Acupuncture has been used in humans and animals for over 3,000 years and is a good adjunctive therapy to western treatment plans. The American Veterinary Medical Associations considers veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary medicine and surgery.

A healthy body is said to be in "homeostasis" or "balance." Illness and injury can cause the body to become unbalanced. Acupuncture is a key therapy used to bring the body back into its proper homeostatic state and is known to affect all major physiological systems. It works primarily through the central nervous system affecting musculoskeletal, hormonal and cardiovascular systems. How it works depends on what condition one is treating and which points are utilized. Acupuncture increases circulation, causes a release of many neurochemicals, some of which are endorphins, the body's "natural pain-killing" hormones, relieves muscle spasms, stimulates nerves, stimulates the body's defense systems, as well as numerous other beneficial effects.

Musculoskeletal Disorders-Arthritis/DJD, hip dysplasia , intervertebral disc disease, post-op orthopedic surgery, soft tissue injuries, Gastrointestinal disorders- megacolon/constipation, IBD (inflammatory bowel disease), diarrhea, nausea/decreased appetite, Skin disorders- lick granulomas, chronic allergies, decrease wound healing time, Neurological Disorders- nerve injuries/paralysis, seizures Respiratory/Ocular Disorders- KCS/dry eye, asthma, Decreasing the dosage of a patient's medication that may have unwanted side effects...

Acupuncture should be considered for any condition that is decreasing the quality of life for your animal, and not responding to traditional western medicine.