Acupuncture for Rabbits - Holistic Chinese Medicine for Rabbits
Ranked #3,218 in Animals, #74,605 overall
Welcome to Dr Lindsey Wedemeyer's Rabbit Acupuncture Lens
Acupuncture is an accepted and popular complementary therapy for people, but animals can also benefit. Increasing numbers of veterinarians are turning to acupuncture to treat animals naturally, and for an alternative in conditions where modern medicine is proving insufficient or ineffective. Acupuncture is not painful, is a very safe therapy and can benefit rabbits too!
Photo credit: freefoto.com
Photo credit: freefoto.com
Acupuncture for Rabbits?!?!
Although it seems unlikely, acupuncture actually can be done on rabbits. Indeed, much of the research that has been done on acupuncture, its mechanisms of action and effects has been done on rabbits, since they are a common and convenient laboratory animal. We therefore have much evidence to show that acupuncture does work on rabbits.Acupuncture is generally not painful, and over 95% of animals tolerate it well. The needles are extremely fine and thin (see picture - the needle shown is only a fraction of a millimeter, and only as wide as the dividing lines on the tape measure). The needles are very much narrower than a typical hypodermic needle, and as animals have no anticipation of acupuncture, it is generally over before the realize what is happening. People who have had acupuncture say that they felt a sensation of warmth, numbness or tingling during acupuncture, but not pain. With their human to comfort and reassure, acupuncture is usually easily and successfully performed, even on rabbits.
If needle acupuncture really cannot be performed on a rabbit, or to stimulate acupuncture points in delicate areas near vital structures, there are alternatives to needles. Low level lasers or infra red light can be used to stimulate the acupuncture points. This is a completely painless and non-invasive procedure, and simply involves holding an instrument like a fat pen against the skin for 5-10 seconds. This form of acupuncture will be possible on all patients, and avoids any possible risk of injury from needles in those rabbits that will not keep still or need stimulation of points in difficult places, for example around the eye.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is one of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Developed over 4000 years ago in China, it involves the insertion of extremely fine needles into specific points on the body. The insertion of needles is believed to influence the flow of energy (known as chi, or qi) through the body, and influence the function of internal organs. The ancient Chinese developed complex theories about the function of the body. Many of these have subsequently been proved correct, despite the fact that they were discovered thousands of years before Europeans made the same discoveries. Each acupuncture point has specific effects, and the art of the acupuncturist is in selecting the best combination of points for treatment of a particular condition.
Diagnosis in Chinese medicine takes into account all symptoms as well as the patients' medical and personal history. Analysis of the tongue and pulse and particularly important in diagnosis.
For more information, please visit my veterinary acupuncture lens.
Diagnosis in Chinese medicine takes into account all symptoms as well as the patients' medical and personal history. Analysis of the tongue and pulse and particularly important in diagnosis.
For more information, please visit my veterinary acupuncture lens.
Why Acupuncture is Great for Rabbits
Although rabbits are popular pets, options for their medical care are comparatively poor. Many drugs used for other animal species are not licenced in rabbits, and veterinarians often receive little rabbit-specific training at veterinary school. Rabbits are caecotrophs, meaning that once they expel faeces, they eat them for a second pass through the digestive tract. This is because the rabbit's high roughage diet cannot be fully digested in a single pass through the gut. Any drug that interferes with this process will potentially harm the rabbit, and so this limits the drugs that can be safely administered.
Many veterinarians are nervous to perform surgery on rabbits, as they have more complex anesthetic requirements and a higher risk of dying under anesthesia than other species. After surgery, it is essential that rabbits start eating, so that the guts start moving again, but often rabbits refuse food, which leads to complications.
Acupuncture is therefore a great alternative to drugs and surgery in rabbits. It is very safe and avoids the risks associated with medicines and surgeries. Although surgery may sometimes be necessary to save the rabbit, acupuncture can be used to decrease the risks of complications, for example by stimulating the appetite so that the rabbit eats after coming out of anesthesia. Acupuncture can be used in medical conditions to allow a reduced dose of drugs, or even to avoid the use of drugs.
Many veterinarians are nervous to perform surgery on rabbits, as they have more complex anesthetic requirements and a higher risk of dying under anesthesia than other species. After surgery, it is essential that rabbits start eating, so that the guts start moving again, but often rabbits refuse food, which leads to complications.
