Acupuncture

Follow the case of sweet Wendell on his journey of discovering the benefits of acupuncture. Wendell was presented with severe intervertebral disk disease and paralyzed in his hind legs. While surgery is the gold standard treatment, it is costly and not without risk. Holding to our mission, Dr. Buss discussed all of the options available to Wendell with his owner, Ann. After careful consideration, Wendell was placed on a course of steroids, pain medication, acupuncture, and laser therapy.

After one week, Wendell was able to balance on his rear legs and wag his tail. After three weeks, Wendell was running!
Ann sent us a note on his progress "Wendell is doing amazingly well. I am so pleased with the acupuncture and laser treatments that he has received. If I hadn't seen it I would never have believe it. Thank you so much.

He was playing this morning like nothing had ever happened. I will still keep him on his meds and bed rest as he needs to regain his strength."

WHAT IS ACUPUNCTURE?
Acupuncture may be defined as the stimulation of a specific point on the body that results in a therapeutic effect. There are specific points that are followed in acupuncture. These points follow 'channels' Acupuncture points and channels are located in areas where there is a high density of nerve endings, mast cells, small blood vessels, tissue bundles and lymphatic vessels. Studies indicate that stimulation of these points results in the release of beta-endorphin, serotonin, and other neurotrasmitters.

DOES ACUPUNCTURE HURT?
Most patients are very tolerant of acupuncture. There may be a small amount of discomfort as the needles are placed, but once they are in place, many animals will relax and some will even fall asleep? We do not recommend sedation prior to acupuncture as it decreases the effect of treatment by 30%.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
It depends on the nature, severity, and duration of the disease. Sometimes a single treatment is all that is necessary - especially for an acute injury and paint. Some conditions will require lifetime treatments. It is recommended to have one treatment weekly for the first 4 weeks, and reevaluate at the fourth visit. Visits tend to last anywhere from 30 to 60 minutes.

HOW MUCH DOES AN ACUPUNCTURE TREATMENT COST?
The first visit is $125. The first visit (usually 1 hr) includes consultation, diagnosis, and your pet's first treatment. The remaining sessions are $75 per visit for dry needles, massage and electro-stimulation acupuncture.

WHO IS QUALIFIED TO PERFORM VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE?
Only licensed veterinarians are eligible to practice acupuncture. There are a few schools in the U.S. that teach veterinary acupuncture. Dr. Buss received her certification at Colorado State University- Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course. This is also where she was certified in massage.

WHAT PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS ARE INDUCED BY ACUPUNCTURE?
Numerous studies show that acupuncture stimulation induces these physiologic effects: pain relief, regulation of gastrointestinal motility, anti-inflammatory effect, immuno-regulation, hormone and reproductive regulation, promotion of micro circulation and anti-febrile effect. It helps to get the body back in balance, in homeostasis. This is especially important when an animal has had chronic disease.

WHEN IS ACUPUNCTURE INDICATED?
Musculoskeletal problems: Muscle Soreness, Back Pain, Disk Disease, Arthritis, Degenerative Joint Disease
Neurologic disorders: Seizures, Laryngeal Paralysis, Facial and Radial Nerve Paralysis, Degenerative Neurologic Disease, Disc Disease and Paresis or Paralysis
Other chronic conditions: Asthma, Behavioral Problems, Cushings Disease, Hypothyroidism, Renal Failure, Geriatric Weakness, Chronic Diarrhea, Incontinence, Mega Colon, Constipation, Cycstitis, Gingivitis, Liver Disease, and Skin Problems.