KS Veterinary Acupuncture

Team work!

A multi-modal approach to treating dogs and cats with musculoskeletal problems sometimes involves input from a number of different professionals who have different skills. This may include veterinary physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, hydrotherapists, massage therapists – and of course veterinary acupuncturists – in addition to your normal veterinary surgeon.

Exercise therapy for dogs

One part of the multi-modal management plan that I devise for my acupuncture clients is advice on how best to exercise their dog. This may be general advice on how much exercise and what type of exercise is most appropriate, or it may be advice on exercise therapy for their dog.

Osteoarthritis flare-ups (dogs)

Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition which cannot be cured. It is also a dynamic condition with good days and bad days. The best we can do is to attempt to slow down the disease and be prepared to deal with flare-ups of symptoms and pain as and when they occur.

Cats gets arthritis too!

It is well recognised that dogs commonly suffer from arthritis and affected dogs usually show signs of stiffness and lameness.

Arthritis in cats is not so commonly diagnosed or treated. Osteoarthritis is actually very common in cats but can be more difficult to detect.

Game changer!

The most commonly prescribed medication for dogs with osteoarthritis has for many years been one of a group of drugs called non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Names you might recognise are Rimadyl, Metacam, Previcox and Onsior. Your dog may be taking one of these drugs now or they may have had them for other conditions in the past.

Osteoarthritis in dogs

Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of chronic pain in dogs and is the condition that I see most in my clinics. Many people are shocked when their dog receives this diagnosis, particularly if the dog is very young. Unlike the situation in humans, where osteoarthritis develops later in life due to general ‘wear and tear’, the problem in dogs starts very early in life even if it doesn’t show itself until later on. It is usually initiated by developmental conditions such as hip dysplasia, developmental elbow disease (‘elbow dysplasia’), luxating patella, or cruciate disease. Sometimes it can be initiated by trauma such as a broken bone involving a joint. Other factors also play a role and these include diet, genetics, environment and obesity.

How to recognise chronic pain in animals

Most of the pets that I see in my clinics have a chronic pain condition. The types of these conditions are wide-ranging and include chronic musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, as well as trauma, infection, nervous system disorders, dental problems, gastro-intestinal disease, and cancer.

Time for a change!

Following the Covid-19 restrictions I came to realise that general practice vetting was no longer for me.

Life as a vet in general practice has changed a lot over the 25 years since I graduated! Four years into my career, changes were made in 1999 which allowed non-vet ownership of veterinary practices. Over the years that followed, more and more practices have come under corporate ownership. This has resulted in big changes (some good, some not so good) to the way practices are run and also in the way that vets are perceived by the public.