Veterinary Acupuncture: How It Can Help Your Pet
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has evolved from an ancient practice into a modern, evidence-based treatment used in veterinary medicine to help relieve pain, improve recovery, and support the body’s natural healing processes. By placing fine needles into specific points on the body, acupuncture can be used to treat a wide range of conditions.
It is commonly used alongside conventional medications but, in some cases, may be used as a sole treatment. This is always decided after a full clinical examination, accurate diagnosis, and discussion of all treatment options with your vet. Acupuncture is extremely safe and well tolerated by most animals. At our practice, we treat cats, dogs, and rabbits.
Acupuncture interrupts the pain pathway. Chronic pain means that the brain is bombarded with a constant pain message down the same pathway. The stimulus from placing a needle near the affected area becomes a ’competing’ pain. This can modulate the response and reduce the discomfort.
Who can perform acupuncture?
In the UK, acupuncture on animals can only be performed by a qualified veterinary surgeon who is a practicing member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
Our vets, Imogen Mitchell BVMS MRCVS and Marleen Weed DVM MRCVS, have completed accredited training in small animal acupuncture and are members of the Association of British Veterinary Acupuncture (ABVA).
What does treatment involve?
Most pets require a course of 4–6 acupuncture sessions, initially spaced 1–2 weeks apart. If treatment is successful, some pets may benefit from occasional top-up sessions at longer intervals, while others may continue with long-term treatment. Response to acupuncture varies. Some animals improve quickly, while others may take three or more sessions to show noticeable benefits. A small percentage of pets may not respond at all. Acupuncture is generally very well tolerated, though mild side effects such as temporary discomfort, or slight bleeding or bruising. Using needles causes endorphin release – animals frequently doze off during treatments or sleep well afterwards.
Conditions that may benefit from acupuncture
Acupuncture is commonly used to help manage:
- Osteoarthritis (hips, elbows, hocks, and shoulders)
- Hip or elbow dysplasia
- Muscle and ligament strains or sprains• Lick granulomas
- Stress-related conditions, such as over-grooming
- Spinal injuries and neck or spinal pain.
What are the costs?
- Initial assessment and treatment lasting approximately 30-40 minutes £75
- Follow-up treatments lasting approximately 20-30 minutes £62
If you’d like to find out whether acupuncture could help your pet, please speak to a member of our veterinary team.
