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Adjusting and Needling Your Pet
A Real Solution to Pain  

By Tiffany Margolin, DVM, Dipl. ABVP, NAET Certified

I am writing this article because so many of your pets suffer quietly with hip and back pain.  The great news is that there are non-pharmaceutical options that really work.
 

CHIROPRACTIC CARE

Are those of you with Maltese or Shitzus about to skip reading this?  Don't.  It's not only the large breeds or long-backed breeds that suffer from back pain.  In fact, almost all active dogs have some degree of back or neck discomfort over time, because they're all "weekend warriors" at heart!  But don't expect your pet to whine or complain; perhaps the most you will ever see are a tail that isn't wagging, a slower gait, or stiffness when getting up.  Just because your dog forgets his pain when he's running and excited doesn't mean he or she doesn't feel it.

Chiropractic treatment evolved when doctors recognized that some types of  pain were related directly to joint immobility. ANY JOINT can experience such dysfunction, inlcluding all of the fibrous joints of the spine, and the "seams" between the flat bones of the skull.  In the spine, small "subluxations" of joints are actually partial dislocations.  Ouch!  You can imagine the body's reaction to that.  Your pet's back muscles and ligaments spasm and they walk stiffly, with tail down, or a slightly rounded back.  No, your dog or cat will not whimper, they just grit their teeth and bear the discomfort.  In this case, chiropractic treatment may be the ideal choice. Even severe arthritis in an older pet's back may do well with chiropractic manipulation. This is because it is not the bony arthritis itself causing the pain, but the soft tissue around the arthritic areas, and that can be moved.  In veterinary chiropractic, often a spring-loaded "activator" is used to gently tap the vertebrae back into place with minimal distress to your pet.

ACUPUNCTURE 

Used for thousands of years in Eastern medicine, acupuncture  could still not be fully explained by modern scientific methods.  Now, however, studies have found that the actual nerve endings, receptors and neurotransmitters are affected by acupuncture.  There are definitely endorphins and pain-blocking substances released when the tiny needles are inserted properly and by a knowledgeable professional. 

Prior to a first acupuncture consult it is important to have a thorough physical exam on your pet and any bloodwork or xrays indicated to help define the problem.  Your  integrative veterinarian will offer the most appropriate treatments, of which acupunture may be one. 

Acupuncture may be the best option when disc disease, soft tissue muscle or ligament pain, or inoperable arthritis is present.  In addition, chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer or a seizure disorder may respond well to acupuncture in combination with Chinese herbs.  This becomes the arena of the veterinary acupuncturist.  He or she will review the diagnosis and reexamine your pet to complete the assessment.  Then the first session may be conducted.  In most cases, even a nervous pet will readily accept needle placement.  The needles are tiny, and inserted swiftly and gently.  Once the needles are in place, you and your furry child can relax and sit together for 20 to 30 minutes, an experience most animals aren't used to having at an animal hospital.  They appreciate the nap, and when you come for the next visit, are often much less nervous about the experience.  The effects of the treatment will be evident from immediately to 48 hours after your visit.

You can call our offices to schedule an appointment for acupuncture services, or call us to learn more.