Healing Pets with Dog and Cat Acupuncture in Hingham, MA

Oral medications are not the only solution to painful, life-limiting conditions in pets. At Old Derby Animal Hospital, we proudly offer dog and cat acupuncture in Hingham, MA, an alternative therapy derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Acupuncture has been used successfully for thousands of years to treat humans. Today, it has also proven useful for treating dogs, cats, and other small animals with muscle pain, nervous system disorders, and more. If you’re interested in an alternative for your pet, acupuncture could be the next step in their treatment. Is your pet a candidate for acupuncture? Let’s find out. Contact us today.

Overview

At a glance, acupuncture therapy may seem like an unnecessary way to spoil your pets. However, according to the American Animal Hospital Association, there are proven positive effects that can enhance your pet’s quality of life. Acupuncture is a pain-free form of treatment that involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to stimulate healing. This treatment should be considered if your pet is suffering from conditions causing pain and inflammation.

Why would my pet need acupuncture therapy?

Acupuncture therapy can help in treating, and potentially diagnosing, a variety of ailments and diseases. This relaxing treatment for your pet improves tissue blood flow, oxygenation and removes metabolic waste and toxins. Additionally, acupuncture therapy lacks many of the negative side effects that prescription medication has on your pet’s internal organs. This means that it can be safely used alongside other mediums of treating pet illness.

When is acupuncture therapy appropriate?

Veterinary acupuncture can be incredibly useful in treating a variety of conditions, particularly those that involve inflammation and pain. This treatment should be considered if your pet is suffering from pain or inflammation caused by: arthritis, cancer, metabolic disease, traumatic nerve injury, degenerative joint disease, asthma, and many other conditions. Please contact us to determine if acupuncture therapy is the right choice for your pet.

How does acupuncture therapy work?

Veterinary acupuncture has been used for decades on both exotic and domestic animals as a type of therapy treatment. It stimulates specific points of the body that alter various physiological and biochemical conditions, and assist in the body’s effort to heal itself. Acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and cause the release of hormones.

It is important to note that acupuncture does not necessarily cure conditions—it restores energy flow, aiding in improved or cured health conditions. It can be used alone or in combination with other medications recommended.

Dr. Kathryn Gorski is our certified veterinary acupuncturist. With her skill and experience, she can tailor your pet’s treatment to suit them for the best possible outcome. During treatment, she places very fine needles at specific “acupoints” on the body (typically where muscle, blood vessels, and nerve bundles converge).

When these needles are placed, they stimulate the release of endorphins and other hormones which help to relieve pain and boost healing. Placement of the acupuncture needles should not cause your pet any pain; on the contrary, it may actually calm them!

Acupuncture Protocol

Acupuncture uses extremely thin needles that cause minimal to no pain, and because of that, are generally well-tolerated by pets. However, incorrect placement of the needle or inadequate sterilization can result in pain or complications.

Duration of treatment can vary depending on the condition of your pet, as well as the number of treatments needed. Chronic conditions may take a few treatments for a positive response to be seen. After optimum responses are achieved, treatments may taper off.

With advanced equipment and progressive methodology, we are committed to providing the best possible acupuncture pet care for your furry friend. Every test, decision, and treatment is customized to the specific needs of your cat, dog, or other animals so that they can manage their condition or recovery and live out their happy, healthy life.

What are the Main Benefits of Veterinary Acupuncture?

When used together with other therapies (such as medication and laser therapy), acupuncture treatment can benefit pets in many positive ways, including:

• Reducing inflammation

• Relieving pain

• Relieving muscle spasms and joint stiffness

• Improving circulation

• Stimulating the nerves

• Reducing nausea and increasing appetite

What We Can Treat with Acupuncture for Dogs and Cats

Pet acupuncture is a versatile tool that can help pets with all kinds of health issues, such as:

• Disorders of the nervous system

• Neurological issues

• Gastrointestinal issues caused by metabolic disorders or cancer

• Muscle pain/spasms

• Arthritis

• Degenerative joint disease

• Intervertebral disc disease

• Traumatic injuries

• Skin disorders

• Respiratory issues

• ...and more