For most animals, insertion of needles is virtually painless. Most animals will relax and become sleepy after insertion of the needles. However, there may be times where the needle produces a vivid response such as tingling or numbness. It is not uncommon to have 24 to 48 hours of lethargy and/or soreness after a treatment due to physiologic changes occurring in the body (similar to how you may feel after a massage)

Success of treatment is based on the patient’s tolerance of acupuncture as well as the condition being treated and the number and frequency of treatments. An acute condition may only require a few treatments, whereas a chronic ailment may require more long term treatments. Typically, we recommend 3 to 5 treatments before we can determine how an animal will respond.

Acupuncture alone, or in combination with analgesics can help reduce chronic pain and improve quality of life in animals with neurological and musculoskeletal disease. In most cases, a return to 100% capacity is not reasonable, but the goal is to significantly improve mobility, pain, etc.

Acupuncture is generally considered safe. Common mild adverse effects after an acupuncture session can include lethargy, soreness, muscle spasm or mild bleeding at the needle insertion site.

We will provide a thorough physical and lameness exam, discuss treatment options and expectations and perform the first acupuncture treatment which will consist of dry needling and massage.

In many cases, animals are more relaxed in the comfort of their home and you will be my biggest asset in helping to keep your pet calm, whether that is through providing treats or pets. However, some pets may be too nervous or protective and an oral sedative may be recommended prior to initiating any treatment. Often times, your primary care veterinarian can provide oral sedatives. If you have any concerns, please let us know!

We will send you a few forms to fill out. If you have any videos or radiographs that help explain your concerns, please e-mail them to drporter@peacefulpawstx.com. Videos of lameness concerns in kitties can be especially helpful because they tend to like to hide!

Yes! As long as you provide us with information for your veterinarian, I am happy to send over records after our session(s) to keep your veterinarian informed.

Venmo, Square, personal check or exact cash (We do not carry change)

Texas Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners Rule 573.16: Alternate Therapies -

• Acupuncture:
  1. (A) Definition. For the purpose of this rule, acupuncture is:
     1. the insertion of an acupuncture needle and the application of moxibustion to specific areas of a non-human animal’s body to relieve the discomfort associated with painful disorders, to induce surgical anesthesia and for therapeutic purposes; and
     2. the administration of thermal or electrical treatments or the recommendation of dietary guidelines, energy flow exercise, or dietary or herbal supplements in conjunction with the treatment described by paragraph (1) of this subsection. Acupuncture in non-human animals is considered to be an alternate therapy in the practice of veterinary medicine.
  2. (B) Use of acupuncture in the treatment of animals. Only licensed veterinarians may use acupuncture in the care and medical treatment of animals. No veterinarian may allow a non-veterinarian employee or other agent to perform acupuncture in the treatment of an animal patient.
  3. (C) Client Consent Required. Before acupuncture may be used in the treatment of an animal, the veterinarian must obtain a signed statement from the animal’s owner or caretaker acknowledging that acupuncture is an alternate therapy in veterinary medicine and approving its use in the treatment of the animal. Before signing the statement, the veterinarian shall inform the client of the conventional treatments available and their probable ability to cure the problem. The statement shall become a permanent part of the patient’s record.

Additional Information 

• https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/integrative-alternative-medicine/use-of-acupuncture- for-pain-management/
• https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/integrative-complementary- and-alternative-veterinary-medicine
• https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/sponsored-phovia/