Small Animal & Equine Acupuncture
Dr. Labranche integrates the use of acupuncture with conventional medicine – where appropriate – to better manage pain and illness.
Acupuncture services are available for horses, dogs and cats, sheep and goats.
Acupuncture has been used in China for over 2,000 years to treat illness and pain. Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on acupuncture channels – or meridians – with a fine needle. This stimulation will result in a therapeutic response.
There are many conditions in which acupuncture can be used.
- Pain relief (e.g. intervertebral disc disease, osteoarthritis, muscle pain)
- Stimulation of nervous system
- Reproductive regulation
- Stress relief (e.g. behavioral issues, phobias, anxiety)
- Respiratory problems (e.g. heaves, laryngeal paralysis, cough)
- Other conditions such as Anhidrosis (non-sweating) in horses, weakness, poor athletic performance
There are different techniques employed to stimulate acupuncture points.
- Dry needles
- Moxibustion – using heat to stimulate acupuncture points
- Aquapuncture – using injections to stimulate acupuncture points
- Electro-acupuncture – using electric current to stimulate acupuncture points
The mechanisms by which acupuncture works are complex. Acupuncture has local effects resulting in muscle relaxation and relief of pain. Neuronal effects include the decrease in the conduction of pain signals and the release of beta-endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters. These combined mechanisms make acupuncture an effective method of pain relief and can be integrated into the conventional medical management of pain and illness. Acupuncture can also be used in the management of illness resulting from organ disfunction.
A session of acupuncture with Dr. Labranche usually takes 30-60 minutes, which includes examination and treatment. Most appointments are done at our clinic, however farm calls are also available. Typically 3-6 treatment sessions will be required initially, with possible maintenance treatments every 4-6 weeks for chronic progressing conditions.