Point To Point Veterinary acupuncture

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Point To Point Veterinary acupuncture

Point To Point Veterinary Acupuncture is a veterinary acupuncture service for animals in the North W In 2018 I left to re-train as a veterinary acupuncturist.
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Hi, my name is Avril and I am a qualified veterinary surgeon. In the 23yrs that I have been qualified I have worked in general practice (11yrs) and was a Senior Lecturer at the University of Liverpool Vet School for 12yrs. I have trained in both Western (ABVA accredited) and Chinese (IVAS accredited) acupuncture techniques. My fascination with acupuncture began when I had acupuncture for a chronic

neck injury and shoulder pain in 2006. It made a huge difference to me. So I then took my 13yr old dog for acupuncture treatment for chronic arthritis (she had damaged her cruciate ligament when she was 7) and was really impressed by the benefit she got from it. She passed away at the age of 16yrs without needing any anti-inflammatories! I decided to retrain to be able to perform acupuncture myself after my own horse, an ex-racehorse, began to really struggle with generalised muscle tightness and back pain. He is not a candidate for long-term anti-inflammatory medication and was too sore to tolerate even the most basic suppling and bending exercises. I thought acupuncture might help- and it did! I use acupuncture to treat a variety of musculo-skeletal problems, spinal and neurological conditions, osteoarthritis and inflammation, to help manage pain and aid in rehabilitation. It can also help improve mobility and suppleness by relaxing the muscles and fascia and also by reducing pain. Unlike many vets, I ONLY do acupuncture , so all my cases are acupuncture cases. I made this career choice because I want my practice to help animals by reducing their need for medication and improve their quality of life. Not every condition is suitable for acupuncture treatment, and not every animal will respond to it. However, my own experience over the last 3yrs suggests it can help in a wide variety of conditions. Acupuncture can help with horses and dogs with chronic lameness who are not completely pain free on medication or who cannot tolerate medication very well. I work closely with your usual vet (as well as physiotherapists, hydrotherapists etc) so we can tailor the treatment and manage the condition specifically for your animal's particular individual needs. If you think your animal may benefit from acupuncture please get in touch, or speak to your vet about it. I work with a number of local vets and provide treatment either at their practice or in your own home, stables or farm.

03/05/2024

Thank you for my welcome back presents from clients🥰 I'm certainly feeling refreshed after a bit of time off. So those of you who contacted me in March and April, about acupuncture for your dogs, cats or horses, I am now making appointments for end of May/June. So do get in touch and I will try my best to fit you in🙂

28/11/2023

Both dogs ID chppied, hooray! So hopefully back with their owners soon🙂 they were very cute🥰

28/11/2023

Anyone in llanrhaeder recognise these two dogs? A male cockerpoo and female cavalier. They were running along the road out of the village towards rhewl. I'm asking around the village. But if I can't find the owners, I'll take them to Wern vets and see if they are id chipped 🙂🤞

18/06/2023

Had to post this as he is one of my favourite equine patients! He belongs to a friend of mine (well was first a client and now a friend 🙂) and is such a well behaved patient to treat. He takes a lot of interest in his medical notes too!! I'm not in my work clothes here! I do look a bit more presentable when I'm actually 'working'. At this point he had 10 needles in situ and was completely relaxed as usual. Such a good boy🥰

12/06/2023

Electroacupuncture is used in cases of spinal/disc disease in cats and dogs and also headshaking in horses. It is very well tolerated and can be very effective in managing pain and improving neurological function. It can be used before and instead of spinal surgery in many cases. As well as combined with physiotherapy post surgery. , , , ,v horses

07/06/2023

Another lovely review!
Our cat George is around 16.5 years old now. George was a rescue cat from RSPCA in Australia and he came to live with us when he was 7 years old. He suddenly struggled to walk in February this year and he completely lost the use of his hind legs not long after. At the time, we thought that was the end for George, but he’s a little fighter and we didn’t want to give up on him either.

We did a little research and we’ve found that acupuncture might help. We have heard positive results on human acupuncture for pain management so why not try it with cats? We started seeing Avril in mid March. The first session George was a little unsure at first, but with a little cheese bribe he forgot about the needles altogether. He was very stiff on his front legs and he was on daily Meloxicam painkiller and monthly Solensia.

