Acupuncture & Chinese Medicine

Veterinary acupuncture was first used as a form of treatment as early as the 1970’s in livestock, but has been around for thousands of years as a form of treatment in people.  Research has shown acupuncture works via several mechanisms, including stimulation and release of Qi (energy) and release of anit-inflammitory mediators resulting in both local and systemic responses such as pain relief.

Dr. Terri Osgood graduated from the Chi Institute of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in 2007 and became a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist (CVA) shortly after graduation.

Conditions Potentially Treatable with Acupuncture

• Chronic Inflammatory Conditions:  Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Ear Infections, Allergies
• Musculoskeletal Disorders:  Arthritis, Hip Dysplasia, Immune-Mediated Arthritis, Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Respiratory Diseases:  Asthma, Cough, Bronchitis
• Soft-Tissue Injuries:  Muscle, Tendon, and/or Ligament Injuries
• Age Related Changes:  Chronic Kidney Disease, Urinary Incontinence, General Weakness, Chronic Heart Failure
• Also:  Seizures, GI Disturbances, Fever, Anemia, Anxiety, Low White Blood Cells (especially useful for patients receiving chemotherapy)

Duration of Treatment

How long an individual treatment will last depends on several factors, including the type of condition, how long the pet has had the condition, and how well the pet responds during each treatment session.  Most initial exams and treatments require about an hour, with follow up treatments lasting about 30-40 minutes.  Pets can always be dropped off for treatments and picked up later in the day if most convenient.  How many treatments a patient will need varies on an individual basis.  Most acute diseases require fewer sessions, while chronic diseases may need to be seen more frequently or for maintenance.   

Generally, the longer the pet has had any given condition, the longer it will take to resolve/improve the condition.  For most chronic diseases pet owners should be prepared to commit to three acupuncture sessions before assessing whether or not significant improvement has been seen.

Testimonials

"We couldn't be happier with the results our dog Buster got from acupuncture.  His itching is better controlled, his digestion has vastly improved, his anxiety is reduced, and the area Buster benefited from the most is his mobility.  Buster is an amputee and has developed arthritis in his remaining limbs.  I was amazed the day I had to carry him in to Dr. Osgood because he couldn't put weight on his left hind leg and he walked out of the clinic unassisted after his acupuncture session! Dr. Osgood and the staff at Edgerton Vet Clinic are the best.  I wish I would've found them a long time ago.

Thanks for all that you guys do for us!

Jackie, Matt, & "Buster"