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. At Topaz Veterinary Clinic, we offer acupuncture services for both dogs and cats as part of our integrative approach to veterinary care.

All acupuncture treatments are performed by Dr. Marzke, who is fully certified in veterinary acupuncture. With her specialized training and compassionate approach, Dr. Marzke works closely with pet owners to develop personalized treatment plans that address a variety of conditions, including:

• Arthritis
• Neurological disorders and spinal disease
• Pain associated with injuries and other medical conditions, including chronic pain management
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Anxiety and stress-related concerns
• Various internal diseases

Acupuncture is safe, well-tolerated, and can be an excellent complement to traditional medical treatments or pain management strategies. 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.

The first acupuncture session takes about an hour to allow Dr. Marzke time 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 30-45 minutes. The number of treatments needed to see benefit varies depending on the condition being treated. Some conditions can be treated with just 1 or 2 sessions while more chronic conditions, like arthritis, may require 4-10 sessions.

If you're interested in learning more about how acupuncture might benefit your pet, we invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Marzke.