Fargo Moorhead Area Pet Acupuncture
Dr. Darin Peterson and Assistant Dena are performing an Acupuncture session on a patient at Casselton Veterinary Service.
What is Veterinary Acupuncture & how long has it been around?
Acupuncture is the insertion of needles in acupressure points on the body to help stimulate a healing response. Acupuncture can help to block pain and reset muscles. This also will help improve function and balance. Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points of the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for thousands of years to treat many ailments. The Chinese also use acupuncture as preventative medicine. Acupuncture is used all around the world, either along with or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of conditions in every species of animal. Clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of both animals and humans, and the use of acupuncture is increasing. Acupuncture will not cure every condition, but it can work very well when it is indicated.
What Conditions is Pet Acupuncture Used For?
Acupuncture may help with functional problems such as noninfectious inflammation like allergies, paralysis, and pain. For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:
– Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, intervertebral disk disease, or traumatic nerve injury
– Respiratory problems, such as feline asthma
– Skin problems such as lick granulomas and allergic dermatitis
– Gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea
– Selected reproductive problems
Is Acupuncture Safe for Pets?
Acupuncture is a safe form of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist. An animal’s condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals become lethargic or sleepy for 24 hours. These effects are an indication that some physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by an improvement in the animal’s condition.
What is the next step?
Casselton Veterinary Service has two on-staff members of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncturists (AAVA) and American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (AVCA) to serve your pet & chiropractic needs. Call now to set up an appointment at 701-347-5496 or BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT ONLINE.