Canine Degenerative Myelopathy and Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique of inserting and manipulating very fine needles into specific acupuncture points on the body to relieve pain or for specific illnesses. According to Traditional Chinese Medical (TCM) theory, acupuncture points are situated on pathways called meridians along which energy known as chi (qi) flows. If that energy becomes "stuck" the body will experience pain or illness. Acupuncture moves and tonifies chi.

Acupuncture is a time-tested clinically effective holistic solution to the stresses and health problems of your pets in our modern times. The effects of acupuncture and herbal therapy are gentle yet very effective for a wide range of health problems, and it is a cost-effective method to regain and maintain the health of your pet.

Acupuncture is only one element of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Other TCM modalities incorporated into most treatments are laser acupuncture, infrared heat, moxabustion, magnets, Bach Flower Remedies, and a form of Chinese massage known as Tui Na.

Worried about how your dog will react? Dogs actually like acupuncture. Most dogs fall asleep or become very relaxed once the needles are placed. It is a very gentle and effective therapy.

While acupuncture is effective for a wide range of canine ailments, don't expect too much from a single treatment. Acupuncture in dogs and humans have a cumulative effect. Over time, the treatments build on one another, giving greater effect with each treatment.

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Acupuncture can treats the following conditions in dogs:

* Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
* Internal Medicine
* Movement Disorders
* Neurological Disorders
* Pain Management
* Stress/Anxiety
* Arthritis
* Osteoarthritis
* Allergies
* Asthma
* Low Energy
* Spinal Cord Injuries
* Shoulder & Elbow Injuries
* Ligament and Tendon Injuries
* Recovery from Fractures
* Neurological Disorders
* Degenerative Myelopathy
* Muscle Strains
* Off Season Agility Conditioning
* Low Back Pain and so much more!

PLEASE NOTE!
Each state has its own regulations about veterinary acupuncture. It is important to find a practitioner who has more than a few weekends of training. Some states only require veterinarians to have 130 hours of training in veterinary acupuncture. Unfortunately this is not an adequate amount of time to learn Traditional Chinese Medicine. Other states only allow veterinarians to practice.

All licensed acupuncturists have at least 3,000 to 3,500 hours of training and graduate with a Masters degree. To find an acupuncturist in your area visit www.acufinder.com

I have had better results treating DM when I combined acupuncture, healthy nutrition and Chinese herbal formulas. The herbs helped to relieve the symptoms of DM, such as incontinence, pain, fatigue and weakness of the lower back.

Chinese herbal medicine is a major part of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Combining both acupuncture with herbs when treating a patient can dramatically produce positive healing results.

"In the last 1500 years the Chinese and others developed very logical, sophisticated and effective models for using herbs in the treatment of disease and promotion of health. Chinese herbal medical theory and practice is much more developed and sophisticated than most Western herbal traditions, and relies on carefully balanced formulas. These formulas are combined in ways that are simple in principle yet show a remarkable sophistication behind their construction methods. Formulas are made up of individual herbal substances with complementary (or sometimes antagonistic) properties to achieve what are often complex therapeutic goals.Some ancient herbal formulas have stood the test of use over hundreds of years and millions of patients."
- Norman Kraft, L.ac www.myacudoc.com

PLEASE NOTE! Chinese herbs are pharmaceutical grade substances and should only be prescribed by a licensed acupuncturist or veterinarian trained in TCM herbal therapy. Please be careful of websites selling miracle curing herbs. Unfortunately most of these are scams and can be harmful to your dog's condition and your wallet!

You are what you eat applies to dogs too!

Nutrition play a crucial role in canine health as well. What you feed your dog can have a major impact on his recovery rate.

I recommend either cooking for your dog or using a brand that is organic and free of wheat, corn or soy. Wheat exacerbates allergies, arthritic pain and symptoms from auto-immune diseases. Make sure the treats you feed your dog are also wheat free.

If you must buy store bought food, there are several brands that are organic and also free of wheat, soy, corn and fillers. Some of these brands are Solid Gold, Blue, California Naturals, Artemis, Innova, Evo, Halo and Wellness. There are other good brands on the market. Do your research before selecting a food for your dog.

Recipe for Merlin's Magic Congee

Grains should be thoroughly cooked for animals, as they don't really chew their food. Congee is a Chinese dish made from rice, meat and vegetables that is slow cooked and easy to digest

In a crock pot or heavy pot with lid add:

* 5 cups of spring or filtered (not tap) water or free-range chicken broth.
* 1 cup of grain.
* Several pieces of frozen or fresh organic chicken or turkey.
* 1 cup or more of chopped or frozen veggies such as carrots, celery, sweet potato, yams, parsley, string beans.

Use brown rice during the cold winter months. Use white basmati rice for spring or summer.

If cooking in a crock pot, set on low and cook for 4-6 hours. If using a heavy pot on the stove, set the flame or electric burner on the lowest setting, and cook for 4-6 hours.

You may also do a similar version of this in a rice cooker.

