Did you know that Southfork Animal Hospital offers acupuncture to pets in Lakeville, MN and beyond? Typically, we diagnose and treat the specific disease conditions of pets using modern science and other Western medicine philosophies. But, what if we could integrate different, more holistic, approaches to help improve your pet’s health and well-being? Acupuncture is the practice of placing extremely small needles into various areas of the body.
Medical acupuncture is taught and practiced using a neuroanatomical approach to treatment. Acupuncture works because the specific points being used are stimulating underlying nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics, muscles, etc. Medical acupuncture is not related to “energy” or “stagnant chi.” The focus is on the structures affected by a disease of illness (arthritis of the knee or gastrointestinal motility disorders for example) and what nerves supply these areas or can be influenced by stimulation elsewhere in the body.
The benefits of veterinary acupuncture
Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with other therapies to treat a variety of medical conditions, including:
- Nausea, decreased appetite, and other gastrointestinal problems caused by metabolic diseases and cancers
- Pain and inflammation due to degenerative joint disease, traumatic injuries, or intervertebral disc disease
- Skin conditions
- Respiratory problems associated with feline asthma
Pets who undergo acupuncture may experience:
- Decreased inflammation
- Improved circulation
- Pain relief due to a release of hormones
- Relief of muscle spasms
- Nerve stimulation
What do I need to do to prepare for my pet’s consultation?
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If we do not already have your pet’s medical records, labwork, radiographs, etc. please fax those to us before your appointment.
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List of all medications and supplements including doses, response to these medications, etc.
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Information on food type, amount fed, treats given.
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Overview of other pertinent information regarding your pet’s health history.
An initial consultation with Dr. Lentz is scheduled for 60 minutes and will include an examination, medical history review, discuss whether acupuncture is appropriate for the patient and the initial treatment (if indicated). Follow-up treatments are scheduled for 40 minutes.
A “typical” treatment schedule is 1-2 treatments per week for 2-4 weeks then will depend upon the pet’s response to treatment. Treatment frequency and the number will depend upon the patient’s condition, the severity of dysfunction, length of time pet has been affected and response to treatment. Each treatment schedule is tailored to the individual patient and their needs.
Have questions? Please do not hesitate to contact us! We’re here to help.
