Treating sick pets with acupuncture. Anyone who hears this might think it's scary. No one would like to have their children get pricked with sharp needles. But let me tell you that acupuncture is not as scary as you think. Acupuncture is a treatment with very few side effects. Nowadays, alternative medicine is becoming more popular. Let's open our minds and learn about acupuncture to treat pets.
Acupuncture in pets is a traditional Chinese medical treatment that has been around for two thousand years. The principle is to balance the body's Yin and Yang. The method involves inserting very thin, small needles into various points on the body. There are more than 150 points used for acupuncture in pets, and each point has free nerve endings, small arteries, and lymphatic vessels. When acupuncture is performed, it stimulates the release of neurotransmitters such as: Endorphins Helps relieve pain and helps animals relax. Serotonin Helps control appetite and digestion of animals and Corticosteroids It helps reduce inflammation in the body. In addition, acupuncture helps increase blood circulation and stimulates the immune system.
Acupuncture is a popular alternative treatment for sick animals that do not respond to conventional medicine, but it can be used in conjunction with conventional medicine in cases where medication causes side effects or the animal is unable to take medication.
What diseases can acupuncture treat?
Acupuncture can help reduce pain, treat diseases related to bones, joints and muscles in animals such as hip degeneration, arthritis, herniated discs, including chronic injuries to muscles and tendons. It can also treat diseases related to the respiratory tract, endocrine glands, skin diseases, solve abnormal or defective immune systems, and help treat abnormal behaviors. It also helps treat diseases related to the nervous system such as paralysis, muscle weakness, inability to control bowel movements, epilepsy, etc.
Will the animal feel pain after acupuncture?
Since the needles used are as thin as a hair, your pet may feel little or no pain as there is no tissue damage. Most pets will feel relaxed or even fall asleep during the treatment. And of course, the needles used are sterile and single-use.
Preparation before and after acupuncture
Before acupuncture, pets do not need to prepare anything special, but they should undergo a preliminary physical examination, such as a heart disease, cancer, spine, bone or hip fracture examination, as these may exacerbate symptoms. Veterinarians usually schedule acupuncture for the first period, 1-2 times a week for 4-6 weeks. Sick animals usually respond to treatment in the 3rd-4th session, depending on their symptoms and individual responses. After each acupuncture session, they may be lethargic, sleep longer than usual, or have a fever, which usually returns to normal on its own. However, owners can help wipe their pets down to reduce their fever. However, if their symptoms do not improve, they should be taken to a veterinarian for examination.
Acupuncture is another option that can help treat your pet’s illness. In addition to reducing pain and stimulating the animal’s nervous system, it is also a safe method with very few side effects. It is definitely not as scary as many people think.
(Currently, Taling Chan Animal Hospital does not provide acupuncture services.)
References
Dr. Kanitha Daraviroj (Dr. Namwan)
English