Upon initial presentation to the AHC, Dr.
Weingardt will evaluate all previous medical records, labwork, imaging
(US/radiographs), perform a thorough conventional physical examination,
a traditional Chinese medical examination and a chiropractic evaluation.
At that time Dr. Weingardt will also evaluate any medications, supplements
and current nutritional regimen. After his evaluation, Dr. Weingardt
will recommend a treatment protocol which may benefit the individual
patient. This may involve a course of acupuncture treatments and
chiropractic adjustments or focus on general health concerns involving
appropriate diet, exercise, supplements and complementary modalities
(ie.Glandulars and Chinese herbs).
When a patient is initially receiving treatment with Dr. Weingardt it may be
necessary to see them once to twice a week for up to 6-8 treatments. At that
time the response is evaluated and attempts are made to wean the patient onto
a maintenance schedule. This is done to establish the minimal number of treatments
to maintain optimal balance in the individual patient.
What is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of needles into specific points
on the body to cause a desired healing effect. This technique has been used
in veterinary practice in China for at least 3,000 years to treat many ailments.
Acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction
with Western medicine, to treat a wide variety of conditions in every species
of domestic and exotic animals. Modern veterinary acupuncturists use solid
needles, hypodermic needles, bleeding needles, electricity, heat, massage
and low power lasers to stimulate acupuncture points. Acupuncture is not
a cure all but can work very well when it is indicated. What conditions can benefit from acupuncture?
Acupuncture is indicated mainly for functional problems such as those that
involve paralysis, noninfectious inflammation (ie. allergies), and pain.
For small animals, the following are some of the general conditions which
may be treated with acupuncture:
- Musculoskeletal problems such as arthritis or
intervertebral disc pathology
- Skin problems such as lick granulomas
- Respiratory problems such as feline asthma and chronic obstructive
pulmonary disease
- Gastrointestinal problems such as inflammatory bowel disease
and diarrhea
In addition, regular acupuncture treatment can treat minor sports
injuries as they occur and help to keep muscles and tendons resistant
to injury. If your animals are involved in any athletic endeavor
such as agility, flyball or showing, acupuncture can help keep them
in top physical condition.
How does acupuncture work?
According to ancient Chinese medical philosophy, disease is the result of an
imbalance of energy in the body. Acupuncture is believed to balance this energy
and thereby, assist the body to heal disease. In Western terms, acupuncture can assist
the body to heal itself by affecting certain physiological changes.
For example, acupuncture
can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle
spasm and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (a
powerful natural pain control chemical) and cortisol (a natural
steroid).
Although many of acupuncture’s physiological effects have been
studied, many more are still unknown. Further research must be done
to discover all of acupuncture’s effects and its proper uses
in veterinary medicine.
Is acupuncture painful?
For small animals, the insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless.
Once the needles are in place, there should be no pain (unless the animal
moves around excessively). Most animals become very relaxed and may even
become sleepy. Nevertheless, acupuncture treatment may cause some sensation
presumed to be those such as tingles, cramps or numbness which can occur
in humans and which may be uncomfortable to some animals. Is acupuncture safe for animals?
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical
treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian.
Side effects of acupuncture
are rare, but they do exist. An animal’s condition may seem worse for
up to 48 hours after treatment. Other animals may become sleepy or lethargic
for 24 hours after acupuncture. These effects are an indication that some
physiological changes are developing, and they are most often followed by
an improvement in the animal’s condition. How long do acupuncture treatments last and how often are they given?
The length and frequency of acupuncture treatments depends on the condition
of the patient and the method of stimulation that is used by the veterinary
acupuncturist. Stimulation of an individual acupuncture point may take as
little as 10 seconds or as much as 30 minutes. A simple acute problem, such
as a sprain, may require only one treatment, whereas more severe or chronic
ailments may need several or several dozen treatments.
When multiple treatments are necessary, they usually begin intensively and
are tapered to maximum efficiency. Patients often start with 1-2 treatments
per week for 4-6 weeks. A positive response is usually seen after the first
to third treatments. Once a maximum positive response is achieved (usually
after 4-8 treatments), treatments are tapered off so that the greatest amount
of symptom free time elapses between them. Many animals with chronic conditions
can taper off to 2-4 treatments per year. Animals undergoing athletic training can benefit from acupuncture
as often as twice a week to once a month. The frequency depends on
the intensity of training and the condition of the athlete.
How should I choose an acupuncturist for my animals?
There are two important criteria you should look for in a veterinary acupuncturist:
- Your veterinary acupuncturist must be a licensed veterinarian.
- Your veterinary acupuncturist should have formal training in the
practice of acupuncture for animals.
In the USA, the American Veterinary Medical Association considers
veterinary acupuncture a valid modality within the practice of veterinary
medicine and surgery, but extensive educational programs should be
undertaken before a veterinarian is considered competent to practice
acupuncture.
The International Veterinary Acupuncture
Society (IVAS) is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting
excellence in the practice of veterinary acupuncture as an
integral part of the total veterinary health care delivery
system. The Society endeavors to establish uniformly high standards
of veterinary acupuncture through its educational programs
and accreditation examination. IVAS seeks to integrate veterinary
acupuncture and the practice of western veterinary science,
while also noting that the science of veterinary acupuncture
does not overlook allied health systems, such as chiropractic,
osteopathy, homeopathy, herbology, nutrition, kinesiology,
etc.
