Acupuncture mechanism

The simple insertion of an acupuncture needle can have a profound systemic effect on the patient. As the needle is inserted, it creates a small electrical, as well as other physiologic changes attraction in the surrounding tissues. These changes not only send signals through the nervous system, but also cause intracellular signaling. Changes in protein synthesis, up- and down-regulation of growth factors, endorphin and opioid release, cytokines and inflammatory mediators can all be affected.

Acupuncture in practice

Acupuncture has been used to treat a variety of conditions in animals; however, identifying scientific studies that have been closely placebo controlled and blinded can be very challenging. In addition, point selection, method of administration and the specific type of acupuncture used can all greatly affect the results. As interest in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine increases, better studies should be forthcoming that will better inform our use of these methodologies.

Nevertheless, acupuncture can be a great tool to augment (but not replace) standard veterinary diagnosis and treatment. Because it is non-invasive, it is often less stressful than other treatment options, for both the pet and owner. Acupuncture treatments are safe, and should result in very few or no side effects. Veterinary acupuncture has applications in internal medicine, oncology (cancer treatment), neurology and orthopedics (lameness).