What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been used in veterinary practice in China for thousands of years to treat ailments and as preventive medicine. It involves placing special acupuncture needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. We use acupuncture alone or with traditional western medicine to treat many conditions in every species of animal.

Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated. In western medical terms, it helps the body to heal itself by creating physiological changes. It stimulates nerves, increases blood circulation, relieves muscle spasm, and creates the release of endorphins which control the pain mechanisms in the body and cortisol which is a natural steroid produced by the body. Here is more info.

Why Acupuncture for My Pet?
Research shows positive results with veterinary acupuncture treatment when performed by a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. Acupuncture therapy is increasingly accepted and popular. While it will not cure every condition, it can work very well when indicated.

When is Animal Acupuncture Indicated?
Acupuncture is indicated for many conditions including, but not limited to allergies, inflammation, pain, paralysis, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, respiratory, skin, behavioral and neurological disorders. For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which may be treated with acupuncture:

• Arthritis
• Cruciate disease
• Degenerative disc disease, slipped disc and pinched nerve
• Traumatic nerve injury
• Hip dysplasia
• Anxieties
• Feline asthma
• Lick granulomas
• Allergies and allergic dermatitis
• Degenerative myelopathy
• IBD
• Diarrhea
• Cushings
• Quality of life for cancer and lymphoma patients
• Epilepsy and seizures
• Laryngeal paralysis and paralysis
• Sports injuries
• Many more conditions or illnesses

Frequently Asked Questions

What to Expect from Acupuncture?
The Owner fills out a questionnaire prior to the first appointment and this helps direct the acupuncture prescription more specifically for that patient’s condition(s). The first consultation and treatment appointment is 60 minutes. Most patients accept acupuncture needles well.

Side Effects or Reactions to Acupuncture?
Some patients are sleepy or a little sore after acupuncture–but there are no other side effects.

How Often Are Treatments?
Initially, treatments are every 1-2 weeks for the first 4 sessions, then spaced farther out as determined by the patient’s needs.

Why a Licensed Veterinary Acupuncturist?
Dr. Liba, is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. She has completed extensive training and is also a Veterinarian.

Acupuncture Treatment Options
Dr. Lauren Liba is a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) and offers four variations of acupuncture treatment:

• Dry needle acupuncture – traditional Chinese needles are placed to stimulate acupuncture points (acupoints) then therapeutically remain in for 20 minutes.
• Laser acupuncture – stimulation of acupoints using laser light rather than needles. A laser acupuncture treatment is faster than traditional needle acupuncture but equally effective.
• Electro-acupuncture – stimulation of acupoints by applying an electrical current through traditional acupuncture needles and electrical stimulation. This treatment produces stronger stimulation and deeper pain relief via serotonin release in the brain.
• Aqua-acupuncture – injection of a fluid (typically vitamin B12 solution) into acupoints This type of acupuncture helps to prolong the effects of acupoint stimulation.