After each session, George is sitting more upright and he also looks more alert when he’s awake. He doesn’t look like he’s in pain and his body is more relaxed. He’s not on any painkiller medication except for monthly Solensia. His appetite has also increased.

We’ve also had one session of electro acupuncture last week. He tolerates it well and he’s more keen on moving around on (with only two working legs) - he’s done a couple of disappearing acts around the house this week!

We are grateful for Avril’s expertise and support as we are trying to give George his best life. Not only Avril is a skilled and experienced vet, but she is also a compassionate and genuine person.

05/06/2023

Thank you for a lovely review!
"I am so grateful that I was recommended to Avril almost 3 years ago now for my black Labrador murphy (nearly 16 years old!) She has been so patient and persevered with my boy who was a bit too curious 🧐 and a little ticklish on his arthritic paws to start with.
Her treatments, support and advice have been over and above what I could possibly have asked for. She has been quite frankly a godsend and continues to be as she treats murphy at home for arthritis in many of his joints-(a complicated “characterful“ patient I suspect!!)
Thank you Avril for your continued support.
Cath and Murphy"

22/05/2023

Another evening of CPD (continuing professional development). The use of h**p oil is gaining increasing momentum in veterinary practice and it is especially useful for modulating pain. It is also being used for other inflammatory conditions and even skin conditions. It was interesting to see the appreciation of the 'entourage' effect. Something that has been known in Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. So this particular talk was on a product that also includes extract of ginger and acmella, both of which have been used for many years to treat inflammation and pain too! A particular favourite of mine is also Boswellia, good old francincense. However, simply adding supplements to your pets diet without understanding what they are used for is not the best approach. In TCM there are herbs that heat, cool and tackle 'damp' (and all of which can, in some way help with inflammation) and the use of each one inappropriately can give less than optimal results. There is also the risk of them interacting with any medications your pet may be on. Before starting these supplements please contact your vet. My clients benefit from the fact that I am both a vet and a veterinary acupuncturist trained in traditional Chinese medicine. So along with my examination and treatment, my consultations often include advice on supplements, diet, exercise and environmental adaptations. If you would like an appointment please get in touch via my website [email protected]

21/05/2023

A lovely review, thank you🥰 , , , , ,

20/05/2023

Sorry to those of you trying to post a review on my page. For some reason they have been turned off and I can't get the access back- although I'll keep trying! Luckily I'm better at acupuncture than I am at FB🤣 if you would like to leave a review, please just send it to me and I'll copy it into a post. Thank you! I hope everyone is having a lovely and restful weekend

19/05/2023

The lovely Brenig relaxing after his acupuncture session today. He is doing so well, especially as he now lost some weight! It is underestimated how much of a difference being the correct weight can make on arthritic joints. Along with acupuncture therapy, I can also answer your questions on possible medications, weight, supplements and environmental adaptations. Brenig is now walking further and is literally bouncing around, which is great to see. , , ,

17/05/2023

One of my fabulous clients created this video of her dog. He is doing really well and this is what she said 'In supporting Henry's hip dysplasia we have tried everything over the last 9 years. But the lifesavers were: Acupuncture with Dr Avril Senior, Cosequin supplement and Boswellia. In addition we swapped to a raw food diet, rotating proteins, including eggs, whole fish and/or h**p seed oil'.
I treat a lot of dogs with hip dysplasia and a multimodal approach really helps manage them into a happy and healthy old age. It also helps when the owner is a canine nutritionist! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088559032430)

18/04/2023

Great to hear veterinary acupuncture being talked about on the Jeremey Vine show on Radio 2 yesterday (17/4/23)…Have a listen in at 1hr 20mins in. It is being suggested for anxiety in cats. I use acupuncture a lot in cats for a variety of conditions. Owners report, regardless of the reason for treatment, their cat is much more relaxed afterwards and this relaxation and reduction in 'stress behaviour ' lasts beyond the treatment period. Do get in touch if you would like to discuss acupuncture for your cat!

08/04/2023

Happy Easter everyone!