IVAS was formed and chartered in 1974.
It is the only international veterinary acupuncture organization
and has members in many countries. Consequently, it serves
a networking and communication function. There are now veterinary
acupuncture associations in several countries. However, it
is expected that each state or principality eventually will
develop local veterinary acupuncture societies to respond to
local issues.
[IVAS. gratefully acknowledges the writings
of Richer Panzer, DVM, MS
in the preparation of this information.) |
What is Animal Chiropractic?:
An animal chiropractor utilizes a chiropractic adjustment to treat vertebral
subluxations. A subluxation is caused by a change in movement along the spine,
the extremities and all the associated joints. This change can cause a cascade
of effects on the nervous, musculoskeletal and various organ systems of the
body.
What is a chiropractic adjustment?
A chiropractic adjustment is a short lever, high velocity, low amplitude thrust
directed at specific articulations. The determination of the specific articulation
to adjust is determined by a thorough history, gait analysis, static and motion
palpation of the spine and extremities, orthopedic as well as a complete neurologic
examination.
What conditions can benefit from chiropractic care?
- Neck, back, leg and tail pain
- Muscle spasms, nerve problems
- Intervertebral disc problems
- Joint problems
- Lameness
- Injuries from slips, falls and accidents
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgical care
- Bowel, bladder and internal medicine disorders
- Maintenance of joint and spinal health
How many treatments will my pet require?
The goal of chiropractic care is to allow optimal function of the nervous system
to allow the body to heal and repair injuries. After initial consultation and
treatment the animal chiropractor may recheck the animal in two weeks. After
re-evaluation, further treatments are scheduled based on the response to therapy.
Some conditions that have been chronic (long standing) in nature may require
more attention initially than an acute injury. Most animals can be maintained
with chiropractic care on a monthly to bimonthly basis.
Canine massage and bodywork is a complementary
modality that includes various massage techniques, opposition stretches,
and active release techniques. Through an understanding of overall
structure, balance, and movement, the entire animal is considered,
not just a specific area of soreness. It is also a wonderful adjunctive
therapy to acupuncture and chiropractic work.
What can massage do?
Massage can increase
circulation and oxygenation to the cells in the body while expediting
removal of wastes
and toxins, decrease
soreness and stiffness, restore supple muscle tone / improve muscle
function, and increase range of motion. Less discomfort and more
freedom of movement equate to a happier, more loving and playful
dog – and generally speaking, dogs who are handled more become
more reliable and respond better to our wishes.
Massage can also facilitate acupuncture and chiropractic sessions
by calming the animal and relaxing tense muscles, allowing for easier,
more comfortable needle insertion and adjustments.
What conditions can benefit from canine massage and bodywork?
- musculoskeletal structural imbalances
- orthopedic
diseases (e.g. hip dysplasia)
- arthritis
- aging
- inactivity
- sports injuries
- post operative healing
- behavioral issues (fear, insecurities)
TUI-NA is one
of the five branches of Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is a manual
therapy that utilizes numerous massage, acupressure,
physiotherapy and osseous manipulations which are applied to acupuncture
points and meridians to prevent and treat diseases.
Tui-na works
by:
- regulating acupoints and meridians
- soothing joints, ligaments
and tendons
- promoting circulation of Qi (energy) and Blood
- balancing internal
(Zang Fu) organs
- strengthening the body's resistance
Tui-na techniques have been used successfully
in the treatment of:
- musculoskeletal conditions – neck, shoulder,
back, hip, stifle (knee), hock pain; ligament and tendon weakness,
arthritis
- neurological conditions – nerve paralysis, hemiplegia,
epilepsy, Wobbler ’s
- Wei Syndrome (muscle wasting and general
weakness)
- hindquarter weakness
REIKI is the universal
life force energy that permeates all beings and is present in
all of nature. It
offers a safe, painless, non-invasive
energy healing system. Reiki supports the body’s own healing
abilities by strengthening and balancing the flow of energy throughout
the different body systems. Reiki can heal at all levels: physical,
mental, emotional and spiritual.
Reiki always works to the highest good for the animal, therefore
no harm can result from any Reiki treatment. It goes directly to
the source of the problem most in need of healing, which is sometimes
unknown, even to the practitioner.
It is especially effective for emotional pain and distress by assisting
animals to let go of past negative experiences and memories. This
can ease the transition of newly adopted rescue or shelter animals
into their new homes.
It can also be very useful in preparing animals preoperatively for
surgery and with postoperative healing.
Animals that prefer not to be touched can still experience the positive
healing energy of Reiki, as Reiki treatments can be given (and are
just as effective) from a distance.
Reiki also offers supports to the entire family, human and animal
alike, when the loss of a beloved pet is imminent. When Reiki is
given at or near the time of passing, it can bring emotional and
spiritual healing to all involved, as well as acceptance and relief
from pain and fear for the animal.
Click
here to view a 5 minute video about Ann's work.
Click
here to view the video interview on Sign On San Diego.
Click
here to view the article in the SD Reader.
HHCM featured on Channel 10 news, August 13 2007: |
