What's Up Magazines

Pet Acupuncture
An Alternative Veterinary Therapy for Your Pet
By Conal Darcy

The small square room is empty aside from a bare counter, a park bench, and a fleece blanket on the ground-hardly the typical veterinary examination room. In the middle crouches Pam Stutterheim, holding up her 12-year-old golden retriever, Spalding, who is intent on sitting down. Over them stands Cindy Dahle, D.V.M., a 2-inch-long needle no thicker than a guitar string between her finger and thumb.

Nearly every 2 weeks for 6 years Spalding has come into Dr. Dahle's office for acupuncture treatment. For those not familiar with ancient Chinese medicine, it is the insertion of special needles into the body to treat a wide variety of ailments from musculoskeletal pain to skin diseases. The theory maintains that pain and illness are caused by the blockage or accumulation of the body's energy, or Qi. To restore the natural flow of Qi, acupuncture needles are inserted along specific points on the body's meridians, the channels of this energy.

More commonly performed on humans, acupuncture for pets is gaining a foothold among veterinarians as its beneficial effects become more apparent. Studies of acupuncture in humans have shown that it can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, and cause the emission of endorphins-the body's natural pain blockers. It is widely believed that the same effects can be achieved in animals.

Dr. Dahle became a vet in 1993 after studying veterinary medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. There she became interested in acupuncture and studied to receive her certification from the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS), a body that offers theoretical and practical training in this ancient method.

Her experience shows as Dr. Dahle begins the procedure. After a quick check of a spot with her thumb, she deftly twists the first of ten to fifteen needles into the dog's back, beginning at the base of the head. Within 2 minutes, every needle is in place, each one reaching to approximately 1 inch under the skin. "There are probably some 800 points on the body, [of] which any acupuncturist has a favourite hundred," says Dr. Dahle. Spalding remains still throughout the entire procedure, without the slightest hint of pain or discomfort.

Spalding is an old hand at this. In his heyday he was a star at the sport of dog agility, where competing animals are judged on their ability to work with their owners and make their way through an obstacle course. Throughout his life, however, he has suffered from disc disease in his back and pain in his shoulders and front legs. He received his first acupuncture treatment in 1999. According to Mrs. Stutterheim, it reduced his pain and improved his physical well-being.

Eighteen months ago Spalding was diagnosed with stomach cancer. His acupuncture treatment is now being used as a complement to chemotherapy. "Most importantly for him, we're boosting his immune system. This elbow point I just put in, and this point, are both specifically for that," explains Dr. Dahle, pointing to the last two needles. He was given only 3 months to live when diagnosed; the acupuncture treatment seems to be paying off for this dog.

As any pet owner would testify, vet care can be expensive, and acupuncture is no exception. A typical diagnostic session bills at approximately $70, with follow-up sessions costing around $40. Depending on the illness, multiple ongoing sessions may be required. For example, chronic arthritis, the problem most commonly treated with acupuncture, requires visits every few weeks as needed for pain. Less persistent problems can usually be resolved with only one or two sessions.

Soon after the first needle is inserted, Spalding is lying comfortably on the floor and looking a little drowsy. This is a common side effect, according to IVAS literature, and indicates physiological changes are taking effect. This organization asserts that acupuncture is safe for most any animal, and the only real danger is having it performed by a poorly trained individual. They advise any pet owner who is interested in such treatment to consult a properly trained veterinarian only, especially since some illnesses can be exacerbated by acupuncture.

After 30 minutes, the procedure is over. Each needle is removed with the same ease with which it was introduced and without a spot of blood. No sedation was needed as one may have expected; only the gentle coaxing of the owner, who is present the entire time. Spalding seems calmer and fitter.

"This is typical for most animals," says Dr. Dahle, but she warns that acupuncture is not a cure-all. A new patient needs to be evaluated and x-rayed before a decision is made. "It is a combination [of Eastern and Western medicine], and a very effective one," says Dr. Dahle, whose patient has regained energy and vigor as a result of his treatment.