15/03/2023

New research suggests chronic enteritis incidence in dogs can be reduced by what is fed in early life. Those of you that know me, know I'm a great believer in developing your pets healthy microbiome. It has an effect not only on the gut but has wider antiinflammatory effects that influence arthritis, allergies and behaviour. The main issue is diversity in the diet (or lack of). Now, as a vet I do use prescription diets for specific reasons, but in general a diverse and varied diet will produce a diverse and healthy microbiome. The pictures are just some of the foods I give to my dogs. I also never give them highly processed foods like rawhide chews or other things that are 'meant' to clean their teeth etc. Feeding over processed 'dog treats' not only waste your money but are actually not helping the microbiome at all. (The same can be said for human diets high in processed food). This research suggests that feeding unprocessed food in puppyhood and adolescence will go some way to protect against developing chronic enteritis in later life. 'the effect of diet in puppyhood and adolescence in developing chronic enteritis in later life ' https://rdcu.be/c7Hrv
I should point out that if you are eating lots of processed foods, the table scraps they talk about, won't be much benefit. In the pics are bones, berries, offal and vegetables. Just some of the things I feed my dogs (and not suitable for all dogs or households). No sausages or chicken nuggets though 🤣
As part of my traditional Chinese medicine approach, I talk about suitable additions to diet for my clients, as part of my western veterinary approach I talk about exercise and environmental adaptations. All of which create a holistic, whole animal approach to health care for your animal. I'm sure my clients would agree that my acupuncture consult covers a lot more than just the acupuncture treatment. So if you would like to know more, do get in touch.

11/03/2023

Acupuncture: Pain relief without medication!
So a lot of people ask me how acupuncture works (then immediately regret asking, as it's complicated!🤣) There are various theories. What we do know is acupuncture blocks the transmission of pain by releasing calcium and potassium ions and affecting the action of 5htp and opioid peptides at both nerve endings and in the brain. It also has an effect on ATP evoking muscle relaxation and reducing inflammation. Studies using functional MRI show stimulation of acupuncture points moderates pain through this nerve activation. Afferent fibres of type II and III from muscle and A beta and A delta from skin both play a role in acupuncture analgesia.

06/03/2023

Good luck to all my agility and obedience star clients off to Crufts!! You are all fabulous!
I thought I'd use a photo of the two animals least likely to be joining you 😂😉

02/03/2023

I see and treat a lot of dogs with undiagnosed hindlimb lameness or gait changes. It is hard to diagnose neuropathic pain using conventional imaging techniques such as xrays and MRI/CT . So a lot of dogs are given NSAIDs or neuromodulating drugs such as gabapentin in an effort to control their pain.
Although this is a human study, it illustrates the effectiveness of acupuncture on pain. Sciatica often occurs due to musculoskeletal issues and can be accompanied by neuropathic pain. As many of us know, this sort of pain is often not relieved by analgesics and anti-inflammatories.
This systematic review and meta-analysis of pooled data from 28 randomised controlled trials involved 2707 people with sciatic pain. It showed that acupuncture performed better than analgesics for the treatment of sciatica. It also showed that pain threshold rates were elevated in the acupuncture group and relapse rates were lower.
I utilise acupuncture points on both the gallbladder and bladder meridians to treat such pain because of their distribution along the sciative nerve dermatome.
Have a look at the paper. There is sometimes some reticence in using acupuncture because of the perceived 'unscientificness' of its approach. Howvere, there are a lot of well researched studies (including the increasing use of functional MRI) to explain and support the effectiveness of it in lots of situations. It is very well tolerated by animals too.
If you have sciatic or other neuropathic pain, do look for a qualified human acupuncturist in your area as an alternative option or adjunct to medication.
The effectiveness and safety of acupuncture treatment on sciatica: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Complement Ther Med. 2022 Aug 17;71:102872.
; ; ; ; ;

27/02/2023

Just to prove how well dogs tolerate acupuncture!

05/02/2023

This is the lovely Dylan. He's an elderly whippet who has just had a dental and also suffers from chronic diarrhoea, he has a protein losing enteropathy. His owner contacted me as he still had a bit of facial pain and swelling but couldn't tolerate the medication. He was a very good boy. (Although he looks like he's been taxidermied in the photo!!) After one treatment his facial swelling has gone, he's eating better and only had one bout of loose faeces. The pic in his jumper is after his treatment to prove they do look better afterwards 🤣🤣🫣 whippets are very sensitive and respond well to acupuncture. Here I was treating him using Western techniques for pain and Chinese techniques to help his gut function

