Veterinary Acupuncture 
*Sept 2011 - our acupuncture clinics will be back soon, watch this space...*
Our acupuncture clinics are run by our vets who have been trained by the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncturists (
ABVA). If you are interested in acupuncture for your pet, please contact us via any of our surgeries and we will be pleased to talk it through with you.
We also accept referrals for acupuncture from other vets in the region, so if you are registered with another practice they can refer you to us just for a course of acupuncture, and you stay registered with your original vet. Download a referral form
here. Again, we will be happy to talk through any questions you may have.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture is a form of treatment based on placing fine needles into specific points on the body for treatment of a range of disease and disorders. It is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine, but a Western scientific approach has now been adopted. It has been used by the Chinese and many other Eastern cultures for thousands of years.
How does it work?
The traditional Chinese medical approach involves the balancing the forces of Yin and Yang by stimulating specific acupuncture point on the body along the lines of meridians. This approach has links to Western science as these points are often located over nerve ending and the balance of Yin and Yang somewhat relates to the sympathetic and para-sympathetic nervous systems that govern our bodies. The Western interpretation of the mechanisms of acupuncture is still being researched, and in fact the mechanisms of pain and inflammation are not fully understood by scientists. However, it has been shown that acupuncture stimulates a range of neurotransmitters (chemicals that stimulate or inhibit nerves such as endorphins) and the mechanism of causing a small point of nerve stimulation reduces the brain's perception of pain elsewhere. Acupuncture, like many treatments and medications, is not completely understood but the beneficial effects are obvious to treat a range of conditions.
What can it be used for?
Acupuncture is mainly used to treat diseases causing pain and inflammation. It is very important that a diagnosis of the problem has been made before acupuncture is attempted to ensure it is suitable. Here is a brief, but not exclusive, list of conditions acupuncture has been successful in treating:
ü Arthritis
ü Back pain
ü Hip dysplasia
ü Strains and sprains
ü Behaviour related skin conditions
ü Inflammatory gastro-intestinal disease
If your pet has one of these conditions, or you would like to know if another condition may be suitable for treatment please contact us and speak to Laura.
Is it safe? What are the side effects?
The risks with acupuncture are very low, and with the first treatment the most common side effect is falling asleep or a slight worsening of clinical signs due to your pet over-responding to treatment. An over-response usually resolves quickly by the following treatment and is an indicator your pet is a strong responder and suitable for further less intensive and less frequent therapy. Needles are all single use and packaged sterile so the risks of infection are minimal. The needles themselves are very fine (much finer than vaccination needles) and most animals do not notice them being placed.
Will it work?
The effects of acupuncture vary from animal to animal with some being strong responders and some weaker. It will take a course of initial treatment to assess the effect on your pet as most animals do not respond fully with the first treatment. Due to this we will recommend your pet stays on his/her current treatment until the effect can be assessed. Most pets will be able to reduce the dose of their medication, attend the vet less frequently and enjoy improved quality of life with successful treatment. Some pets discontinue medication entirely.
How do I make an appointment?
If you think your pet may be suitable please contact the practice and our Veterinary Acupuncturist. She will advise you on a treatment regime. Appointments are usually at 3pm weekdays but we will try to be accommodating if you have a hectic schedule! The initial appointment lasts approximately 40mins to allow for a full exam and assessment. Follow up appointments last approximately 25-30mins and the frequency will depend on your pet's condition and response.
What will it cost?
Initial treatment session (40mins): £60 +VAT
Follow up treatment sessions (30mins): £40+VAT
Pet insurance will often cover the costs of acupuncture treatment - check the wording on your policy.
How do I find out more?
See the Association of British Acupuncture website:www.abva.co.uk or contact us for a chat!