Veterinary acupuncture is one of the therapeutic systems included in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is based on the introduction of very small needles through the skin at specific places called acupuncture points, creating a therapeutic stimulus.
Traditional Chinese Medicine understands disease as an imbalance or disharmony in the body. This imbalance can be caused by external factors, such as cold weather, an accident, a virus or emotional stress, and also by internal factors related to the body's ability to maintain health.
How does veterinary acupuncture work?
The stimulus created by the acupuncture needle aims to help restore balance and return the animal to a healthier state. It can also be used preventively, especially in older animals or chronic cases where the goal is to maintain quality of life.
In human medicine there are many publications supporting acupuncture for problems such as lower back pain, osteoarthritis, chronic pain, tension headaches, migraine and depression. In veterinary practice, and from clinical experience, dogs and cats are often very sensitive to this therapy and may react quickly and positively. Many animals relax during the session.
What conditions can be treated with acupuncture in dogs and cats?
In clinical practice, acupuncture may be used as support in cases such as:
- Lameness and mobility problems.
- Arthritis, osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease.
- Lower back pain and cauda equina syndrome in dogs.
- Epilepsy support in dogs and cats.
- Urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs.
- Chronic diarrhoea, inflammatory bowel disease and IBD support.
- Leishmaniasis support and other chronic health problems.
Acupuncture can be combined with conventional veterinary treatment prescribed by your vet, as well as with other natural therapies when appropriate.
How do veterinary acupuncture sessions work?
Treatment usually starts with one session per week for three or four consecutive weeks. Then, depending on sensitivity and changes in the patient's symptoms, sessions are gradually spaced out until a maintenance frequency is reached.
In many chronic cases, maintenance may be three or four sessions per year. Changes in symptoms can often be seen from the second or third session, both in canine and feline acupuncture.
Acupuncture for arthritis and osteoarthritis in dogs and cats
Arthritis, also called degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis or osteoarthrosis, is one of the most common joint diseases in senior dogs. It can also affect cats, although it is often less obvious.
It may cause weakness in the hind limbs, intermittent lameness, stiffness after rest or intense activity, morning stiffness, worse symptoms in damp or cold weather, reluctance to bear weight on an affected joint and, in advanced cases, muscle atrophy.
The treatment of arthritis is usually palliative, because it is difficult or impossible to reverse the primary cartilage process. The main goals are to improve joint function, reduce symptoms, relieve pain and improve mobility.
Acupuncture can support these goals through anti-inflammatory, analgesic and regulatory effects, especially when combined with weight control, nutrition, appropriate supplements and conventional medication when needed.
Epilepsy in dogs and cats: acupuncture support
Epilepsy in dogs and cats may be supported with acupuncture as part of a broader therapeutic plan. A seizure is an abnormal electrical discharge in a population of neurons in the brain, causing a group of symptoms. When seizures are repeated at variable intervals, we talk about epilepsy.
Causes of seizures
Before treating epilepsy, it is important to rule out metabolic, toxic, infectious, inflammatory, traumatic or structural causes. Diagnosis should always be guided by a veterinarian.
Traditional Chinese Medicine diagnosis
From a Traditional Chinese Medicine perspective, the pattern behind the seizures is assessed and the acupuncture points are selected according to that pattern and the animal's symptoms.
Treatment with acupuncture
The objective is to support regulation, reduce imbalance and help the animal's overall stability. It should not replace medication when medication is necessary.
Which acupuncture points are used?
The chosen acupuncture points depend on the diagnosis. Usually, we select points that treat the pattern causing the disease, points that address the symptoms the dog or cat is showing, and stabilising points that help harmonise the full treatment.
Combination with other therapies
Acupuncture often works best as part of a complete plan. It can be combined with conventional veterinary care, orthomolecular medicine, natural supplements, homeopathy, mushroom therapy and nutritional changes depending on the case.
Nutritional measures that can help
Nutrition is especially important in chronic inflammatory problems, joint disease, digestive disease, obesity and senior animals. A fresh, personalised diet can support tissue repair, reduce unnecessary inflammatory load and improve body condition.
Acupuncture for urinary incontinence in female dogs
Urinary incontinence in spayed female dogs can have several causes. The first step is always to determine the diagnosis and rule out urinary infection, bladder disease, neurological issues or other medical causes.
In some cases, incontinence appears after sterilisation. Acupuncture can be considered as part of the treatment plan, especially when the objective is to support bladder control and improve quality of life.
Other therapies that can help
Depending on the case, nutritional adjustments, supplements, conventional medication and other natural therapies may be combined. The plan should be individualised.
Dietary recommendations
For spayed female dogs with urinary incontinence, diet should support healthy weight, reduce inflammation and avoid foods or routines that worsen urinary symptoms.
Veterinary acupuncture in Barcelona
Gemma offers veterinary acupuncture for dogs and cats in Barcelona city. The service is available by appointment and can be especially useful for animals that are senior, painful, stressed by transport or more comfortable receiving treatment at home.
Home acupuncture for dogs
For dogs with arthritis, mobility problems, chronic pain, neurological support or quality-of-life care. The session is adapted to the dog's sensitivity and clinical situation.
Home acupuncture for cats
For cats that do not travel well or need a calm environment. Sessions are gentle and adapted to each cat's character and tolerance.
Common questions about veterinary acupuncture
Does acupuncture hurt?
The needles are very fine. Most animals tolerate them well, and many relax during the session.
How many sessions will my pet need?
It depends on the diagnosis, chronicity, age and response. A common starting point is weekly sessions for three or four weeks, then spacing them out.
Can acupuncture be combined with medication?
Yes. Acupuncture can often be combined with conventional treatment prescribed by your veterinarian.
Veterinary acupuncture testimonials
Many families contact Gemma looking for a more natural way to support older animals, chronic pain, mobility and quality of life.
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