What to Expect During an At-Home Veterinary Acupuncture Session

When it comes to your pet's health, the comfort and convenience of at-home veterinary care can make a significant difference. At CompassionVet, our mobile veterinary service offers specialized acupuncture treatments right at your doorstep. This blog post will guide you through what to expect during an at-home veterinary acupuncture session, highlight the effectiveness of acupuncture for pets, and discuss the various conditions it can treat.

What is Veterinary Acupuncture?

Acupuncture has been around and has been improving the lives of people and animals for thousands of years! Veterinary acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on your pet's body to stimulate healing and alleviate pain. Research has shown that these points are in areas of a high density of free nerve endings, lymphatic vessels, small blood vessels, and blood cells. By stimulating these special points, feel good chemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, mesenchymal stem cells, and neurotransmitters are released to stimulate healing and pain relief. In addition to using the needles, Dr. O’Brien is trained in other modalities including electro-acupuncture where a gentle current is passed through the needles to stimulate further release of endorphins (feel good chemicals), aqua-acupuncture where medicine is injected at certain acupuncture points, and pneumoacupuncture where air is injected at acupoint.

The At-Home Acupuncture Experience

1. Initial Consultation:

Before starting the acupuncture treatment, Dr. Julie O’Brien will conduct a thorough assessment of your pet’s health. This includes discussing your pet's medical history, current symptoms, and any specific concerns you might have. This initial consultation helps tailor the acupuncture session to your pet’s individual needs. Dr. O’Brien will perform a physical exam on your pet, as well as a Traditional Chinese Medicine Exam to determine which acupuncture points will help your pet’s condition.

2. Setting Up:

During the at-home visit, Dr. O’Brien will set up a comfortable space for the acupuncture session. This area will be calm and quiet to ensure that your pet remains relaxed throughout the treatment. We aim to create an environment that minimizes stress for your furry friend. Your pet is welcome to lay down, sit, or stand during treatment - we will work around them for their comfort! Dr. O’Brien also brings treats to help keep your pet happy!

3. Acupuncture Procedure:

Once your pet is settled, Dr. O’Brien will gently insert acupuncture needles into specific points on your pet’s body. The needles are extremely fine and typically do not cause pain. The insertion points are chosen based on your pet's specific condition and overall health. Most pets tolerate the procedure well and may even relax or fall asleep during the session! She may use a machine to perform electo-acupuncture, or may give an injection of fluid or air into specific points depending on your pet’s condition.

You may see a De-Qi response

The De-Qi response, or "arrival of Qi," is the key reaction indicating effective acupuncture treatment. For pets, this might show as a spasm, your pet looking at the needle, slight twitching, or changes in breathing, signaling that the acupuncture points are being properly stimulated and engaged. This response is crucial for achieving therapeutic benefits like pain relief and improved well-being.

It’s okay if needles fall out during the session

If your pet accidentally removes an acupuncture needle during a session, it's usually not a major issue. Dr. O’Brien may quickly and safely reinsert it or adjust the treatment plan as needed to ensure your pet still receives the full benefit of the acupuncture session. Sometimes the needles falling out on their own indicates that the acupoint does not need any further stimulation!

4. Duration and Follow-Up:

An acupuncture session typically lasts between 20 to 50 minutes. During this time, Dr. O’Brien will monitor your pet’s response to the treatment. After the session, you’ll receive advice on follow-up care and how to continue supporting your pet’s health at home.

Expect your first appointment to take 60 to 120 minutes, and follow up appointments to take 30 to 60 minutes.

Effectiveness of Acupuncture for Pets

Acupuncture has been shown to be highly effective in managing various conditions in pets. Here are some key statistics and benefits:

Pain Management: Research indicates that acupuncture can reduce pain in pets by up to 70%. This is particularly beneficial for pets suffering from chronic pain conditions like arthritis or hip dysplasia, but can also be used for other painful conditions such as cancer associated pain.

Improved Mobility: Studies have shown that pets receiving acupuncture treatments often experience improved mobility and overall function, especially in cases of musculoskeletal issues.

Enhanced Quality of Life: A survey conducted by the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association found that 85% of pets undergoing acupuncture experienced an improvement in their quality of life, including better appetite, energy levels, and mood.

Conditions Treated with Acupuncture

Acupuncture can be highly effective in treating a range of conditions, including:

Chronic Pain: Conditions such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease can be managed effectively with acupuncture.

Neurological Disorders: Acupuncture can help with conditions like seizures and spinal cord injuries by promoting nerve function and reducing inflammation.

Digestive Issues: For pets with gastrointestinal problems, acupuncture can help alleviate symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cancers: For pets who have been diagnosed with cancer, acupuncture can improve their quantity and quality of life. With additional therapies such as herbal therapy, some pets may even heal from their cancers!

Chronic Disease: Acupuncture is so powerful, that it can be used to help increase the quality of life for pets with conditions such as thyroid disease, Diabetes, and Cushing’s Disease!

Organ Failure: By stimulating certain acupuncture points, we can see improved function of internal organs including the liver, kidneys, and other organs! We can also address any illness or discomfort your pet is feeling secondary to organ failure.

Skin Conditions: Acupuncture can be used in addition to other therapies to treat skin allergies and chronic infections by boosting the immune system and reducing inflammation.

Behavioral Issues: Some behavioral problems, such as anxiety and stress, can be addressed with acupuncture by promoting relaxation and balance.

Conclusion

At CompassionVet, we are committed to providing top-notch care through our mobile veterinary acupuncture service. Our goal is to improve your pet’s quality of life and well-being through compassionate, effective treatments in the comfort of your home.

If you’re considering acupuncture for your pet, or if you have any questions about our at-home veterinary services, don’t hesitate to reach out. To schedule an appointment or learn more about how acupuncture can benefit your pet, visit our website at MyCompassionVet.com to fill out our New Patient Form

Feel free to contact us for more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. O’Brien. Your pet’s health and comfort are our top priorities and we are so excited to help your pet feel their best!