Acupuncture in Zoological Companion Animals.
Abstract: Over the past years, the concept of pain management in veterinary medicine has evolved and led to the establishment of a new concept of multimodal approach to pain management, as the current standard of care. The use of multimodal analgesia combining pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic techniques not only helps optimize the quality and efficacy of analgesia but also may prevent the development of chronic or persistent pain. During the past decade, acupuncture has become more popular and evolved into one of the most used forms of integrative medicine interventions and nonpharmacologic therapeutic options for pain management in humans and animals in North America and Europe. There is ample evidence from basic and clinical research for acupuncture is effective in the treatment of acute and chronic pain by influencing neural networks of the nervous system. While in the modern days' veterinary acupuncture has been predominantly used in horses and dogs, its popularity in zoologic companion animals (ZCA) has increased in recent years as an adjunct therapy for treating musculoskeletal, neurologic, and gastrointestinal disorders due to its minimal invasiveness and low risk of adverse events. The integrative use of acupuncture has become even more important with the increasingly limited use of opiates in veterinary medicine due to the opiate crisis. The purpose of this article aims to provide guidance for using acupuncture for pain management in ZCA in clinical practice, based on available information and recommendations from experienced veterinary acupuncturists.
Copyright © 2022 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Publication Date: 2022-11-20 PubMed ID: 36402485DOI: 10.1016/j.cvex.2022.07.008Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary
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This study looks into the effectiveness and use of acupuncture as a mode of pain management in zoological companion animals. This non-pharmacological approach is seen as urging veterinary medicine towards a multimodal approach to pain management, which combines both medicated and non-medicated techniques to optimize pain relief.
Introduction to the Research
- The research introduces a new concept of multimodal approach to pain management in veterinary medicine. This approach combines both pharmacological (medicine-based) and non-pharmacological techniques for managing pain, aiming to optimize the effects and possibly prevent chronic or recurrent pain.
- In the context of non-pharmacological pain management techniques, acupuncture is highlighted. It is noted as a popular choice within integrative medicine and as an effective option for managing both acute and chronic pain in creatures ranging from humans to animals in North America and Europe.
The Use of Acupuncture in Veterinary Medicine
- While acupuncture has been predominantly used in horses and dogs, the research notes its growing popularity in zoological companion animals (ZCA) – a group category which might include various mammal, bird, and reptile pet species. There’s a marked increase particularly for treating musculoskeletal, neurological, and gastrointestinal disorders given its minimal invasiveness and low risk for adverse effects.
- Moreover, the use of acupuncture in veterinary practices is noted as even more important amidst the increasing restrictions on the use of opiates due to the opiate crisis. This implies that veterinarians are seeking alternatives to the heavy, addictive narcotics that are often associated with abuse and negative side effects.
Objective of the Research
- The purpose of the study is to offer guidelines for implementing acupuncture for pain management in ZCA based on available information and the recommendations of experienced veterinary acupuncturists. This aims to facilitate more effective and reliable treatments for animals, while also moving away from an over-reliance on potentially harmful medications.
Cite This Article
APA
Koh RB, Harrison TM.
(2022).
Acupuncture in Zoological Companion Animals.
Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract, 26(1), 257-280.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvex.2022.07.008 Publication
Researcher Affiliations
- Integrative Medicine Service, UC Davis Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital, University of California, Davis, 1 Garrod Road, Davis, CA 95616, USA. Electronic address: rbkoh@ucdavis.edu.
- Exotic Animal Medicine Service, North Carolina State University, College of Veterinary Medicine, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC 27607, USA.
MeSH Terms
- Humans
- Dogs
- Animals
- Horses
- Pets
- Acupuncture Therapy / veterinary
- Acupuncture Therapy / methods
- Pain Management / veterinary
- Analgesia / veterinary
- Pain / prevention & control
- Pain / veterinary
Conflict of Interest Statement
Disclosure The authors of this article have no commercial or financial conflicts of interest.
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