Acupuncture
We are delighted to be able to offer acupuncture to animals.
One of our vets Keeley McHugh has completed a course in acupuncture for animals at Bristol Vet School. Acupuncture is mainly used for chronic pain in small animals or horses, for example chronic arthritis or spine and disc problems. Some studies show it can have a large variety of applications, for example in helping to improve recovery time following infections and wounds or with inflammatory conditions like irritable bowel disease, cystitis or skin conditions.
Modern acupuncture is based on ideas from the Traditional Chinese medicine view of channels or meridians of energy (Qi) link all the systems of the body, however now science has shown us that the administration of tiny needles can cause an up-regulation of the body’s own opioid pain relief system and release of anti-inflammatory mediators.
Acupuncture helps to reduce pain that already exists and break feed-back cycles.
Acupuncture works in a similar but more effective way to peripheral touch stimulation. The result is decreased muscle spasm and pain and improved sensitivity and posture. The majority of animals need 1 – 6 sessions. The initial longer session to discuss suitability and trial needling us *£72.00 and sessions will be *£45.60 thereafter, in line with other private animal acupuncturists. The session takes approx 30 minutes, with the first one usually being slightly longer.
If you are interested in this service for your pet please leave a message at reception for Keeley and she will ring you back to discuss it further.
*Prices correct at the time of writing
Acupuncture Factsheet
Acupuncture
What is it used for? Chronic pain like arthritis or disc prolapse Inflammatory disorders like skin disease or inflammatory bowel disease Improving wound healing Poor performance eg in sporting dogs or horses Enthusiasts