Acupuncture

[izstigspunks]

Stig's insurance covers a couple sessions worth of acupuncture. Has anyone tried this on their bullies or pets in general? Do you think it's beneficial for them even though they don't have any major health issues?

I'd like to make the most of his coverage but then again I also have this, 'If it ain't broken, don't fix it' attitude.

 

[Alice Kable]

If there isn't a problem why do it. An acupuncturist needs to know a problem area so the needles go in the right place.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

Well..I have 2 years of acupuncture experience on our rottie. She had severe stenosis..involving nerve endings that run through a hole in the tail bone structure. She had been living on the streets for a very long time before my hubby brought her to her forever home. The specialists figured she had had some severe injuries in her past and these contributed to her situation. Out of the blue she started screaming in pain..she spent a few days at our vet and they were unable to control her pain. They even tried fentanyl patch..which terminally ill patients use for end stage pain. We took her to an animal specialty group where they gave her a single dose of gabapentin..a neuro drug used to block signals from the brain to nerve centers. One dose and her pain was gone! But her stenosis was still there and after many tests they decided she was just not a candidate for surgery. They suggested acupuncture. We found a wonderful doctor and after seeing her MRI and all health records..we started on a treatment plan. She went every week for a year and not only did she love the treatments..we were able to cut back on her muscle relaxant and pain meds. We were eventually able to cut back her treatments to every other week. Sadly..Ana was diagnosed with bone cancer last fall and survived only 3 weeks. I firmly believe the acupuncture treatments kept her with us for an extra two years. If your dog has a diagnosed problem..I say don't even hesitate! But just to try..no..and any respectable doctor wouldn't do treatment like that. Sorry so long!!

 

[Fontanafox]

@JAKEISGREAT...You guys are the best. You do so much for your fur babies. We need more beautiful people like you in this world. That said, just wanted to thank you for the info. Good to know there are alternatives for managing pain.

 

[JAKEISGREAT]

Awwww..@fontanafox..we just did what most of us here would do..I'm glad you felt it was good info and not me just rambling on!