Integrated Veterinary Specialist

Q and A on Medical Acupuncture
Q. Is It Safe?
Dr. Jim: Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment available when administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Because acupuncture balances the body's own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, it is rare for complications to develop. Sometimes, an animals condition may seem worse or drowsiness or lethargy or perhaps hyperactivity may occur for up to 72 hours after treatment. These effects are an indication that physiological changes are developing and are most often followed by improvement. To help guide further treatments, the owner should make note of any changes in the animals attitude, gait.

Q: How do you define Acupuncture?

Dr. Jim: Acupuncture is one of several techniques that can be used to activate the nervous system. It was designed initially without the knowledge of the nervous system. Investigators now feel that the nervous system is invariably the common denominator. The same is true of chiropractic. When we do either of these two techniques we are creating a situation where the nervous system is receiving an input; the nervous system then responds by sending an output that affects the body in a predictable in fashion. Because of our knowledge of neurophysiology and the centuries of trial and error techniques used by the Chinese to evolve their system, acupuncture can be used to treat many diseases using the nervous system as the big mediator



Q: How do you define input and output?

Dr. Jim: When you put a needle in a specific acupuncture point, an electrical charge is transmitted to the spinal cord. The nerves that go into the spinal cord transmit sensory and proprioceptive information to the spinal cord, thereby inputting information. They then connect with nerves that travel from the spinal cord that go to the muscles, tissues and organs. This is an output. It has an effect at that level of the spine on the muscles in that region of the spine as well as the other tissues and organs that are innervated by the nerves from that spinal segment.

Q:How do acupuncture and chiropractic work together?
Dr. Jim: Acupuncture and chiropractic are both methods of moving and balancing nerve function within the animal. As the spinal cord is the common denominator for both, the two work well in conjunction for superficial and deep problems  Acupuncture and chiropractic work well together to help the animal move properly and align the spine, enhancing the animals wellness.


Q: How many visits will an animal usually need for an observable change in the animal’s condition?
Dr. Jim: It depends on the condition for which the animal is being treated. For example, with musculoskeletal problems I will do an adjustment and an acupuncture treatment and generally see the animal one week later. I would say 75% of the people see an improvement of 50% or greater with one treatment. Animals are pure beings and have no preconceived notions regarding these treatments. They demonstrate improvement to their owners. There is also an accumulative effect. I will gradually increase the interval between treatments and will eventually see these animals once every two or three months.