Acupuncture is therefore a great alternative to drugs and surgery in rabbits. It is very safe and avoids the risks associated with medicines and surgeries. Although surgery may sometimes be necessary to save the rabbit, acupuncture can be used to decrease the risks of complications, for example by stimulating the appetite so that the rabbit eats after coming out of anesthesia. Acupuncture can be used in medical conditions to allow a reduced dose of drugs, or even to avoid the use of drugs.
What Conditions in Rabbits can Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can treat a huge range of conditions. Basically, it can be used to treat any condition which results from disturbed function of an organ or body system. Research has shown that acupuncture has many effects on the body, including:
- stimulation of the immune system
- relief of pain
- reduction in fever
- normalization of heart rate and rhythm
- normalization of gut movement and secretions
among others.
Research has also shown that acupuncture has significant benefits in many human and animal diseases and disorders. Acupuncture has been shown to benefit conditions specifically in rabbits, including:
Dry eyes
Eye problems are common in rabbits. A study of rabbits suffering from chronically dry eyes (and not responding to medication) found that acupuncture increased tear production and stimulated the lacrimal gland to regenerate (Gong and Sun, 2007)
Abnormal gut movements
Many studies have shown that acupuncture (or electroacupuncture) can enhance gut motility by affecting nerve impulse conduction. Abnormalities of the digestive system are serious problems in rabbits. Other studies have shown that acupuncture can protect a rabbit's stomach from ulceration after ingestion of a substance that would usually cause ulceration.
Diabetes
Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce the blood glucose level in diabetic rabbits.
During and after surgery
If surgery is truly necessary, acupuncture is very useful to help decrease the risks to your rabbit. Rabbits are prone to temporarily stop breathing when they first go under anesthetic, and acupuncture is very useful to stimulate breathing if this occurs. Acupuncture can also be used to stimulate the appetite after surgery, giving the rabbit a smoother recovery with a decreased chance of complications.
- stimulation of the immune system
- relief of pain
- reduction in fever
- normalization of heart rate and rhythm
- normalization of gut movement and secretions
among others.
Research has also shown that acupuncture has significant benefits in many human and animal diseases and disorders. Acupuncture has been shown to benefit conditions specifically in rabbits, including:
Dry eyes
Eye problems are common in rabbits. A study of rabbits suffering from chronically dry eyes (and not responding to medication) found that acupuncture increased tear production and stimulated the lacrimal gland to regenerate (Gong and Sun, 2007)
Abnormal gut movements
Many studies have shown that acupuncture (or electroacupuncture) can enhance gut motility by affecting nerve impulse conduction. Abnormalities of the digestive system are serious problems in rabbits. Other studies have shown that acupuncture can protect a rabbit's stomach from ulceration after ingestion of a substance that would usually cause ulceration.
Diabetes
Acupuncture has been shown to significantly reduce the blood glucose level in diabetic rabbits.
During and after surgery
If surgery is truly necessary, acupuncture is very useful to help decrease the risks to your rabbit. Rabbits are prone to temporarily stop breathing when they first go under anesthetic, and acupuncture is very useful to stimulate breathing if this occurs. Acupuncture can also be used to stimulate the appetite after surgery, giving the rabbit a smoother recovery with a decreased chance of complications.
How do I find an Acupuncturist for my Rabbit?
It is important to find a veterinary acupuncturist who is adequately trained and experienced in treating rabbits. In many countries, including the UK and many US states, only licensed veterinarians can perform acupuncture. Where possible, try to find a practitioner who is certified in veterinary acupuncture, rather than someone just with an 'interest'. Certification means that the acupuncturist has completed a comprehensive training course, passed written and practical exams, interned with an experienced acupuncturist and undertakes continued education to maintain their certification. There are two main bodies which certify vets in veterinary acupuncture. These are the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society and the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine. Search for certified veterinary acupuncturists by worldwide location by following these links:
Chi Institute - search box on left hand side
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society - search page by country/state
There are increasing numbers of specialized, holistic veterinary practices, who will be able to design a natural treatment plan for your rabbit. Many veterinary acupuncturists do house visits. Treatment in the comfort of your own home will greatly reduce the stress of veterinary treatment for your rabbit, and is definitely worth investigating.
Chi Institute - search box on left hand side
International Veterinary Acupuncture Society - search page by country/state
There are increasing numbers of specialized, holistic veterinary practices, who will be able to design a natural treatment plan for your rabbit. Many veterinary acupuncturists do house visits. Treatment in the comfort of your own home will greatly reduce the stress of veterinary treatment for your rabbit, and is definitely worth investigating.
