What is Acupuncture and what can it do?
Acupuncture is one of a variety of therapies we use at our hospital. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body, usually by means of a very thin, flexible, sterile needle. Stimulation of an acupuncture point causes a complex cascade of body responses and the release of many neurochemicals and hormones into the bloodstream. Depending on the point stimulated, acupuncture can result in the release of the bodies natural pain healers; can enhance wound healing or repair of a fracture; can relieve muscle spasms; can stimulate the immune system or birthing process; can enhance blood supply to a degenerating joint; and can dilate the respiratory passages to bring relief to an asthmatic patient.
When is Acupuncture used?
We often use acupuncture to bridge the gap between medicine and surgery. It is generally our therapy of choice when medication isn’t working, or it is contraindicated because of serious side effects for the pet. Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (i.e. allergies), and pain. For cats and dogs, the following are some of the general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:
1. Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis or intervertebral disc disease
2. Skin problems such as lick granulomas
3. Respiratory problems such as feline asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
4. Gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease, diarrhea, and decreased appetite
What does a treatment look like?
Initially, Dr. Hilden will spend time with you and discuss any issues you are seeing in your pet as she completes a thorough physical exam. Getting a thorough history is essential for ensuring the best possible treatment outcome
The style of treatment depends a bit on your individual pet, but generally Dr. Hilden gets on the floor with your pet and lets them relax a bit as she gets to know them better. Some cats take a bit longer, or insist on staying in their carrier. Whatever your pets personal preference, we can work with them so they can be comfortable. Once relaxed, acupuncture is performed using thin, flexible needles many times smaller than the ones used to give your pet an injection. We use only disposable needles. Sometimes a pet will experience a brief moment of sensitivity as the needles pass through the skin, while other times the pet never notices the needles being inserted at all. Once the needles are in place, most pets relax deeply, sometimes even falling asleep during the treatment.
Along with traditional needle acupuncture, Dr. Hilden may use Class IV laseracupuncture, or electroacupuncture, depending on what issues are being treated and how your pet is responding to treatment.
How long does a treatment take? How many visits until our issue is resolved?
Treatments can last from 15 minutes to 30 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the method employed. Patients are treated 1-2 times a week for 6-8 weeks. A positive response is noticed anytime during the first 4-6 visits, sometimes much earlier depending on the condition treated Once a response to treatment is seen, we reduce the treatments to the minimum that will best maintain the patients comfort. Many pets with chronic issues can taper off to 2-4 treatments a year, it just depends on the pet and how well they are able to respond to treatments.
Tell me about Dr. Hilden’s training in veterinary acupuncture.
Dr. Hilden received her certification in veterinary acupuncture from Colorado State University and the Colorado Veterinary Medical Association in 2005. This prestigious program is the only veterinary medical acupuncture education program in the United States with a scientific, evidence based curriculum. By combining the best of western medical treatments, alongside acupuncture treatments, Dr. Hilden has been able to dramatically increase the quality of life and longevity of many pets.