Where to Go for Pet Acupuncture in Austin, Texas

Acupuncture originated around 7000 years ago in India and some of the first records of it being used in a veterinary setting were around 3000 years ago. It has had a slow beginning being used medicinally, but now has found more acceptance for a bigger variety of uses. As of 1983, the American Osteopathic Association officially endorsed acupuncture as a medical practice. Now a variety of animals can use acupuncture to help treat chronic pain, digestive disorders, behavior issues and even neurological diseases.

There are several different types of acupuncture that is used. Most frequently it is dry needles that are 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. Electroacupuncture hooks these into a stimulator. Aquapuncture injects a liquid, usually B12, into pressure points. Moxibustion heats acupoints by burning mugwort on or above the skin or needles. Cold lasers can be used instead of needles. And lastly, gold or stainless steel beads can be implanted into the pressure points.

Austin, TX has a great indulgence of acupuncturists that are certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society. These vets have a great love of animals and explore every avenue to treating your pet's pain and discomfort. Before resorting to pills and other harsher treatments, see if your pet responds to acupuncture. It's relatively inexpensive and has been shown to really improve the quality of life in many animals.

Pet acupuncture has been used to treat chronic pain due to arthritis and hip dysplasia. It has a great history of treating allergies. According to a south Austin TX veterinarian, Dr. Carolyn Love, in a local newspaper interview "Although it's still relatively new in this country, Austin is a more open-minded community than most, and we use it more and more. It complements existing treatments, and it's often used when other things fail."

Cost of treatment for pet acupuncture is between $40-$60 and lasts about 15-25 minutes. Most acupuncturists prefer 6-8 treatments per pet, as a start, and more as needed for maintenance. Pet acupuncturists will see dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets, horses, etc... Call one of the specialists in the list below for more information about their practice if you are interested in getting acupuncture for your pet.

Austin Acupuncturists (all certified by the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society)

Dr. Elaine Caplan, Capital Area Veterinary Specialists, Round Rock

Dr. Kaye Culbertson Fuller, Anderson Mill Animal Clinic, North Austin

Dr. Lu Ann Groves, The Whole Horse, San Marcos

Dr. Carolyn Love, Love Pet Hospital, South Austin

Dr. Karen Wheeler, Griffith Small Animal Hospital, Northwest Austin

Dr. Madalyn Ward, Bear Creek Vet Clinic, Southwest Austin

Dr. Kathryn Van Winkle, Barton Creek Animal Clinic, West Lake Hills