Acupuncture is the process of inserting thin, sterile, disposable needles at certain points in the body to control pain and other symptoms. The needles are, on average, a quarter of a millimetre thick and usually three to four centimetres in length depending on the size of the animal. Most animals tolerate needle placement extremely well and many become very relaxed during treatment, sometimes even falling asleep!

So…how could acupuncture help your pet?

Emma primarily uses acupuncture to alleviate pain and improve poor mobility associated with musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoarthritis,  spinal disease, and following orthopaedic surgeries.

Acupuncture can be used safely in conjunction with hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and anti inflammatories such as metacam and rimadyl, sometimes allowing a reduction in dosage that an animal needs to remain comfortable.  Acupuncture can also be used as an aid to treatment in certain skin conditions such as allergic skin disease and some functional conditions such as recurrent constipation in cats and irritable bowel type problems in dogs. Acupuncture can almost always be claimed for on pet insurance.

Acupucnture is classed as a surgical act in animals and as such may only be carried out by a qualified veterinary surgeon. Emma has been trained in the Western scientific approach to acupuncture and has been using the technique alongside more traditional treatments with very pleasing results for two years. For more information ask at reception for a fact sheet or visit Emma’s website www.surreyanimalacupuncture.co.uk