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Common Questions About...
Acupuncture: (from IVAS & written by Richard Panzer, DVM, MS.)
Q: What is acupuncture?
 Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points on the body to cause a desired healing effect. This technique has been used in veterinary practice in China for at least 3000 years to treat many ailments. The Chinese also use acupuncture as preventative medicine against such problems as founder and colic in horses. Acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of maladies in every species of domestic and exotic animals Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage and low power lasers to stimulate acupuncture points. Acupuncture is not a cure all, but can work well when it is indicated.
Q: For which conditions is acupuncture indicated?
Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (such as allergies), and pain. Regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sport injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant to injury. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavor, acupuncture can help keep them in top physical condition.
Q: How does acupuncture work?
According to ancient Chinese medical philosphy, disease is the result of an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy and, therby, assist the body to heal disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes. For example, acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm,and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body's pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid).
Q: Is acupuncture painful?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy.
Q: Is acupuncture safe for animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms 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 animals condition may seem worse for up to 48 hours after a treatment. Other animals become sleepy or lethargic for 24 hours after acupuncture. 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.
Q: How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they given?
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition of the patient and the method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary acupuncturist. Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as little as 10 seconds or as much as 30 minutes. A simple acute problem, such as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic ailments may need several or several dozen treatments.
When mulitple treatments are necessary, they ususally begin intensively and are tapered to maximum efficiency. Patients often start with 1-3 treatments per week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen after the first to third treatment. Once a maximum positive resonse is achieved (usually 4-8 treatments), treatments are tapered off so that the greatest amount of symptom free time elapes between them. Many animals with chronic conditions can taper off to 2-4 treatments per year.
Q: How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
There are two important criteria youshould look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:
1. Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian
2. Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the practice of acupuncture for animals.
Pulsed Signal Therapy:
( From Pulsed Signal Therapy Technology)
Q: What happens when my pet receives PST-Vet treatment?
Your pet will receive nine, consecutive,30 minute treatments. Treatments are administered daily and can be given as frequently as 8 hours apart. It is very important that treatments be given consecutively. After four or five treatments you can skip for a period of no more than 48 hours, then treatments must resume. The joint or body area is positioned in the Pulsed Signal Therapy device, which emits the pulsed signal. Pulsed signalt herapy is administered under the supervision of a trained Veterinarian, with the goal to reach short and long term reduction of pain while improving the pet's quality of life.
Q: What should I expect after my pet receives the PST-Vet treatment?
The process of rebuilding the boneand cartilage takes some time. Although many veterinarians and pet owners report immediate results, you should expect to see a continuing improvement in the degree of your pet's pain and stiffness over a periodof 8-16 weeks post treatment.
Q: Will my pet need to be retreated with PST-Vet?
Some pets may never need to be treated again for the rest of their lives, while others may need retreatment over a period of six months to two or three years.
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