Additionally, it is an effective adjunct to improve healing following surgery, particularly for injuries such as torn cruciate ligaments and conditions like hip dysplasia. The management of injuries and diseases without the use of prolonged or high doses of pharmaceutical drugs is the goal of the veterinary acupuncturist. In addition to stimulation of the immune system, nerve stimulation, the release of hormones and the release of chemicals in the brain are all mechanisms by which the beneficial effects of acupuncture are accomplished. Therefore, the entire body and not just a single part of it is brought into balance. Most pets being treated with acupuncture accept the treatment with little or no apprehension, even those who are normally afraid or uncomfortable at the vet's office.
Every effort is made to make the animal feel as comfortable as possible.
As the sessions progress, many animals look forward to the visit and some will even fall asleep during treatment. Typically, acupuncture treatments are initially administered in a series of six to eight appointments. These appointments are usually about one week apart and will vary in length from ten to fifteen minutes up to thirty to forty-five minutes. After the initial series further treatments may be performed at longer intervals and then discontinued or repeated on a maintenance schedule. Finally, symptoms of a disease are indicators that the body is responding to the underlying cause.