Does acupuncture in animals work?
Acupuncture can be used on all species of animals, and has documented efficacy on a wide range of species, including elephants, cattle, horses, dogs, cats, monkeys, and rabbits. However, it tends to be more frequently used in companion animal species such as the horse, dog and cat.
Is acupuncture a pseudoscience?
Acupuncture is a form of alternative medicine and a component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in which thin needles are inserted into the body. Acupuncture is a pseudoscience; the theories and practices of TCM are not based on scientific knowledge, and it has been characterized as quackery.
Is acupuncture accepted by science?
What the Science Says About the Effectiveness of Acupuncture. Results from a number of studies suggest that acupuncture may help ease types of pain that are often chronic such as low-back pain, neck pain, and osteoarthritis/knee pain.
How often should dog have acupuncture?
Cats and dogs will begin acupuncture by having frequent treatments that will eventually taper off into less frequent sessions. The majority of pets will benefit from having just one to three sessions each week when they first begin. Consistent treatment is highly recommended since the effects are cumulative.
Should you euthanize a dog with IVDD?
If your dog is badly affected by IVDD, and if there is no appropriate, realistic or effective treatment available, then you may unfortunately have to consider the last resort option of euthanasia. It can be a blessing to have the option of euthanasia available when needed.
What conditions can acupuncture treat in animals?
Acupuncture can have enormous benefits for animals with chronic (long term) conditions, such as arthritis and back pain, behavioural problems (often linked to pain), digestive / bowel problems, respiratory disease, fatigue syndromes, incontinence and more.
What is the primary use of acupuncture in treating pets?
Acupuncture is often used to treat dogs with arthritis and joint inflammation. For example, dogs with hip dysplasia or degenerative joint disease are good candidates for acupuncture, which may alleviate pain and improve joint range of motion.
Is acupuncture a sham?
The results of several studies implied that acupuncture was only a powerful placebo; however, certain studies demonstrated that verum acupuncture had a greater effect than placebo and the mechanisms between a verum acupuncture group and a placebo/sham group were different.
Why is acupuncture not effective?
Infection – if the needle is unsterile, bacteria can cause local infection. There is also a risk of contracting hepatitis, HIV or any other bloodborne disease if the needles are reused. Injury to the skin – clumsy insertion, or entry of a needle into a blood vessel, can cause bleeding, bruising and pain.
Is acupuncture painful for dogs?
There are few side effects with acupuncture, but some dogs may be sore or stiff following a treatment session, while other patients appear tired. These symptoms usually resolve within 24-48 hours.
What can a skeptic hope to learn from acupuncture?
* The most any skeptic can hope for is that such patients make an informed choice in a setting where acupuncture is used as a complement, not an alternative, to scientific medicine. At least then the patient might get the best medicine science has to offer if it is needed.
Do people who believe in dog acupuncture believe in Woo?
Er……yeah…since dog acupuncture is woo (according to the evidence) then technically these people who believe their dog was cured using acupuncture DO believe in woo. See how that works? 😉 It’s like saying “I don’t believe in ghosts but I saw a ghost” – clearly the person DOES believe in ghosts or they wouldn’t believe they’d seen a ghost.
Are acupuncture testimonials valid evidence?
What you need to understand is (1) Testimonials are not acceptable as evidence. (2) Studies to date are compatible with the hypothesis that acupuncture is no more effective than placebo.
What is wrong with acupuncture studies?
The biggest problem with acupuncture studies is finding an adequate placebo control. You’re sticking needles in people. People notice that. Double blinding is impossible: you might be able to fool patients into thinking you’ve used a needle when you haven’t, but there’s no way to blind the person doing the needling.