ACUPUNCTURE

Acupuncture has been used to manage pain conditions and many other medical conditions for thousands of years. An initial appointment will be scheduled for 45 minutes that will include a physical exam and a Traditional Chinese Medicine examination. We will discuss diet, lifestyle, nutrition and supplements. Dr. Mills usually will also incorporate an evaluation of the animal’s constitution from a five element perspective and treat that as well. Needling will take 5-20 minutes depending on the condition. Most animals enjoy it and some fall asleep during treatment! Acupuncture is not a quick fix – animals often need treatments every week to 10 days for 4-5 treatments initially, then we spread them out. Depending on the condition, we can also do electroacupuncture, injections into acupuncture points, or gold bead implants. We often combine acupuncture with other treatments such as spinal manipulation, laser therapy, shockwave therapy and herbal or nutraceutical therapy.

Who can benefit from acupuncture?

Acupuncture can provide benefit for the following conditions:

• older animals with mobility issues

• equine or canine athletes to maintain top performance

• intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in dogs

• pain control in cats. Cats are very sensitive to most pain medications, and acupuncture can really improve their quality of life. Dr. Mills can provide acupuncture point stimulation with laser and acutonics for pets that hate needles

• reproductive problems and fertility issues in dogs and horses

• joint problems such as elbow, shoulder and hip dysplasia and ACL injuries

• allergies