Acupuncture

Acupuncture is the use of extremely thin needles to stimulate specific points on the body and has long been one of the most common types of holistic medicine for pets and humans alike. Used for millennia, the treatment is said to alter various biochemical and physiological conditions and help the body heal itself. Acupuncture points contain nerve bundles, clusters of blood vessels and increased numbers of mast cells that release histamine and other chemicals including the body's natural pain killers when stimulated.

At Animotion Animal Rehabilitation Center, Doctors Suzanne Sutton and Kimberly Dinan treat certain cases of arthritis, hip dysplasia, seizure disorders, sprains, keratoconjunctivitis sicca ("dry eye"), lick granulomas, neurological conditions, chronic digestive disorders (such as irritable bowel disorder, diarrhea, and constipation), spinal cord disorders and more with acupuncture. Before treatment the doctor will conduct a thorough examination. This examination often involves an in-depth history of environmental and emotional situations that may be affecting your pet's condition, as well as palpation of certain acupuncture points. Although acupuncture does not replace the use of traditional treatments, it does complement them.

Treatments themselves last anywhere from 10 seconds to 30 minutes, depending on the condition treated and the specific method used. Pets are typically treated once weekly for four to six weeks, but this can vary based on the individual pet's response to the treatment.