Acupuncture

At The Pet Doctor, we have an interest in integrating different types of therapy to help treat illness and injuries in our patients. Dr.  Hammerle originally pursued training in acupuncture in order to have something else to offer to pets when traditional “western” medicine was not having the desired effect.
Acupuncture is the stimulation of points on the body that have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiologic conditions to achieve the desired effect. It is a means of helping the body heal itself..
Acupuncture has been used for thousands of years. It is often used as the primary treatment before  medicines and surgery. In traditional theory, disease is an imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture therapy is based on balancing the energy.
In small animals it is commonly used for musculoskeletal problems (arthritis), dermatologic issues, nervous system disorders, reproductive disorders, respiratory problems, poor immunity and internal medicine.
Acupuncture is now known to affect all physiologic systems. It works primarily via the central nervous system, affecting the musculoskeletal, hormonal, and cardiovascular systems. However, acupuncture does more than just relieve pain. Acupuncture also increases circulation, causes a release of many neurotransmitters and neurohormones, relieves muscle tremoring and spasm, stimulates nerve function, and stimulates immune system function.

How will my pet handle treatment?
Acupuncture is performed with very small and thin sterilized needles. Most pets do not even respond to the insertion of the needles. Once the needles are inserted the pet is very relaxed and rests for the remainder of the treatment.
How long do treatments take and how long will we have to do them?
Treatments usually last around 30 minutes depending on the condition treated. There are many ways of stimulating acupuncture points, including needles, electroacupuncture, aquapuncture (injecting a solution into the point), moxibustion (heating the point), and laser acupuncture. Pets are often started on a schedule of once weekly for several weeks. Time between treatments can then be extended until the best schedule is determined..
For some pets, using a combination of western medicine (drugs and/or surgery) and acupuncture therapy will achieve a better outcome.