Nov 12, 2007 7:00 pm US/Eastern
Acupuncture Being Used To Treat Pet Pains
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
For thousands of years acupuncture has helped humans deal with pain and discomfort. Now some specialists are using acupuncture to help pets with a variety of ailments from bad hips and poor appetite to cancer.
CBS4's Shannon Hori said by the time she took her 14-year old dog, Sammy Ann, for treatment, the dog's cancer that had spread to her vital organs, including her lungs.
Hori says Dr. Marta Sanchez-Emden with Animal Health and Rehab in South Miami was very realistic in what the treatment would do.
"We're not going to cure her," Sanchez-Emden told Hori, "we are not going to prolong her life, but make her more comfortable and improve the quality of life she has left."
Sanchez-Emden says those who love their pets are willing to try anything including acupuncture.
Linda Roth's Dixie has had the treatment a half dozen times for paralysis.
"I've heard about it for so many years for people," said Roth, "I really wish we started earlier. Maybe it would have helped a little."
She says Dixie is walking a little longer.
During the procedure, Sanchez-Emden uses the same types of needles on her four legged patients - that are used on people. And it works the same way - opening up blocked passages in the body. The animals do not feel pain when the needles go in.
For Sammy Ann, the doctor placed the needles on points for arthritis. Dogs with cancer may respond after acupuncture by walking longer, vomiting less and breathing better. An electric current is also applied to further stimulate the acupuncture points.
Sanchez-Emden says there are now alternative treatments like acupuncture for animals that used to just be put to sleep.
"If we can control without being aggressive," said Sanchez-Emden, "without making the dog crazy, then we should do it."
Sanchez-Emden points out it often takes time to see results from acupuncture, but if it means the animal feels better during the time left - it's worth it.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