Learn more about Rabbit Care and Animal Acupuncture with these books
When Your Rabbit Needs Special Care: Traditional and Alternative Healing Methods
More about veterinary care for rabbits
Amazon Price: $14.96 (as of 07/12/2009) 
List Price: $19.95
Four Paws, Five Directions: A Guide to Chinese Medicine for Cats and Dogs
Wonderful intro to Chinese medicine for animals
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $29.95
Veterinary Acupuncture: Ancient Art to Modern Medicine
Great detailed book for vets interested in acupuncture for animals
Amazon Price: $108.00 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $135.00
Rabbitlopaedia: A Complete Guide to Rabbit Care (Complete Guide To... (Ringpress Books))
All about caring for your rabbit
Amazon Price: $11.21 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $14.95
Kindred Spirits: How the Remarkable Bond Between Humans and Animals Can Change the Way we Live
Inspiring books about the relationship between animals and their humans
Amazon Price: $11.96 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $15.95
Learn more about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in general with these books
The Web That Has No Weaver : Understanding Chinese Medicine
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $21.95
Between Heaven and Earth: A Guide to Chinese Medicine
Amazon Price: $11.53 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $16.95
Wood Becomes Water: Chinese Medicine in Everyday Life
Amazon Price: $13.60 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $20.00
Acupressure's Potent Points: a Guide to Self-Care for Common Ailments
Amazon Price: $14.28 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $21.00
Complete Idiot's Guide to Acupuncture and Acupressure
Amazon Price: $14.21 (as of 07/12/2009)
List Price: $18.95
Check out my other Squidoo Lenses to learn more about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Animals!
- Veterinary Acupuncture - Acupuncture for Animals
- All about acupuncture for animals - what it is, how it works, conditions that can be treated, how to find a veterinary acupuncturist.
- Canine Acupuncture - Acupuncture for Dogs
- Acupuncture for dogs
- Equine Acupuncture - Acupuncture for Horses
- Acupuncture for horses
- Feline Acupuncture - Acupuncture for Cats
- Acupuncture for cats
- Cattle Acupuncture - Acupuncture for Cows
- There's even acupuncture for cows!
- Chinese Herbal Veterinary Medicine
- Chinese Herbal Medicine for animals
- Acupuncture Techniques - Gold Bead Implantation
- Gold bead implantation is a modern application of acupuncture combining ancient acupuncture theories with modern surgical techniques. Implantation of gold beads at acupuncture points allows constant stimulation, and therefore maintenance of acupuncture's positive effects.
Fun Rabbit Stuff from CafePress
Rabbits Rule Kids Dark T-Shirt
Price: 24.99
Sitting Rabbit with Flowers Mousepad
Price: 14.99
Rabbit Squares Baseball Jersey
Price: 30.99
I Love Bunnies Messenger Bag
Price: 29.99
Index
- Acupuncture for Rabbits?!?!
- What is Acupuncture?
- Why Acupuncture is Great for Rabbits
- What Conditions in Rabbits can Acupuncture Treat?
- How do I find an Acupuncturist for my Rabbit?
- Learn more about Rabbit Care and Animal Acupuncture with these books
- Learn more about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine in general with these books
- Check out my other Squidoo Lenses to learn more about Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine for Animals!
- Fun Rabbit Stuff from CafePress
- Guestbook
Guestbook
Please leave a comment and let me know how you liked this lens! You do not have to a member of Squidoo to do so.
Slothlover wrote...
This is a great lens! Holistic stuff is really good and interesting then regular medicine! I am the Group Master of the Squidoo Group "Best Pet Information". I would like this lens to be in my group since it is so great! Here's a link to my group in case you want to submit your lens! Best pet Information Link
Posted June 09, 2009
Lensmaster
banbarak
The lens is great as it has got lots of good stuff.The lens is very impressive as well.Interesting to know animals too are benefited.I like it.Feel free to visit my the accupuncturequest blog
Posted November 25, 2008
LucyVet wrote...
I'm so glad your rabbit got better, The_Homeopath! I think she had torticollis.
Posted August 18, 2008
LucyVet wrote...
I'm so glad your rabbit got better, The_Homeopath! I think she had torticollis.
Posted August 18, 2008
by LucyVet
Dr Lindsey Wedemeyer trained as a veterinary surgeon at Cambridge University in the UK and holds degrees in Pharmacology and Veterinary Medicine. She... (more)
