Topaz Veterinary Clinic - Tempe, AZ - Acupuncture for Pets

What is acupuncture?

 Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body (called acupoints) to produce a healing response.   It has been used to treat both humans and animals for thousands of years and involves the use of either very thin needles, moxibustion, electrical stimulation, or therapeutic Laser to stimulate acupoints.

How does it work?

Recent research into how acupuncture works has found that acupoints are often located in areas with high densities of free nerve endings, mast cells, small blood vessels, and lymphatic vessels. Stimulation of these points causes the release of neurotransmitters that are involved in pain modulation including beta-endorphins and serotonin.   This leads to the following physiological effects: 

• Pain relief
• Decreased inflammation
• Increased blood flow

When can acupuncture be helpful?

Pet acupuncture is used for the following:

• Arthritis
• Pain associated with injuries and other medical conditions
• Spinal disease (intervertebral disc herniation)
• Allergies
• Many internal diseases
• Prevention of disease and overall health

Dr. Marzke will discuss the best treatment options available for your pet's condition.   For some conditions including infection, fractures, cancer, metabolic disorders like thyroid disease, renal disease etc., acupuncture may be included as part of an integrative treatment plan along with traditional medical therapy.

How safe is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is very safe and amazingly well tolerated by pets.   Many pets find acupuncture to be relaxing and some will even fall asleep during their treatment!  

How long does each treatment take and how many treatments are needed?

The first acupuncture session takes about an hour to allow Dr. Marzke to do a complete physical exam and consultation along with the first acupuncture treatment.  At this appointment, Dr. Marzke will go over your pet's current medical condition along with reviewing previous records, treatments, diet history, etc. to determine the best options for treatment.  After the initial appointment, most acupuncture appointments last 30-45minutes. The number of treatments needed to see benefit varies depending on the condition being treated. Some conditions can be treated just with 1 or 2 sessions while more chronic conditions like arthritis may require 4-10 sessions. 

How much does acupuncture cost?

• A single acupuncture treatment is $55.  
• A package of 6 acupuncture treatments is $240
• New patient exam fee is $55 (for the first acupuncture exam and consultation)