Dry Needling
The insertion of tiny needles into specific anatomic locations often where nerves or blood vessels are close to the body surface, called acupoints. This stimulates the release of certain chemicals in the body that promote healing, increase blood flow, reduce pain and more.
Aquapuncture
Aquapuncture involves injecting a small amount of fluid into acupoints. Dr. Dantzler uses sterile B-vitamins as her preferred fluid. This technique increases the length of time at which the point is stimulated.
Electroacupuncture
This technique involves attaching wires to the needles and sending electrical energy through these needles at a specific frequency. The electrical stimulation causes certain chemicals to be released and can be altered to target different conditions.
Infrared Light Therapy
For animals that are not tolerant of needles or need a slower introduction to treatment, infrared light stimulates the tissues at the acupuncture points and can either ease the animal into treatment or be the treatment itself.
Moxibustion
Some conditions can benefit from burning of an herb called moxa, or mugwort. This herb burns very hot and can be carefully used in conjunction with needles or on its own for therapeutic effects.
What are these treatments good for?
Pain
Weakness
Neurological disease of any kind including but not limited to:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Intervertebral Disc Disease
- Paralysis
- Nerve damage
- Equine Protozoal Myeloencephalitis (EPM) recovery
Certain skin conditions
Respiratory conditions
Gastrointestinal problems
Reduced athletic performance
Injury recovery
Promote wound healing
Palliative care/End of life
Lameness
Anhidrosis (equine)
Reproductive disorders
And More…
Safety
Acupuncture is generally a very safe treatment. Some common side effects may include bruising, soreness or bleeding at the site of treatment as well as lethargy after treatment. Rare risks include ingesting needles, broken needles at the insertion site, nerve damage, worsening of symptoms and infection. Certain conditions such as cancer or pregnancy need specific care and attention. Electroacupuncture should not be used in an animal with seizures, heart disease, strokes or pacemakers.
Does it hurt?
In the majority of cases, the animals don’t seem to feel a thing. Sometimes, they may flinch at needle insertion, and it is known in humans that a needle can stimulate a nerve during the session, which may bring some discomfort. If a needle is causing pain, it will be removed.
