At Northbay Animal Hospital, we see an average of four pets a week for acupuncture treatments. These are usually older dogs and cats that are having pain due to dysplasia or arthritis. Climbing stairs and taking extended walks becomes difficult for these animals and the restoration of normal activities is not only rewarding for them, but their owners as well. We see these patients restored to their daily activity and the owner's gratitude speaks for itself. Some cases have shown extraordinary results. One cat and two dogs came in paralyzed and all were able to begin walking after the first treatment.
Acupuncture treatments are done with small needles in combination with lasers and infrared LED lights. The pet sits or lies on the treatment table and a technician gently holds the animals head. Acupuncture points are kept to a minimum of 4 to 6 needles with laser and infrared LED lights applied to needles and supplementary acupuncture points.
These treatments are extremely well-tolerated in pets and they usually don’t even notice the needle insertion. The laser and infrared LED, in most cases, make the patients relaxed and sometimes even sleepy! The duration of the 10 minute treatments have proven to be within the limits of patience for even small and/or high-strung dogs and cats.
Initially, treatments are administered 2 times weekly for 5 weeks. Additional treatments depend upon the patients’ response and necessity. In some cases, pain medications can be reduced as well, as the veterinarian deems appropriate. Herbal medicines and laser treatments can support more frequent acupuncture also. A maintenance schedule between 1 and 4 monthly visits is then established.
Call 415-499-8387 to schedule acupuncture and/or laser therapy for your pet today!
-Gordon Cohen, LAC
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