Approximately 10-15 needles may be placed in specific acupuncture points based upon the patient’s condition, body position and comfort level. 
Acupuncture has been very helpful in improving the mobility and quality of life for older dogs, cats and horses suffering from degenerative joint disease (arthritis) affecting the hips, shoulders, elbow and spine as well as intervertebral disc disease, which disproportionately affects certain small breed dogs with long backs and relatively short legs, such as corgis and dachshunds. There have been many instances in which regular acupuncture treatments have allowed these animals to return to good function without them having to endure invasive, expensive surgeries. Acupuncture also serves as a safe and effective alternative to conventional anti-inflammatory drugs, which can be contraindicated for patients who have compromised liver or kidney function.
When performed with care, such as on a soft bed in a house-call setting in the comfort of a pet’s home, with the guardian nearby to provide reassurance, acupuncture is often well-accepted and has significant therapeutic benefit. A calming point on the top of the head called GV-20 (the 20th acupuncture point on the Governing Vessel meridian) is generally the first acupuncture point inserted, which helps put the patient in a relaxed state for the remainder of the treatment. Approximately 10-15 needles may be placed in specific acupuncture points based upon the patient’s condition, body position and comfort level.
The Bladder Meridian runs parallel to the spine and has many special “master” points, which pertain to various organ systems in the body as well as having local analgesic or pain-relieving effects for patients with disc issues.
The needles are very fine, made of single-use stainless steel, and are much smaller than regular hypodermic needles, so are well-tolerated by most patients. It is best to minimize motion while the needles are in place so they can stay in and work effectively without causing patient discomfort. The needles may be left in place for 15-20 minutes, after which they are gently and painlessly removed and discarded into a sharps container. After a treatment, a patient may be sleepier than usual, but then will likely have more energy the next day. Ideally, when starting out, acupuncture sessions are performed on a weekly basis for several weeks to a month, and then on a monthly maintenance basis as needed after that.
Pet guardians can also utilize acupressure, applying therapeutic pressure to specific acupuncture points using manual digital pressure instead of needles. The book “Four Paws, Five Directions,” by veterinarian and veterinary acupuncturist Dr. Cheryl Schwartz, provides dog and cat guardians with the needed background to perform therapeutic acupressure on their own pets at home. Acupuncture needles, however, should only be placed by trained veterinary acupuncturists who have the necessary understanding of the anatomy as well as the proper technique and depth of needle placement to ensure patient safety and comfort.
Used in conjunction with Chinese herbs, acupuncture can offer relief from a wide variety of maladies ranging from anxiety, allergies and gastrointestinal disorders to musculoskeletal and neurologic conditions. QCBN
By Armaiti May, DVM, CVA
Armaiti May, DVM, is an integrative housecall veterinarian for dogs and cats practicing in the Quad Cities area. She graduated with a B.S. in Bioresource Sciences from UC Berkeley in 2001. After graduating from the University of California, Davis School of Veterinary Medicine in 2005, Dr. May worked at an emergency dog and cat hospital and then trained in veterinary acupuncture through the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine. She also founded a non-profit organization called the Veterinary Association for the Protection of Animals, to provide education about the benefits of a vegan lifestyle.
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