Acupuncture Treatments for Pets Sparks NV

Practitioner's Corner—About Pets: Pain and Paralysis

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By Katherine A. Kahn, DVM

Q: A few weeks ago, my Lab suffered a ruptured disk in his back and became partially paralyzed. After being on cortisone, he’s mostly better, but not completely. Is there anything else we can do?

A: As long as your dog can move his legs and walk a little, acupuncture can help. And often dogs with this condition respond to it dramatically.

Depending on the severity of the pain and paralysis, I usually recommend treatments one to three times a week. It may take six to 15 treatments for him to improve. Your practitioner will most likely insert needles at points along the spine and the legs, and may also apply heat or electricity to stimulate nerve healing and conduction. Acupuncture may also make the paralysis less likely to recur.

Enzymes such as bromelain and papain are likely to help, too, by lessening inflammation. You’ll need to give them to your dog between meals on an empty stomach for optimum absorption. (If he doesn’t want to eat them, open his mouth, place the pills far back on his tongue, and hold his mouth closed until he swallows.) Brands vary widely in potency and dosage, so you should consult a knowledgeable practitioner for specifics.

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