What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on an animal's body, known as acupuncture points, to promote healing and improve overall health.
How does acupuncture work?
Acupuncture involves stimulating sensory nerves under the skin and in the muscles. This results in the body producing and releasing chemicals, such as pain-relieving endorphins, into the muscles, spinal cord, and brain. These biochemical changes may stimulate the body's natural healing abilities and promote physical and emotional well-being.
Veterinary acupuncture can be a beneficial treatment option for a wide range of animals, including dogs, cats, and even smaller animals like rabbits and guinea pigs.
Veterinary acupuncture can help with:
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Veterinary acupuncture can be a helpful tool for managing chronic pain in animals, such as those with arthritis or spinal injuries.
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Acupuncture can be used to improve mobility and range of motion in animals with musculoskeletal issues, such as hip dysplasia, ACL injuries, or muscle strains.
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Spinal injuries, seizures, and degenerative neurological diseases such as Degenerative Myelopathy or Wobbler's Syndrome.
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By reducing inflammation and promoting blood flow, acupuncture can help improve an animal’s range of motion and overall mobility.
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Acupuncture can be used to stimulate the digestive system and improve gastrointestinal function in animals with conditions such as constipation, diarrhea, and irritable bowel syndrome.
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Acupuncture can be used to improve respiratory function in animals with conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Acupuncture can be used to reduce stress and anxiety in animals, which can be beneficial for pets with behavioral issues or nervousness.
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Acupuncture can help boost the immune system, which can be beneficial for animals with chronic illnesses or those recovering from surgery or other medical procedures.
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Such as Chronic Kidney Disease, Cushing's, Pancreatitis, Thyroid disease, and heart disease.
Testimonials
“Kendrick, my 4 year old Great Dane started acupuncture after being diagnosed with cervical myelopathy. Kendrick would have episodes of neck pain and lameness. He also has chronic allergies, and chronic Gastrointestinal problems. After the first couple of sessions, I could tell that he was less painful, moving around better, and had more energy but I never expected all of the wonderful things it would change for him.
Kendrick is a nervous boy and is very limited on treats that he can have. Dr. Steffen always makes sure Kendrick is relaxed, comfortable, and has hypoallergenic treats. I was nervous at first because Kendrick does not like to be still for very long and hates needles. Dr. Steffen does a wonderful job with him and after the first couple relaxation points are in he is visibly more relaxed and he now actually enjoys the acupuncture.
Now that he has been getting acupuncture and taking the recommended supplements for a few months he has only had one flare up of pain and lameness, he has a consistent and hearty appetite, and plays like he is a puppy.”
-Brittany Davidson
“Patrick "Paddy" Zimmermann 9-year-old MN terrier mix.
We tried acupuncture after seeing an increase in seizure activity and wanted to try other options before adding more medications.
We have seen a decrease in seizure activity by half, which is amazing - going from once weekly to every 10-14 days
The way Dr. Steffen approaches her patients and handles them is wonderful. Her energy is very calming and she is extremely adept in this new path she has chosen. I am so happy to have her as a colleague and care provider for my fur kids.
We added in Gabapentin which I have wanted to do for a while which may also be contributing to his seizure decrease.”
-Shawn Zimmerman