19/01/2023

This is Claire Burgess's lovely dog. She is a perfect patient. Wobblers syndrome is a complex condition to treat but she is managing well with acupuncture, hydro and Claire's magic touch 🙂

22/12/2022

Christmas shout-out. This is a very special one! To all my friends and clients, and friends who are clients, and clients who are now friends 🥰 I hope you and your furries have a lovely, peaceful and restful Christmas. Thank you for all your support over the year. I love doing what I do. And getting to know the dogs/cats/horses (and their dedicated owners) is the best bit. See you all in 2023. Avril

17/12/2022

Christmas shout-outs. Can't live without Bathingbeauty balaclava face salve and gauntlet hand salve in this weather! My poor fingers feel the cold as I can't wear wooly gloves when placing acupuncture needles! So lovely it is made locally and everything is ethically sourced too 😊

16/12/2022

Christmas shout out to Gaynor Gaynor the brilliant acupuncturist and tai chi teacher. I had my regular acupuncture treatment with her yesterday and wow, did I need it! Thank you Gaynor for keeping me healthy all year round 😊

15/12/2022

This lovely Weimaraner is having treatment to manage her Wobbler symptoms. She is a gorgeous patient 🙂

13/12/2022

I hope all my clients are keeping warm in this chilly weather. It can be icy and slippy out there, which is not great for arthritic joints. So if it isn't great weather for a walk or ride then your animals will appreciate a game or a groom instead, just this once!

09/12/2022

I treat horses for a variety of lameness and poor performance issues. It can mean they don't need injections or surgery and can return to work quicker. Contact me if you would like a chat about treatment for your horse. I treat a variety of showjumpers, eventers, dressage, endurance and 'happy hackers' across North Wales, Wirral, West Cheshire and North Shropshire. I particularly specialise in ex-racehorses and their specific needs adjusting from the track to other pursuits.

08/12/2022

Christmas shout-outs! Today's is the fabulous Janette Keeley who is a McTimoney chiropractor based in Clawddnewydd. We have worked together on a number of cases, where a combined therapy was needed. It really can work wonders and is a lovely combination therapy with acupuncture. She also does humans! https://www.constantappaloosas.com/chiropractic-animals

07/12/2022

Christmas shout-outs to all the vet physiotherapists out there! They do a fab job and I am lucky to work with so many great ones locally. Karen at Dee Valley Vets Rachel and her team at Equine and Canine Solutions and Emma at ecraig.physiotherapy, Claire at wirralvetphysio. Keeping your pet fit and healthy is the best way to avoid injury. But if the worst happens, it's good to know that there are alternatives to surgery and medication, as well as ways to aid the post-surgery recovery period go smoother. Acupuncture can help get the best out of physiotherapy and vice versa. So if you have any questions, just ask any of the therapists near you.

07/12/2022

Just got this lovely testimonial🥰 Thank you Clemmie's owner! Our three year old cockerpoo Clemmie although largely recovered from injury was stiff around her back and still running awkwardly. She had also lost condition from prolonged lead walking.
After three treatments with Avril we noticed a change in Clemmie. She seemed happier (I know, strange but true!), more playful and started lying like a sphinx, something she’d never done before. Avril could feel improvement in Clemmie’s back and Clemmie’s behaviour clearly showed her increased comfort and mobility.
We can’t recommend Avril highly enough. Not only did Clemmie benefit from the acupuncture, we greatly benefited from consulting with Avril about re-conditioning Clemmie, exercises to follow and generally regaining our confidence with letting her be a happy carefree dog again.
It was Invaluable to have a skilled and compassionate vet in our home taking the time to care for Clemmie and recommend ways forward. We are so grateful to Avril and feel safe in the knowledge that if we need her, we can call on her expertise again. She’s also a lovely and genuine person - so important when you’re worried about a much loved pet. Thank you Avril

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One of my fabulous clients created this video of her dog. He is doing really well and this is what she said 'In supporting Henry's hip dysplasia we have tried everything over the last 9 years. But the lifesavers were: Acupuncture with Dr Avril Senior, Cosequin supplement and Boswellia. In addition we swapped to a raw food diet, rotating proteins, including eggs, whole fish and/or hemp seed oil'. I treat a lot of dogs with hip dysplasia and a multimodal approach really helps manage them into a happy and healthy old age. It also helps when the owner is a canine nutritionist! (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088559032430) #veterinaryacupuncture #acupuncturefordogs #hipdysplasiadogs

