Dr. Catherine Ziegler is an Associate Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist here at Northshore Humane Society.
What is acupuncture?
Acupuncture has been practiced on both humans and animals for thousands of years. The treatment consists of placing very small needles into the skin to stimulate points on the body, facilitating self-healing. It is absolutely safe and in fact, most pets don’t even realize the needles are being placed and oftentimes fall asleep during each session.
Info on acupuncture sessions at NHS:
Each session lasts a total of 40 to 60 minutes. During the first 15 minutes, Dr. Z will assess your pet's overall health through a physical exam and a brief overview of their medical history. The following 30 minutes is dedicated to needle placement and treatment time.
The number of acupuncture treatments needed depends on the nature, severity and duration of a condition being treated. A single treatment may be enough for an acute condition while a series of three to ten treatments may resolve many chronic problems. Some chronic conditions may need monthly treatments spread over time. Dr. Z will always go over all treatment plans with you and your family!
To see the benefits acupuncture can have on your pup, schedule your first session including a full consultation with Dr. Z for $140.00. All following sessions are only $85. For more information or to schedule, call (985) 892-7387 x 3, email clinic@nshumane.org or reserve through our PetDesk app here.
Conditions Improved by Acupuncture:
- Arthritis and joint pain/disease: chronic pain and loss of mobility from arthritis is the most common reasons parents seek dog acupuncture.
- Disc disease and nerve pain: dogs who have a bulging disc, spinal arthritis or a pinched nerve can benefit from acupuncture.
- Surgery: acupuncture may help relieve pain and anxiety surrounding surgery and follow-up visits to the veterinarian.
- Cancer side effects: acupuncture is often used to help improve energy and reduce pain, nausea and loss of appetite associated with cancer or cancer treatments.
- Hormonal or metabolic conditions: dogs who suffer from hormonal conditions like Cushing's syndrome, hypothyroidism, diabetes mellitus or Addison's disease may find relief through acupuncture. Dogs with liver or kidney disease may also experience benefits.
- Trauma: dogs who've been bitten, hit by a car, broken a bone or experienced other trauma that caused pain and inflammation may benefit from acupuncture.
- Skin conditions: if your dog is being treated for allergic dermatitis or lick granulomas (a skin lesion that develops from a dog consistently licking or biting in one particular area — commonly on the front legs), acupuncture may be used as a complementary treatment.
- Gastrointestinal problems: acupuncture may help dogs suffering from diarrhea and other common tummy problems.
- Idiopathic epilepsy: acupuncture may reduce seizures in dogs with epilepsy.
To see the benefits acupuncture can have on your pup, schedule your first session including a full consultation with Dr. Z for $140.00. All following sessions are only $85. For more information or to schedule, call (985) 892-7387 x 3, email clinic@nshumane.org or reserve through our PetDesk app here.