Acupuncture

acupuncture needles on a small animalAcupuncture is the placement of small, sterile needles at points in the body associated with energy channels, or meridians. Acupuncture can be traced back to ancient China and has been practiced on animals and humans for thousands of years. The acupuncture points are used for many therapeutic reasons and to treat inflammatory conditions, pain, promote healing, improve blood flow, along with many other benefits.

There are a large array of conditions that can be treated with this therapy including back pain, muscle soreness, arthritis, neurological disorders, asthma, Cushing’s disease, kidney and liver disease, gastrointestinal disorders, dermatological problems, and behavior problems. Any species can receive this therapy and most animals do amazingly well with needle placement and frequently fall asleep during the session. Acupuncture is very safe and has minimal side effects. Each session takes between 30-45min with the first session taking slightly longer.

Laser Acupuncture uses the laser for acupuncture points instead of needles. Wavelengths of 780-980nm (used in Class 3B lasers, the cold laser that AnShen uses) allow acupuncture without needles for those animals who are sensitive, environments (barns) too cold for needles, or for animals that may mistake needles for food.

Electroacupuncture involves attaching wires from a machine which produces very low voltage to the acupuncture needles. Differing frequencies cause the release of various neurotransmitters which relieve pain and provide comfort.

Aquapuncture is the injection of a sterile liquid, such as Vitamin B12, saline or a homotoxicology product into an acupuncture point. An animal under anesthesia or an animal that can’t hold still for acupuncture needles can benefit from this technique.


In late summer of 2016, Zoey ruptured her left cruciate ligament. We considered surgery until we found out that she also developed melanoma and only had a life expectancy of 6-9 months. Since the recovery time from the surgery was longer than her life expectancy, we turned our thoughts to what alternatives were available for Zoey. We wanted her to enjoy pain-free mobility for as long as possible. That’s when a friend recommended AnShen Holistic Veterinary Care.
Zoey started with laser treatments on her left leg, acupuncture, and a combination of Chinese medicines for tendon/ligament and pain management. Within a couple of weeks, Zoey’s leg improved to the degree that she was no longer favoring that leg. Within a few months, her leg appears to be back to normal. Where Zoey used to limp around for a couple of days after overdoing her play time, she now enjoys running around the yard (which we try to discourage) without experiencing any ill effects. The length of her daily walks are back to pre-injury levels and she appears perfectly able to use her left leg without consequence. We’re thrilled that Zoey is able to enjoy her walks and play time without setback or re-injury.