Compass Vet - Best of Eastern and Western Veterinary Medicine

20/02/2022

ACUPUNCTURE FOR PETS

Acupuncture is one of the modalities I use in my integrated approach, so I thought I would explain a bit of the background and theories behind its use, and the conditions I use it for. It involves the insertion of very fine needles in specific points to achieve a certain response from the body. Sessions last for 15-20 minutes and it is really well tolerated by most pets and I get some amazing results in the majority. I treat mainly dogs, cats and horses but have also treated a goose and a rabbit successfully .

Increased awareness of acupuncture as a treatment option has resulted in increased research and improved understanding in acupunctures use, and it is being widely integrated into equine, bovine and companion animal practice as an adjunct to conventional western medicine.

Veterinarians today have two different avenues to consider in pursuing their acupuncture training, Eastern and Western.

Eastern medicine focuses more on the Traditional Chinese Medicine school of thought and this was my first avenue of study. In Eastern medicine philosophy, the body is in a constant state of maintaining homeostasis or balance. Everything functions in the body as a result of the dynamic interaction of the polar opposites, yin and yang. Illness results if the yin and yang fall out of balance. Increases and decreases in qi (chi), the five elements (air, fire, earth, water, and wood), weather, etc. can lead to these imbalances and illness. It is so different from western thought processes and is hard to get your head around the concepts at first, but it really helps connect conditions and patterns that western medicine treat separately.

Western medicine looks at acupuncture from a neurologic interaction perspective. Science has shown that the brain is the master control center for the body. The brain monitors glucose, hormone levels and pain signals constantly through nearly instant feedback from the nerves all over the body. Based on the input, the brain coordinates efferent signals back to the body in order to modify the body’s response. Acupuncture uses needles at specific anatomic points to act as a neuromodulator, or influence the neurologic signals to the brain, and generate desired physiologic responses. Some of these effects may include reducing anxiety, dampening pain signals, improved nerve signals to muscles which hopefully improve limb function and proprioception as the body heals itself. I have recently completed an Advanced Certification in Veterinary Neuroacupuncture which mainly covered the western theories but also some Eastern

Acupuncture and Pain

Acupuncture can be very beneficial in helping control pain, and this is often the main concern clients have when looking for acupuncture as a treatment for their pets. When an acupuncture needle is placed, the nerve signals carrying the sensation of pain to the brain slow down and decrease the amount of pain registered by the brain. Additionally, the body’s own natural pain killers, endorphins, are released and further reduce pain.
I have found acupuncture to be helpful at both ends of the spectrum- cases of mild discomfort/ early arthritis before drugs are needed, and also at the other end where multiple drugs are already on board, acupuncture can still give more relief. Chronic long term issues such as osteoarthritis respond well as do acute tendon strains, disc issues and sports injuries in agility dogs.

Acupuncture and other conditions

Acupuncture can be used to treat most conditions, and I have listed a few below but there are many more. In future posts I will focus on some of these individually:

Skin disease and allergies

Hormonal diseases- Cushings, diabetes, thyroid disease

Gastrointestinal disease- IBD, Colitis, pancreatitis, chronic diarrhoea or vomiting.

Cancer- can decrease pain, counteract the side effects of chemo, ameliorate some symptoms and increase vitality of the patient

Wound healing - can speed up repair

Immune based disease - Thrombocytopenia, pemphigus,

Acupressure

Acupressure uses the same system but instead of using small needles you use pressure applied to the points with your fingers. In future articles I will add in acupressure points you can use at home for various conditions.

If you are interested in investigating acupuncture as a treatment option for your pet please message me or contact me at Victory Vets 03 546 9646

10/02/2022

Hey guys, as most of you know I have left The Vet Centre and am off to pastures new. I will really miss working with the team there but after 18 years it was time for a change ( and no more cows!). On 21st Feb I start work at Victory Vets in town, and will then move to the new clinic when it has finished - super excited!

I have also started this page, where I will share info on herbs, acupuncture and all things holistic. I would really appreciate it if you could like and share it with anyone who might be interested in integrated medicine . I will be doing most of my acupuncture and TCM consults through Victory vets but will be doing some full integrated western and eastern reports for cases referred at home and horse acupunture on my days off.

Here’s to my new adventure!!

10/02/2022

Green tea is a great easy to access product that can be used in our pets.

Green tea might be beneficial in any condition calling for the use of antioxidants. In humans, green tea is indicated as an antioxidant, an anti-cancer agent, and to lower blood cholesterol. Several tumor types are inhibited by green tea, including cancers of the stomach, gall bladder, prostate, uterus, lung, intestine, colon, re**um and pancreas. Green tea also inhibits breast cancer by binding to estrogen receptors, making it of potential value in the treatment of mammary gland cancer in small animals. Its comprehensive action against a variety of tumors in humans suggests green tea may provide the same benefits in animals.

Green tea has also been shown to have anti inflammatory, antibacterial effects so can be great to used externally on small wounds and ‘hot spots’.

It is generally safe to use however does contain caffeine which is a stimulant- don’t use if your pet has anxiety , renal disease, or hyperthyroidism.

How to prepare: use 1 teabag per 500ml water- allow to brew for 15 minutes and you can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. If you use cold water you will extract less caffeine than hot.
Use as a flush on wounds or hotspots, or add to food ½ cup per 10 kg per day.
The warm teabag can also be held over the eye for mild conjunctivitis

10/02/2022

All about me!
Hello and welcome!

For those of you that don’t know me I am an experienced vet who has a strong interest in integrated medicine. I am a member of the College of Integrated Veterinary Medicine and a member of the Complementary Veterinary Medicine Branch of the New Zealand Veterinary Association.

An integrated approach means I use the best of both words- modern medicine combined with western herbs, Traditional Chinese medicine, Acupuncture and Reiki. It is a much more holistic approach and can really make a difference in so many cases from a straight forward pain condition such as arthritis, to complex multiple disease presentations. Cancer support is also a big passion of mine- even if you have ruled out chemotherapy we can still help to maintain quality of life with herbal supplements and acupuncture.

I can offer a case review looking at both western (drug and surgical ) options and eastern herbal support and acupunture so that you can give your beloved four legged friend the best chance to be comfortable and happy.

If you have any questions please flick me a message.

I look forward to meeting you and your 4 legged best mate.

31/01/2022

31/01/2022

31/01/2022