Cattle Acupuncture - Acupuncture for Cows

Not only is it effective, but acupuncture has some major advantages over conventional medicine in treatment of cows.

First, since no drugs are involved, there is no withdrawal period for meat or milk. Animal products continue to be safe for human consumption. Acupuncture is therefore a viable alternative for organic farms, which aim to minimize drug use.

Second, acupuncture can often treat conditions for which there is no effective conventional treatment. Cows are valuable animals, so being able to save, or at least salvage, an animal is a big advantage to the farmer.

Finally, since needles are all that is required to treat almost any condition, acupuncture can be done anywhere, and does not require specialist or bulky equipment.

Acupuncture on animals is done using sterilised single-use needles. These are only about 0.20-0.25mm wide, as the picture shows. It is rarely painful and over 95% of patients are comfortable with acupuncture.

For some conditions, such as infertility, only 1-2 treatments may be needed for effect. Acute conditions, which the cow has not suffered from for long, generally respond more quickly than long-term problems. For more chronic conditions, 3-6 treatments are given at weekly intervals, and at least 6 treatments should be given to judge the effectiveness in a particular cow.

For many conditions in cows, moxibustion is used. This means the use of heat, from burning a herb called moxa (mugwort), at an acupuncture point. The skin is protected with a salve, and then the loose moxa is placed on top and lit. Alternatively, a needle may be inserted and a disc of compressed moxa fixed to the top and lit. The heat penetrates the skin and stimulates the acupuncture point. This technique is used when the cow is diagnosed as suffering from 'cold'.

Acupuncture is very safe when conducted by a qualified practitioner. In the UK, and most US states, only qualified veterinary surgeons may administer acupuncture.

Acupuncture is beneficial in a whole range of problems in cattle, including many of the most financially important conditions.

Fertility issues
Acupuncture can be useful in most fertility issues, including anestrus, cystic ovaries, retained or cystic corpus luteum, silent heat, pseudopregnancy, impotence, penile paralysis, inflammation of the reproductive tract, retained placenta, uterine prolapse, prevention of abortion or to induce parturition (Lin and Panzer, 1992).

Another practitioner reports about an 80 percent success rate in reproductive disorders (Englenburg). He now uses acupuncture for cases of anestrus, cystic ovaries, pyometra, metritis and retained placenta, which have not responded to conventional treatment.

As he said, his results of acupuncture showed an about 80 percent success rate in reproductive disorders.

Downer Cows
Downer cows may be suffering from a variety of conditions, including mineral imbalances and muscle and nerve damage. Nursing of a downer cow is essential to prevent complications. Many case studies have shown that acupuncture (in combination with conventional medicine where necessary, such as calcium to correct hypocalcaemia) has allowed cows to recover when they would not with conventional medicine alone.

Lameness
Acupuncture can help lamenesses from a variety of causes in cattle, although it is still important to maintain good hygiene to control infections. Acupuncture has very well documented pain relieving effects, which is especially useful in cattle as it allows improved welfare but without drugs and concerns about residues and drug withdrawal times.

Digestive Problems
Acupuncture has been shown to be effective in treatment of displaced abomasum. Several studies have shown that acupuncture (electroacupuncture and moxibustion in particular) is effective to promote recovery after correction by rolling (Jang et al, 1992).

It is important to find a veterinary acupuncturist who has received adequate training and is experienced in treating cattle. In the UK and most US states, only licenced veterinarians can perform acupuncture.

The best veterinary acupuncturists are certified, which means that they have completed a set training course, and then passed exams, submitted case reports and undertaken an internship with an experienced acupuncturist. Certified veterinarians will use the letters CVA, certified veterinary acupuncturist, after their names.

There are two bodies which certify veterinarians in acupuncture, the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. If you visit either of these websites, you will be able to search for a certified veterinary acupuncturist in your area.

In the US and Europe, there are increasing numbers of holistic veterinary practices, where vets specialize in alternative therapies such as acupuncture. It is better to find a certified and experienced veterinary acupuncturist than a veterinarian who just has 'an interest' or who has taken a weekend course, as a certified veterinary acupuncturist will have much more knowledge and experience to provide the best treatment for your cow.

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Dr. Lindsey Wedemeyer is a veterinarian certified in veterinary acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine. She has been practicing acupuncture and Chinese veterinary medicine since 2004 and is a member of the faculty of the Chi Institute of Chinese Veterinary Medicine, known by many as the premier Chinese veterinary medicine training facility in the US. Dr. Lindsey has helped train over 100 veterinarians in acupuncture and herbal medicine.

Dr. Lindsey now runs New York Veterinary Acupuncture Service, which offers acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, Tui-na (medical massage) and food therapy (dietary modification to promote health) for dogs, horses and cows in New York's Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Westchester, Ulster and Putnam counties. For more information, click here!