Now Offering Acupuncture!
If your pet is struggling with pain, mobility issues, or anxiety, veterinary acupuncture might be the solution you've been looking for. At Goosepond Animal Hospital we offer safe treatments that can help improve your pet’s quality of life without the use of medications.
Acupuncture uses tiny, targeted needles to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes, promoting recovery and reducing discomfort. Many pets experience noticeable improvement after just a few sessions!
Acupuncture FAQ:
1. What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced in both animals and humans for thousands of years in China, with the first books written about acupuncture in the mid-600s BCE. It involves the insertion of thin sterile needles into discrete and specific points on the body in order to cause a therapeutic effect. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine includes acupuncture along with herbal medicine, food therapy and Tui-na.
2. How does acupuncture work?
Very fine needles are inserted on the body in an attempt to both prevent and treat disease and disharmony within the body. Scientific research shows that acupoints are located in areas where there is high density of free nerve endings, mast cells, small arterioles and lymphatic vessels. It has been proven that the stimulation of acupoints induces the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and a variety of other neurotransmitters.
3. What is Qi?
Qi is the life force and vital energy of a being. It’s two balancing forms are Yin and Yang. When the flow of Qi is interrupted by a pathogen (such as a bacterial or viral infection), the balance of Yin and Yang will be disrupted and a disease may occur. Pain is interpreted as the blockage of Qi flow. Acupuncture resolves this blockage, freeing the flow of Qi and enabling the body to heal itself.
4. Is acupuncture safe?
Yes. Acupuncture is very safe when practiced by a licensed veterinary professional. There are no systemic side effects, no blood work monitoring necessary and it can be used along with ALL medications.
5. How long does each treatment take?
The first session usually takes longer than follow-up appointments with each session typically taking 30-45 minutes. Application of electrical stimulation to the needles can aid in treating neuropathic pain syndromes and may increase appointment times.
6. How soon can you expect results?
While some results can be seen immediately, we generally recommend a minimum of 3 treatments, 1-2 weeks apart to see notable improvement.
7. Does acupuncture hurt?
Since acupuncture needles are smaller than normal needles, almost as thin as a hair, over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture therapy.
8. Who is qualified to perform veterinary acupuncture?
Only a licensed veterinarian can practice veterinary acupuncture in New York State. A veterinarian who is certified in veterinary acupuncture is highly recommended.
9. What conditions can acupuncture be used to treat?
- Musculoskeletal problems: muscle soreness, back pain, osteoarthritis, and degenerative joint disease
- Neurological disorders: intervertebral disc disease, laryngeal hemiplegia, facial and radial nerve paralysis
- Gastrointestinal disorders: diarrhea, gastric ulcers, colitis
- Other chronic conditions: asthma, cough, uveitis, geriatric weakness
- Quality of life: cancer and hospice care
10. Who at Goosepond performs acupuncture?
Dr. Ashleigh Davis-Bergsohn has been interested in alternative therapies since veterinary school and had the opportunity to study at the Chi Institute in Florida in 2018 and become a CVA (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist) in 2020. She is excited to be able to provide the best whole-body treatment for your pet.
Cautions: Acupuncture should be used with caution if: pregnancy, fracture, open wound or tumor.