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.