This is my soon to be 15yr old collie. He has arthritis in his wrists (carpi), toes and hips. As he has had acupuncture for years (he was my practice patient when I was training) he is not on any arthritis medication. I do believe that the earlier you start acupuncture treatment the better as it means they are less likely to adopt altered walking/weight shifting and continue to be able to exercise. So as soon as he started to show any signs, I started acupuncture. He has a treatment about four times a year now, just to keep him topped up🙂 I tend to get dogs referred to me once they are really sore and on multiple meds. So early referral is key. #caninearthritis #bordercollies #veterinaryacupuncture #canineosteoarthritis

I hope everyone is able to enjoy the nice weather and get out exercising their dogs and horses safely. My current clients know I am off for two weeks lambing. So if you are a new client and wish to make an appointment please email me and I will get back to you on the 21st of April. In the meantime I thought you might enjoy a quick video of our new arrivals! #springtime, #springlambs, #veterinaryacupuncture

The second 'hindquarters strengthening' exercise. It is good to look closely at how your horse performs it as you can see if one side is stronger than the other. Don't pull too hard! It is a gentle tension only. #veterinaryacupuncture, #horses, #horseexercises

The first of two quick exercises to help strengthen the hindquarters and topline. The weather is lovely this week, but the winter has been pretty wet so a lot of horses have either been in a lot or turned out in boggy, slippy paddocks. And (due to covid) not being exercised much. So naturally they will have lost some muscle mass and tone. Hill work is great for building up the muscles of the hindquarters but if you can't get out exercising, here are couple of 'in stable' exercises you can do. Obviously if your horse is lame, has back issues or resents the exercises, consult your vet or physiotherapist before starting them. The second video will be posted on Friday. #veterinaryacupuncture, #horses, #horseexercises,

This is the horse after just a couple of treatments. He is sound, with a much looser stride and better head carriage. He is now back in full work and the owner is really pleased. If your horse is suffering chronic lameness, talk to your vet about the benefits of acupuncture. Or post any questions here and I'll try and answer them. #veterinaryacupuncture, #horses, #northwales, #cheshire, #equestrianfitness

I usually forget to do before and after videos! But here is a before of a lovely horse who had chronic low grade forelimb lameness. This is him before treatment. He is approx 2/10ths lame in front. #acupunctureinhorses, #horselameness, #horses, #veterinaryacupuncture

What the dogs think of my acupuncture lectures!

Equine behaviour survey tool

Having fun after her acupuncture treatment

After acupuncture treatment.

walking so much better after acupuncture

After acupuncture

what is that weird light?

shoulder sways

pony stretches 1

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Find out who’s behind P2P Veterinary Acupuncture

Hi my name is Avril and I’m a qualified veterinary surgeon. In the 20 years I’ve been qualified I have successfully managed to avoid Facebook - so bear with me while I get to grips with it!

I worked in general practice for over 10 years before moving to work in the Vet School at the University of Liverpool. I was a senior lecturer and senior tutor at the Vet School until August 2018 when I left to retrain as a veterinary acupuncturist.

My fascination in acupuncture began when I had acupuncture myself for chronic neck and shoulder pain in 2006. My old dog then had acupuncture for chronic arthritis in 2007. Both of us found real benefits in the treatment and neither of us required further medication after the course of acupuncture.

03/05/2024

28/11/2023

28/11/2023

18/06/2023

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07/06/2023

05/06/2023

22/05/2023

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20/05/2023

19/05/2023

17/05/2023

18/04/2023

08/04/2023

15/03/2023

11/03/2023

06/03/2023

02/03/2023

27/02/2023

05/02/2023

19/01/2023

22/12/2022

17/12/2022

16/12/2022

15/12/2022

13/12/2022

09/12/2022

08/12/2022

07/12/2022

07/12/2022

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Contact The Business

Videos

What the dogs think of my acupuncture lectures!

Equine behaviour survey tool

Having fun after her acupuncture treatment

After acupuncture treatment.

walking so much better after acupuncture

After acupuncture

what is that weird light?

shoulder sways

pony stretches 1

Shortcuts

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Find out who’s behind P2P Veterinary Acupuncture