Acupuncture is an ancient practice that has been used for thousands of years to treat various health conditions in both humans and animals. In veterinary acupuncture, fine, sterile needles are inserted into specific points on your dog’s body to stimulate their natural healing abilities. The location and number of needles depend on what’s being treated. For example, in a dachshund with an injured lower back, the acupuncture points may be located in the feet of the back legs, and possibly also in the lower back region.
How Does It Work?
For dachshunds with IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease), acupuncture can be incredibly beneficial. IVDD is a condition where the discs in the spine deteriorate or become herniated, leading to pain, inflammation, and sometimes even paralysis. Acupuncture helps by:
- Relieving Pain: The needles stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals like endorphins and serotonin. This helps reduce your dog’s discomfort and nerve pain without relying solely on medications. Most patients will sleep for the remainder of the day after an acupuncture session due to the release of endorphins, which relaxes their body and mind, allowing them to rest comfortably.
- Reducing Inflammation: Acupuncture promotes better circulation and helps decrease inflammation around the affected spinal discs. This can reduce swelling and pressure on the nerves, making your dog more comfortable. This is crucial when dealing with disc injuries that are putting pressure on the spinal cord: the longer the pressure, the higher the risk of serious nerve damage (and nerves can take a long time to heal).
- Improving Mobility and Nerve Function: Acupuncture has a unique effect on stimulating nerve function when applied correctly. By targeting the nerves in the spine and affected legs (usually the hind legs), remarkable results can occur. Stimulating nerves in the hind legs, which may not be receiving adequate activity due to pressure on the spinal cord, helps keep the nerves active and speeds up the recovery of strength and movement. Many dachshunds with acute IVDD flare-ups show improvement in their ability to walk and move within 3-4 weeks of acupuncture treatment.
- Supporting Overall Healing: Acupuncture works holistically, supporting the entire body’s healing process. This is particularly important for dachshunds with IVDD, as it helps strengthen their overall health and resilience. Acupuncture can also be used to maintain health and a strong spine. Typically, I recommend regular maintenance treatments every 4-8 weeks, depending on the severity of the IVDD case.
What to Expect During Treatment
Acupuncture sessions are generally very calming for dogs. Most dachshunds tolerate the needles well, and many relax or even fall asleep during the session. While you may notice an improvement after just a few treatments, it often takes multiple sessions to see significant changes.
For example, a new client may come in with a dachshund diagnosed with an intervertebral disc injury (slipped disc) ranging from stage 2 to stage 4 severity. The dog might be paralysed in the hind legs, unable to bear weight, with only slight deep pain sensation. If the owners decide to pursue a conservative approach without surgery, we would see the dog twice a week for the first two weeks, then weekly for the next four weeks. After six weeks of treatment, we would expect the dachshund to be standing and starting to take steps on their own. At this point, treatment every two weeks is typically sufficient until they are confidently walking again.
A Natural and Safe Option
One of the biggest benefits of acupuncture is that it’s a natural and safe option with minimal side effects. It can be used alongside other treatments like medication or physical therapy, making it a versatile part of a comprehensive IVDD treatment plan. Typically, I combine acupuncture with other therapies such as infrared laser therapy and mild chiropractic techniques to help stimulate nerve activity. More on these treatment options will be covered in upcoming newsletters.
Acknowledgement:
Dr Neil Barnsley
BAppSc TCM, GradDip Vet Acu, CVCP
Animal Holistic Therapies
Date: September 2024
