Large dogs don't always age well, but acupuncture could be a way to help them. Failing hips can lead to difficulty getting up, "splaying" of the hind legs, fear of crossing non-carpeted surfaces and a general hesitation to do more than lie around. These challenges can be devastating for both the dog and owner. Non-carpeted floors begin to look like ice-skating rinks, and the thought of crossing them sends many of our canine friends into a state of incontrollable shaking. If any of you have a geriatric large breed dog, you know what I'm talking about.
As larger dogs age, their hip joints are prone to arthritis (especially Labradors, Golden Retrievers, and Rottweilers, who often have a genetic predisposition). The hip joint is a "ball and socket" style joint. As the joint deteriorates, the muscles in the hip area atrophy (waste away) making the joint less stable. This leads to hind end weakness and splaying of the hind legs. The cycle makes it harder and harder for these poor guys to move around on any surface that is at all slippery.
There are a variety of arthritic drugs available. But some of these can damage other parts of the body (like the liver) and they do not work for every animal. Non-drug options, like chiropractic, laser and acupuncture, are available at WAH and can really help!
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years. It is a gentle way to stimulate the body to help heal itself. By placing tiny needles into specific points along the body, many “feel good” hormones, like endorphins and oxytocin, are released from the brain. Acupuncture also stimulates the nervous system, which helps muscles become stronger. You might wonder why any dog would allow needles to be placed in its body for an acupuncture session. The answer is, it feels good!
The needles relax the animal (gotta love those feel good hormones), and often they even fall asleep! Needles are left in anywhere from 5-30 minutes. Sometimes liquid is added through the needle (aqua-puncture). Heat can also be used in the needle tip (moxa), and electric stimulation can be attached to the needles to give a little "boost." However, "dry needling" is the most common form of acupuncture.
As a holistic modality, acupuncture treats not just arthritis in the joints, but the whole body, and without causing harm. Nothing will stop the body from aging, but acupuncture is one natural way to help dogs age more gracefully.
For more information on acupuncture at WAH, visit: http://wilmingtonanimalhospital.com/services_acupuncture.php
Dr. Hanna is a 2004 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her certification in Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians in the summer of 2004.
For more information on Dr. Hanna, visit: http://wilmingtonanimalhospital.com/veterinarians.php
This is Basco getting acupuncture for arthritis:
