Acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used as part of your pet’s treatment plan, and can be beneficial for senior pets and other pets with osteoarthritis or chronic pain.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture can be used alongside conventional veterinary treatment to help manage chronic pain, particularly in senior pets and those with osteoarthritis.
It involves placing fine needles at specific points to stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving substances, such as endorphins.
It is performed by qualified veterinary surgeons and is generally safe and well-tolerated, often promoting relaxation.
Acupuncture can help manage a wide range of conditions in dogs and cats, particularly those involving chronic (long-term) pain and mobility issues.
It is commonly used for osteoarthritis, joint diseases (including hip and elbow dysplasia), non-surgical back pain/ intervertebral disc disease, cruciate ligament injuries, and post-surgical rehabilitation.
Acupuncture may be a good option for senior pets, animals that cannot tolerate pain medications well, and those receiving palliative care, as it can improve comfort, which in turn may improve appetite, mobility and overall well-being.
Initial consultations last around one hour, with follow-up sessions tailored to your pet’s response.
Benefits of acupuncture
Acupuncture is thought to be beneficial in the treatment of:
- Osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal conditions.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia.
- Rehabilitation following surgery.
- Back pain and intervertebral disc disease.
In our experience, they can also be beneficial as part of the management of:
- Some types of nerve damage.
- Chronic kidney disease and constipation in cats.
- Chronic pain, for senior support and palliative care.
- Incontinence and urinary retention.
Is acupuncture safe?
A course of acupuncture should always follow an accurate diagnosis and discussion of available treatment options.
Acupuncture is very safe when practiced correctly and can only be performed on animals in the UK by a qualified veterinary surgeon.
Most animals tolerate the treatment well, and it tends to produce relaxation.
In most cases, acupuncture is used alongside conventional medical treatment.
Many pets, especially as they age, can benefit from the additional benefits acupuncture provides.
As with any treatment, a small percentage of animals will not respond to acupuncture. You can find more information on the potential benefits of acupuncture.
How long does it take, and how many sessions will my pet need?
An initial acupuncture consultation will last approximately one hour, and follow-up treatments are 45 minutes. Acupuncture needles are in place for five to 20 minutes each session.
Further sessions, one to two weeks apart, are arranged according to an animal’s response to treatment.
In acute disease or injury, two to three treatments will often be sufficient. In long-standing conditions and for older animals, a longer course of four to six treatments is usually needed, followed by less frequent maintenance treatments.
As acupuncture is now recognised as a treatment for many conditions, the majority of pet insurance policies will cover the cost. Check your policy or contact your insurer for more information.
Meet Emma
Emma Styles is an independent visiting veterinary surgeon and acupuncturist who is happy to see dog, cat and rabbit patients at our Woodingdean Branch.
Emma has been a practising veterinary surgeon since 1990 and has been certified with the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) since 2002.
She is a member of both IVAS and the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (ABVA), which promote the teaching and practice of veterinary acupuncture in the UK.
Acupuncture works by inserting fine needles into points just under the skin or in muscles. It has been used for over 2000 years to treat disease and promote wellbeing in people, and is thought to be particularly helpful for chronic pain management.
Emma uses acupuncture, acupressure and electroacupuncture, and can develop a bespoke treatment plan tailored to the individual needs of each patient.
Contact our team
If you are a referring veterinary surgeon, please use the online form below to request a referral.
Please note that this form is for veterinary professionals only. If you are a pet owner, please speak to your usual vet to discuss a referral or contact us on 01273 692257.