Acupuncture is known to have good therapeutic effect in a wide variety of animal diseases. Pain modification is an important application of veterinary acupuncture, but there are much wider applications. Examples of clinical conditions where veterinary acupuncture may be used are: Gastrointestinal disorders- gastritis, enteritis, colitis, vomiting, rectal prolapse, megacolon; Respiratory problems- rhinitis, asthma, chronic cough, epistaxis; Neurological disorders- epilepsy, deafness, chronic pain, pinched nerves; Urinary disorders- incontinence, cystitis; Musculoskeletal disorders- chronic degenerative joint disease, disc disease, hip dysplasia, tendonitis, muscle spasms; and Dermatological problems- chronic skin disease, lick granulomas, allergic dermatitis. These are just a sampling of how acupuncture can benefit veterinary patients.

Like humans, animals also experience artritis and acupuncture can be a great treatment option.

Taylor is a Labrador Retriever who just celebrated her 14^th birthday! She is a two time cancer survivor and had both cruciates repaired.

We met Dr. Levy seven years ago when Taylor could not walk. She could barely stand up. Our regular veterinarian, Dr. Tracie Glicker, suggested we see Dr. Levy and try acupuncture. The arthritis was very bad but Dr. Levy felt that Taylor was a good candidate and that maybe he could relieve some of her pain. Well, after three visits we saw improvement! It was absolutely amazing. She was back to swimming and getting up on the couch!. Taylor sees Dr. Levy every other week. The pet cannot tell you if the treatment is helping, but you can SEE the results and the dog’s excitement when they go for the treatment. Taylor is so happy when she gets to Dr. Levy’s office she can barely contain herself! Now at 14 she has slowed down a bit, Taylor still enjoys a brief swim and a slow trot around the yard with the youngsters.

Taylor absolutely loves going to see Dr. Levy. After her treatment she gets a massage and then best of all- cookies!! Phyllis, Dr. Levy’s office manager, even sneaks her some extras!

Our other Labs, Madison, Marti, and Cooper have been under the expert care of Dr. Levy and also received acupuncture treatments. Dr. Levy and his wonderful staff are like family. We will be forever grateful for all they have done for Taylor.

Jeanette and Jim Scott

Related Articles:

• K-State veterinarian uses acupuncture to treat array of animal ills
• Canine Arthritis
• Alternative Medicine for Pets: Treatments That Work

Chinese Herbal Medicine has a long history, with Chinese medical texts dating back to 200 AD. There are hundreds of herbal formulas, many of which are still in use today. Herbs can be used to support the body in many ways. They can be used to supplement acupuncture and conventional medicines in the treatment of acute disease, or as long-term, “tonic” formulas to help strengthen an aging patient. Poor digestion, chronic infections, arthritis, and asthma are only a few of the many disorders that respond to herbal medicine. They can also be used as adjunctive therapy for pets that are undergoing chemotherapy. Chinese herbs are natural potent medicine, which must be used appropriately. This makes the selection of the correct herbs for your individual pet vitally important.