03/11/08 — The discussion of the benefits from Eastern medicine versus Western medicine has been debated for centuries on the human side of medicine. More recently we have seen the conversation change to "can people receive the benefits from both types of medicines." Of course we are not qualified to enter the debate on the human side, but we do know a thing or two about animals. Alternative therapies in veterinary medicine are becoming more common, because more and more evidence is emerging that animals can benefit from them just like people. We believe that there is a place for alternative therapies that compliment conventional treatment regimens.
Acupuncture has been used on both humans and animals for thousands of years to treat a wide variety of disease processes in eastern cultures. In the United States, veterinary acupuncture began to take root in the early 1970s. In 1973 the National Association for Veterinary Acupuncture was formed and symposiums began to pop up all over the country to explore the methods and benefits acupuncture might provide. The benefits demonstrated at these symposiums and by word of mouth helped to spread the use of acupuncture throughout the veterinary community.
There are a variety of different styles of acupuncture utilized today. We primarily use the electro-acupuncture method for analgesia (pain reduction) in osteoarthritic canine patients. One such patient is a 14-year-old Norwegian elkhound named "Abigail." Abigail began acupuncture treatments in the fall 2007 to help with the pain her degenerative joint disease in her hips and knees was causing. Her owners felt that acupuncture may give Abigail some relief after reading about "Heidi's" experience with acupuncture in The Meadville Tribune's "From the Vet's Pen."
After the initial treatment, Bob, Abigail’s owner, stated she experienced immediate relief. Since the onset of the treatments, Abigail’s entire persona has improved. She is now able to go on walks (something that she was previously unable to do) and is much more comfortable.
Abigail’s treatment regimen is similar to other acupuncture patients' treatment plan. After an initial consultation and treatment, she came back twice a week for three weeks. Each 20-minute treatment included a discussion about Abigail’s condition, setting the needles, and then allowing the gentle electric current to flow through the needles. We have decreased her treatment's frequency to once every three weeks for maintenance and she continues to remain more comfortable than prior to the treatments.
A common question is "How does acupuncture work?" It is thought that acupuncture balances energy to assist the body in healing disease by activating certain physiological changes, stimulating nerves, increasing blood circulation, relieving muscle spasms and causes the release of the body's own natural hormones and neurotransmitters which relieve pain or decrease inflammation.
Another common question is "How will I know if it's working?" Probably the most obvious sign that the treatment is working is a marked decrease in the animal's pain. This decrease in pain presents itself through an improved attitude, more mobility, and more physical activity (although every pet's response is different).
At this time, acupuncture is used on a limited basis as conventional medicine is utilized first. It is encouraging to see animals gain relief with this non-invasive therapy. If you feel that your animal may benefit from acupuncture, consult your veterinarian today!
To suggest a column idea, call 382-5446; e-mail clvet@zoominternet.net; or write to Conneaut Lake Veterinary Hospital, 14405 Conneaut Lake Road, Meadville, Pa. 16335.
Local News
VETERINARIAN COLUMN: Alternate therapies not just for humans anymore.
- Local News
-
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member
“Pleased” is the word that best describes Bob Langley’s response to the news that he had been selected to fill Meadville City Council’s vacant seat.
-
French Creek conservation group to benefit from environmentalist's talk
When one of the world’s best known environmentalists, the author and activist Bill McKibben, speaks next week at Allegheny College, his audience will likely be putting some money where its heart is — right into French Creek.
-
Vernon Police chief suspects 'human interaction' in Sunday fire
An investigation is continuing into a weekend fire that destroyed a historic structure in Vernon Township, and Vernon police are urging anyone with information to give them a call.
-
Walker hired to fill Meadville's newest administrative position
The City of Meadville’s soon-to-be-newest administrator is a familiar name in the area and familiar with the city.
-
Edinboro protest planned against proposed state budget cuts
If you’re a student or faculty member at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania, don’t be surprised if Trevor Belz, a sophomore from Saegertown, shares some strong opinions with you in the next few days — and urges your attendance at a campuswide protest planned for Tuesday.
-
Local legislators: Corbett budget off to a good start
Elected officials representing Crawford County in Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives are gearing up for what looks like a lengthy budget process.
-
Crawford Central's Heller says new budget plan hobbles school districts
Area educators haven’t had a lot of time to mull over the implications of the budget proposal presented Tuesday to a joint meeting of Pennsylvania’s Senate and House of Representatives by Republican Gov. Tom Corbett.
-
District Judge Chisholm nears record for ‘longest serving’
Magisterial District Judge William Chisholm is in line to set a new record by becoming Crawford County’s longest-serving magistrate.
-
Traveling breast cancer exhibit to make local stop
The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition is bringing its traveling photo exhibit, “67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania,” to Crawford County March 1 through 10.
-
Judge Chisholm’s memories run deep
Looking back over his 26 years as a district magisterial judge, Judge William Chisholm has many memories of special events — even some humorous ones.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Langley voted in as Meadville City Council's new member
Denver's Largest-Ever Drug Bust Nets Dozens
Marines: No Punishment for Nazi-like Flag
Vets Look to Translate Military Skills Into Jobs
Expert: Removing LA School's Staff 'Appropriate'
Raw Video: School Bus Burst Into Flames
LA School Reopens Amid Sex Abuse Scandal
$25B Settlement Reached Over Foreclosure Abuses
Pentagon: Allow Women Closer to Front Lines
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States
Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat
LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens
Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe
Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs
States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement
Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life
Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal
Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration
Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up
Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout
Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service
