Treatment for all animals - Acupuncture

Acupuncture is indicated for many conditions that involve pain, disease, or behavioral issues. If your pet has a problem with any of the following body systems, acupuncture may be a helpful therapy:

• Gastrointestinal
• Musculoskeletal
• Cardiovascular
• Respiratory
• Dermatological
• Reproductive

If your pet shows any of the following signs, acupuncture may be an appropriate treatment either alone or in addition to medicine or surgery.

• Skin eruptions
• Itchy skin
• Behavioral problems such as anxiety, fear, or aggression
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Urinary abnormalities
• Lameness
• Difficultly jumping up or climbing stairs
• Loss of flexibility
• Cancer pain or side effects of chemotherapy

Sometimes acupuncture can be part of curing the problem. In cases of advanced disease such as cancer, acupuncture can help alleviate some of the pain.

What to do next and what to expect

In many cases, it is beneficial if your pet sees your primary care veterinarian first. If you need a general practitioner in Denver, see link to Dr. Jasek's site under the dog and cat FAQs (Go to the Build Your Knowledge page in this website). As with any veterinary visit, your pet's appointment with me begins with a physical exam. Acupunture may be indicated after a physical exam if there are no further questions for investigation. But it is likely that I would request further workup to reach a diagnosis. My services do not include xrays, ultrasound or other diagnostics that require equipment.

Some owners worry that the needles may hurt or scare their pet. Be assured that your animal will be treated gently, with care and respect! I use the smallest possible needles. A few animals are afraid of the needles, no matter how small. If this is the case I begin with a gentle chiropractic treatment. I have found that some pets who are afraid of needles become very relaxed after a chiropractic treatment. Often they will accept the needles after the chiropractic treatment.

The first appointment takes approximately an hour, sometimes longer. For many animals, acupuncture and chiropractic are indicated together. The appointment may be a little longer if I treat your pet with both therapies. If you are able to fill out the new client form before your appointment, this will save some time. Follow up treatments can often be done in half the time. For most conditions a 3 to 4 treatment series is recommended, approximately one week apart.

Feel free to call or email if you have questions. Common questions:

• Your pet has a condition you do not see listed here
• You are not sure what diagnostics your pet might require
• Your primary care vet has made a diagnosis and you are not sure if acupuncture is indicted alone or in conjunction with drugs, medicine or surgery