Evidence-Based Application of Acupuncture for Pain Management in Companion Animal Medicine

Abstract

The use of veterinary acupuncture for pain relief is expanding among small animal practitioners. Although acupuncture was developed as part of the medical system in Ancient China, research into the scientific basis of its effects is expanding rapidly. Acupuncture is very effective for analgesia on a local, segmental, and suprasegmental level. Many forms of acupuncture can be used independently or as part of a balanced multi-modal approach for the control of acute and chronic pain. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, acupuncture can be a safe and effective modality for treating pain in companion animals. This article outlines the mechanisms of action of acupuncture, its related neurophysiology and provides examples from the literature demonstrating its effectiveness.

Comparison of a Novel Periarticular Injection Technique with Intra-articular Injection of Platelet-rich Plasma for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis Joint Pain in Dogs

“…33 The fascial location of acupoints results in neuromodulation of local tissues starting a cascade that includes stimulation of mechanoreceptors/ nociceptors, microtrauma (increased blood flow), stretched fibroblasts (release growth factors), paracrine signaling and molecules that alter gene expression. 25,30 These actions are similar to PRP local effects, suggesting these two therapeutic modalities would be complimentary and possibly synergistic.…”

“…25 The mechanism of action for acupuncture is complex, involving local mechanical effects (needle placement), and the modulation of peripheral and central nervous system pain signaling pathways through afferent nerve fibers (A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers) and signaling molecules (opioid peptides, glutamate, 5-hydroxytryptamine, cholecystokinin). 3,[26][27][28][29][30] The local effects of needle stimulation of the connective tissue are of particular interest. The fascial system provides an anatomical continuum penetrating and connecting all districts of the body, from epidermis to bone.…”

Application of Infrared Thermography in the Rehabilitation of Patients in Veterinary Medicine

“…In this sense, Huntingford and Pety [ 62 ] explain that acupuncture activates Hageman’s tissue factor XII, activating f prostaglandins and the degranulation of immune cells, which release endogenous opioids, a descending pain mitigating system [ 27 ]. The activation of these analgesic descending pathways helps to decrease pain perception and, in addition, inflammation.…”

“…A possible explanation for this effect is the role of acupuncture plays in activating mast cell degranulation, which also releases substances such as histamine, proteases, heparin, and bradykinin. Consequently, the release of endogenous opioids also promotes local reactions, such as increased blood flow in the area and increased local immune responsiveness, which reduce inflammation and edema and facilitate pain relief [ 62 , 64 ]. Thus, this biphasic thermal response can be helpful for the clinician because the increase in the local immune response can help identify the effectiveness of this therapy.…”

Current evidence for non‐pharmaceutical, non‐surgical treatments of canine osteoarthritis

“…The analgesic effects of acupuncture are multimodal and complex, and are believed to be exerted through local, spinal and supraspinal mechanisms (Carlsson 2002, Huntingford & Petty 2022) which are briefly summarised here. Locally, inserting a needle during acupuncture causes a microtrauma, which provides a stimulus that leads to anti‐inflammatory and immune responses in the tissue (Carlsson 2002).…”