An Omega 3 essential fatty acid supplement from fish oil along with an Omega 6 such as flaxseed oil works as an anti-inflammatory. These help to lubricate the joints and help with inflammation. Omega 3 & 6 oils will also improve the health and appearance of your dog's coat. Omega 3 oils have been proven to help reduce excess weight in people and dogs.

Most dogs like the taste of fish oil. If you cannot find a brand for pets you can use fish oil in capsules by cutting it open and drizzling it in their food. Begin by using less as these can cause gas or loose stools.

Regular exercise is a vital element to maintaining your dog's health through this crisis. It aids in keeping muscles toned, weight down and helps circulation. Exercise will also help keep you and your dog in good spirits.

The easiest forms of exercise for a dog suffering from DM are short walks and swimming. A short 15 minute walk each day is a perfect way to boost your dog's spirits while getting some exercise.

Swimming may be easier for dogs who have trouble walking due to joint pain. Most dogs love to swim. If the weather is too cold to swim you may want to research if is a hydrotherapy center for dogs in your area.

Moderation is the key word! If you see that your dog is in more pain after his exercise, allow him to rest for a day or so before repeating.

Bear's owner contacted me when Bear began to teeter and fall on a regular basis. She had hoped to ease Bear's pain and that he would live comfortably to his 13th birthday. Bear had a herniated disc and arthritis. At the time I began to treat him, he had not yet been diagnosed for DM.

I have a special place in my heart for German Shepherds, since I have had four of my own in the past. I was determined to help Bear in anyway possible.

We did not notice too much improvement after the first few acupuncture sessions. I also incorporated laser acupuncture and magnet therapy into his treatments. Chinese herbal liniments along with a form of Chinese massage known as Tu Na was also part of his treatments.

His owner changed his food to a healthier brand that did not contain any wheat, corn, soy or fillers. She also began to massage his back and knees with the Chinese liniment. After his fourth session, Bear was able to get up on his own and walk. It gave us all hope!

He continued to improve, though he did have bad days as well. He was on Deramaxx for pain. The cold New England winter weather did not help his arthritis. Bear made it to his 13th birthday on July 7, 2007. The next goal was for him to make it to Christmas.

I also prescribed a Chinese herbal formula several months later when Bear began to have a few "accidents" in the house. The herbs helped with the incontinence, pain and other symptoms he was experiencing.

Bear lived way past Christmas and made it to the spring of 2008, longer than any of us expected. I believe that acupuncture and herbs helped him live a more comfortable life. I also believe that the loving bond between his owner and him was so strong that he lived as long as he could for her.

Here is Bear's owner's story:

"Thank you so much for all you have done for Bear!!! Before you started treating him, he was very wobbly and fell frequently. I was scared to death that before long I would have no choice and be forced to 'do the humane thing.'

I would do anything for my 'best friend' and it definitely paid off! After his fourth treatment I woke up the next morning to a 'miracle'!!! He was walking better than he had in several months. The effects last for a longer period of time each treatment. Even his face looks younger and more relaxed.

I admit, I was skeptical at first, but I am now 100% convinced that the acupuncture has helped him. I have already begun to recommend acupuncture to people. I look forward to your visit each week, and so do all 3 dogs. (I'm sure the cookies have nothing to do with it!)"
Lauren N.

To read more about other dogs who have had positive results with acupuncture visit the Four Paws Acupuncure Happy Dogs page.

Dudley was a 12 year old Golden Retriever when I began to treat him for canine degenerative myelopathy. His diagnosis did not seem to bother him emotionally. He was always in good spirits and hungry. He loved to sit in the sun and watch the world go by.

His symptoms included dragging his back legs. He was prone to frequent bladder infections and had bouts of incontinent.

As long as there were cookies he was happy to get acupuncture! I also did laser acupuncture every treatment along with a form of Chinese massage known as Tui Na to relieve any arthritic pain he may had. I found that most older dogs have some form of arthritis.

His owner was very receptive to changing his diet. Dudley's new food was free of wheat, corn or soy. Wheat has been found to exacerbate pain. He was also given Rescue Remedy everyday in his water.

After a few acupuncture sessions Dudley began to take an Chinese herbal formula to help help with the incontinence. The Chinese herbal formulas combined with acupuncture made a positive difference.

Here is Dudley's owner's story about their experience.

"Since day one, I am very impressed with the care Jeanie provides for my Golden. She has an enormous amount of information to share, a genuine compassion for him and my concerns with his health. In just 7 visits I have seen a 360 in his walking ability and also his bladder/kidney problems have improved. Putting him on the Chinese Herbs, he has a lot more control going to the bathroom.

Having an old dog with degenerative myeopathy, his comfort level improving, has been a big relief to me. Using acupuncture on my dog gives me my own piece of mind. I highly recommend using Jeanie for your animals. Dudley loves the cookies too, he is spoiled from the second, she walks in the door."
Kelly W.

To read more about other dogs who have had positive results with acupuncture visit the Four Paws Acupuncure Happy Dogs page.