Healing & Recovery Support
In traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture is often used as a way to enhance the healing process for pets by renewing the balance of energy throughout their body.
This ancient form of medicine is rooted in the philosophy that illness is caused by an imbalance of vital energies in the body. In modern terms, acupuncture is believed to help by improving blood flow, which boosts oxygenation in tissues.
At South Mesa Veterinary Hospital, we use veterinary acupuncture to help relieve discomfort and supplement conventional medical therapies to help restore your pet's health and vitality.
The Acupuncture Technique
Acupuncture involves gently inserting ultra-thin needles at precise points on the pet's body.
These points, or meridians, as they are sometimes called, are where blood vessels converge with nerves. The needles help guide vital energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation while boosting the body's healing abilities. Dr. Kelsey Mooney performs veterinary acupuncture at our Fort Collins animal hospital.
Common Acupuncture Uses
Our vets often recommend the use of acupuncture or other types of Chinese medicine for a number of issues, including:
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Dermatology & Skin Issues
Acupuncture treatment can be used to help encourage increased circulation, which can be useful in the treatment of hot spots, granulomas and allergic dermatitis. It can also improve healing and reduce pain, leading to less itching and subsequent over-grooming.
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Gastrointestinal Issues
Acupuncture may stimulate digestive secretions, which helps to promote healthy digestive activity. GI issues such as diarrhea or nausea may benefit from increased blood flow.
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Musculoskeletal Issues
Acupuncture can often be used for injury rehabilitation. Conditions including arthritis, nerve injuries and hip dysplasia often respond well to acupuncture treatment.
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Pain Management
Medical treatments such as chemotherapy can be very uncomfortable for your beloved pet. Acupuncture treatment can be used to relieve some discomfort, helping your cat or dog to fight their illness.
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Respiratory Issues
The immune-calming and anti-inflammatory capabilities of acupuncture have been shown to help improve asthma, allergies and other conditions.
The Benefits
Acupuncture for pets provides a number of benefits, including:
- Pets in poor health will benefit from the lack of systemic side effects
- Lowers the amount of waste products produced
- Helps relax muscles and relieve pain
- Improves metabolic waste removal from the body
- Promotes an increased blood flow which boosts oxygen in tissues