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Acupuncture in Zoological Companion Animals
Ronald B Koh1, Tara M Harrison2
1Integrative Medicine Service, UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, 1 Garrod Road, Davis, CA 95616, USA.
The Veterinary Clinics of North America. Exotic Animal Practice
|November 19, 2022
Summary
Veterinary acupuncture offers a safe, non-pharmacologic approach to pain management in zoologic companion animals (ZCA). This integrative therapy effectively treats various conditions by influencing the nervous system, complementing traditional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary medicine
- Integrative medicine
- Pain management
Background:
- Multimodal pain management is the standard of care in veterinary medicine.
- Acupuncture is a popular non-pharmacologic therapy for pain in humans and animals.
- Veterinary acupuncture use is expanding beyond horses and dogs to zoologic companion animals (ZCA).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide guidance on using acupuncture for pain management in ZCA.
- To highlight acupuncture as an adjunct therapy for musculoskeletal, neurologic, and gastrointestinal disorders in ZCA.
- To address the growing need for alternatives to opiates in veterinary pain management.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing scientific evidence on acupuncture's efficacy.
- Compilation of recommendations from experienced veterinary acupuncturists.
- Focus on clinical application for pain management in ZCA.
Main Results:
- Acupuncture is effective in treating acute and chronic pain by modulating neural networks.
- It offers a minimally invasive option with a low risk of adverse events for ZCA.
- Its use is increasingly important due to restrictions on opioid use.
Conclusions:
- Acupuncture is a valuable tool for pain management in ZCA.
- It can be integrated into multimodal treatment plans for various conditions.
- Further clinical application and research in ZCA are supported by current evidence.
