ACUPUNCTURE THERAPY
We are now able to provide Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management Clinics
Our new Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management Clinics.
Our vet Esme Howells
has completed further training in Veterinary Acupuncture and Chronic Pain Management. She has now set up and is running bespoke clinics to help animals with a variety of acute or chronic conditions.
Trained by the Western Veterinary Acupuncture Group (WVAG), she is able to use a combination of traditional and electro-acupuncture treatments for a variety of problems.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is the placing of small thin needles into muscles in order to normalise function and encourage the body to produce more natural pain-relief.
It encourages healing, blood flow, pain relief, reduces anxiety, lowers blood pressure, reduces spasm and referred pain, it can improve function and has been shown to helps with modulation of some immune-related conditions.
What is the theory behind Acupuncture?
When you stub your toe on the side of the bed or bookcase etc, you have a shooting pain that goes to your brain and tells it to pay attention to the area that has been damaged. It tells your brain to move your body away from danger and to send all the healing factors to that injured area. This pain signal is transmitted by a type of nerve called a fast pain fibre.
Whilst all this is happening, you know that a few seconds later that horrible slow nauseating pain is going to occur that comes over you in a wave and all you can do is wait for it. This is transmitted by a C-fibre/ slow pain fibre. This fibre travels through the part of your brain and causes depression, emotional distress and suffering ( (the emotion centre/Limbic centre)
We use acupuncture to outcompete the C-fibre/slow pain fibre by getting the brain to release all the nice healing products that it did originally with the fast-fibre.
Whilst all this is happening, you know that a few seconds later that horrible slow nauseating pain is going to occur that comes over you in a wave and all you can do is wait for it. This is transmitted by a C-fibre/ slow pain fibre. This fibre travels through the part of your brain and causes depression, emotional distress and suffering ( (the emotion centre/Limbic centre)
We use acupuncture to outcompete the C-fibre/slow pain fibre by getting the brain to release all the nice healing products that it did originally with the fast-fibre.
How does it work?
Which types of condition can be treated with acupuncture?
Musculoskeletal Problems
- Osteoarthritis
- OCD
- Cruciate Disease
- Acute/Chronic Lameness
Neck/Back Problems
- Spondylosis/Spinal Arthritis
- Lumbosacral Disease
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
Bladder Problems
- Cystitis
- Urinary Incontinence
Skin Problems
- Skin Allergies
- Itchy Skin
- Lick Granulomas
- Eosinophilic Granulomas
- Over Grooming (in cats)
- Promote Wound Healing
- Ear Disease
Intestinal Tract
- Reduce Nausea
- Increase Appetite
- Megacolon
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Behaviour Problems
- Anxiety
- Psychological Over Grooming
- Compulsive Behaviour
In general any painful condition may respond to acupuncture, but it is very important to realise that this is as an adjunct to conventional medicine.
"We still may need mainstream drugs or interventions to help the condition your pet is suffering with. However, the acupuncture may help control symptoms, improve quality of life and improve pain relief or function."
Common Questions?
"What is the safety and side effects?"
Acupuncture is very
safe, when performed by a trained veterinary surgeon with a good knowledge of anatomy and who has received the appropriate advanced training. The brilliant thing about acupuncture is that there are next to no side-effects.
The acupuncture can have a sedatory effect on some patients, so they can be very sleepy (and relaxed!) Occasionally if they respond very well it can initially make them seem worse the day after treatment.
Pets with a low white blood cell count are not eligible for treatment.
Pets with a low white blood cell count are not eligible for treatment.
"How do the sessions work?"
An initial session is 30 minutes, we like to take a full history, work out where the pain is originating from and what is the best course of treatment.
We place a few needles- there is no “set dose”, this will be down to the clinicians discretion and judgement on your pets response to treatment .
Depending on the treatment, we usually suggest weekly treatments for 4-6 weeks and then increase interval between treatments, this very much depends on the condition treated and on the patient.
We work out a plan that involves tailing off the treatment so that the effect is maintained for as long as possible.
"Will it hurt my pet?"
Acupuncture needles stimulate the nerves in a process that helps to block pain, they do not cause the unpleasant feeling of pain.
In most cases pets find acupuncture very relaxing and do not feel the needles being placed. Sometimes they react to the sensation initially, but when they realise it is not painful, they relax and become sleepy.
Nearly animals can be treated without the need for any sedation!
"How will I know if my pet has responded?"
During the consult, we will set aims for what we want to have improved before the next session so that we have a way to gauge response. Some pets are initially a bit worse for a day or so, but then should be better than before after this.
Occasionally there is no response, this can be disheartening but it doesn't mean they wont respond, it may be that it will take longer to notice a small or subtle improvement. 80% of pets and humans are “responders”, which means there is a good chance there will be an improvement. We usually suggest a course of 4 treatments before we decide that acupuncture is not working for your pet. If we feel the therapy isn't working, then we may advise that we stop the treatments.
Usually there is a response within 3 days after treatment, the signs may return before the next treatment but there is a cumulative effect, so improvement should last a bit longer after each .
What does it cost?
Some insurance policies may cover some of the costs associated with Acupuncture. Please check your own policy for details.
How do I book an appointment?
Already registered?
Clients that are already registered with the practice, just need to give us a call on 01788 812650
and book in an appointment.
Please download and complete the Pain Questionnaire to bring with you to the appointment.
Please download and complete the Pain Questionnaire to bring with you to the appointment.
Not currently registered with us?
If you are registered at another practice but would like your pet to be referred see the Acupuncture clinic, we are more than happy to help you! All you have to do is:
- Please ask your own vet to fill in the consent form and ask them to send us your pet's medical history
- Download and complete the Pain Questionnaire
- Please complete the online Referral Request Form below
It is really helpful if you can bring a blanket or towel that your pet can use to associate with their acupuncture treatment. Ideally not one they would use all the time.
If your pet is easily aroused by other pets, it is sensible to check in at reception and then wait in the car or outside with them until the appointment time as we are aiming for a relaxing experience!
Any questions or queries, feel free to contact us!
If your pet is easily aroused by other pets, it is sensible to check in at reception and then wait in the car or outside with them until the appointment time as we are aiming for a relaxing experience!
Any questions or queries, feel free to contact us!
