Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicine practice, has become a mainstream treatment in veterinary care, gaining popularity for its ability to provide pain relief and support healing in animals. From cats and dogs to exotic species like penguins and llamas, acupuncture is being utilized for a wide range of animals, with recent examples seen in zoos and aquariums across the U.S. As the method has grown in use for human patients, it has also found a significant place in animal medicine.
Joe Smith, an Assistant Professor of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Tennessee, spoke with The Conversation U.S. about the growing use of acupuncture in veterinary medicine. Acupuncture’s primary use in veterinary practice is for pain management, especially for conditions like nerve injuries, chronic pain, and rehabilitation after surgery or trauma.
Two Approaches to Acupuncture
Acupuncture in veterinary medicine follows two main approaches. One is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which views health through the lens of five elemental energies—wood, fire, earth, metal, and water. According to TCM, balance between these energies is essential for maintaining health. The second approach focuses on the anatomical effects of acupuncture, where needles are placed at specific body points to stimulate muscles, nerves, or connective tissues to achieve therapeutic effects.
Both methods use ultra-fine needles (about two-tenths of a millimeter wide) that are placed in various parts of the body. Some practitioners also employ electroacupuncture, where a mild electrical current is passed through the needles to enhance the treatment’s effects.
Scientific Evidence and Research
Research into acupuncture’s efficacy for animals has shown promising results. Acupuncture is known to increase the body’s production of endogenous opioids, natural pain-relieving substances that function similarly to pharmaceutical opioids, such as morphine. In fact, the effects of acupuncture are so strong that they can be reversed with opioid antidotes like Narcan.
One notable study in 2023 found that acupuncture helped dogs with herniated spinal discs recover at a higher rate compared to those treated with traditional conservative methods alone. In the study, 80% of dogs that received acupuncture fully recovered, compared to only 60% of those who did not. Acupuncture also showed potential when used alongside other treatments, like epidural nerve blocks, enhancing their effectiveness.
Acupuncture in Action at the University of Tennessee
At the University of Tennessee’s veterinary practice, acupuncture is used primarily to assist in the rehabilitation of animals recovering from nerve injuries. Smith described the use of acupuncture in large animals, such as cattle, horses, and llamas, who are unable to stand and risk muscle atrophy. Acupuncture helps stimulate muscle and nerve function, preventing muscle wasting and promoting recovery.
In addition to large animals, acupuncture is also applied to treat a range of conditions in smaller animals. For example, goats with spinal cord injuries caused by a parasitic condition called cerebrospinal nematodiasis have benefited from acupuncture, improving their muscle function and alleviating pain. Llamas and alpacas, which often suffer from osteoarthritis, have also shown improvement with acupuncture treatments, allowing them to continue their work as pack animals in Tennessee’s Smoky Mountains.
The Benefits of Acupuncture Over Medication
One of the main advantages of acupuncture, especially for large animals, is its minimal risk of side effects compared to pharmaceuticals. While medications can cause side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal distress, acupuncture carries a very low risk when performed by a trained professional. This makes it an attractive option for treating chronic conditions in animals, especially when traditional medications may not be effective or desirable.
Veterinary Acupuncture and Pet Owners’ Confidence
Pet owners may wonder if acupuncture is a legitimate treatment for their animals. Smith assured that if a licensed veterinarian, certified by professional organizations like Curacore or the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture, recommends acupuncture for a pet—particularly for conditions like chronic pain or rehabilitation—they can be confident in its effectiveness. Ongoing research continues to build a stronger understanding of how acupuncture works at the neurological and biochemical levels, making it a valuable addition to veterinary care.
As acupuncture continues to gain traction in veterinary practices across the world, it is clear that this ancient technique is offering modern solutions to improve the health and well-being of animals, from household pets to exotic wildlife.