Acupuncture and Laser Therapy

What is acupuncture?

 Acupuncture is the art of inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to promote healing. It is a gentle, non-invasive treatment useful for treating sick and injured pets.  Dr. Moore and Dr. Szydlowski have both been trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) to diagnose and treat diseases with acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work?

 In TCVM, acupuncture is seen as a way to move Qi (energy). Each acupuncture point has a specific goal, whether it is pain relief, increased blood flow, decreasing inflammation, immune system support, nerve stimulation, and release of endorphins and cortisol.

What can acupuncture treat?

Veterinary Acupuncture can help treat a variety of diseases including but not limited to arthritis, neurological disorders (seizures, disc disease, wobbler’s disease), dermatological disorders, behavioral disorders (anxiety, fear and aggression), gastrointestinal disorders (vomiting, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease), and improvement of quality of life in geriatric and/or cancer patients.

Is acupuncture painful?

The insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless. Most animals become very relaxed and may even become sleepy. However, it does cause an energetic sensation which may be uncomfortable to some animals.

Can I use acupuncture with traditional medicine and/or surgery?

Yes, acupuncture is commonly used in conjunction with traditional modalities and medications.

How many treatments will my pet need?

 The number of treatments required depends on the pet’s condition and response to treatment. Generally, acute conditions resolve quickly while chronic conditions require multiple treatments. For chronic conditions, we recommend three to five treatments to determine whether the pet shows improvement. If acupuncture is helping, lifelong therapy of weekly to monthly treatments may be recommended.

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What is laser therapy?

Therapeutic lasers (also known as cold lasers) use specific wavelengths of light energy to cause a physiologic change at the cellular level, known as photobiomodulation. Light penetrates the skin and tissue, is absorbed by cells, and helps open up blood flow to the area. This supports tissue repair by increasing oxygen to the cells to help with the body’s natural healing process.

What can laser therapy treat?

Laser therapy is beneficial for decreasing inflammation, increasing muscle relaxation, and faster healing. Here at Small Animal Veterinary Associates, we use laser therapy after every surgery to help decrease discomfort and speed up healing. Laser therapy can also be used to decrease pain associated with chronic arthritis, after traumatic injuries, and to help heal uncomfortable, inflamed areas.

Is laser therapy safe?

Yes! The frequency of light energy that is used has no risk of burning your pet. The biggest danger is retinal damage to anyone who looks directly at the laser beam. In order to prevent this, the laser operator and everyone in the room wears protective goggles. Pets either wear goggles as well or their eyes are directed away from the beam during the procedure.

What does laser therapy feel like?

The treatment itself is quiet, warming, and relaxing. Pets can either stand or lie down, or be held by a family member. The treatment can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes, depending on what is being treated. We do not have to shave or sedate your pet during the treatment. Most pets feel better immediately after the procedure!

How many treatments will my pet need?

Some dogs may need multiple sessions before results can be seen, but many dogs show increased mobility and reduced discomfort after only one or two treatments.