Innovative VETERINARY CARE
VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3
HOW PBM HELPS WITH NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN DOGS
STUDIES SHOW THAT PHOTOBIOMODULATION MAY BENEFIT DOGS WITH NEUROLOGICAL PROBLEMS SUCH AS SPINAL CORD INJURY, IVDD, AND DEGENERATIVE MYELOPATHY. — P. 8
CAN DIET THERAPY OPTIMIZE INTERNAL ORGAN HEALTH IN DOGS?
ARE THE BRAINS OF NON-HUMAN ANIMALS NEUROPLASTIC?
SUMMER 2024
www.IVCJournal.com
A look at how nutrient-rich foods that support a canine patient’s liver, kidneys, heart, digestive and respiratory systems can significantly enhance their quality of life. — p. 18
Evidence suggests that challenging the brains of non-human animals with new experiences demonstrates neural plasticity. — p. 22
TAKING AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO FELINE KIDNEY DISEASE
WHY HERBS CAN BE EFFECTIVE FOR EQUINE COUGHS
A combination of medications, fluid therapy, diet and supplements provide an effective approach to kidney disease in cats. — p. 26
USING ACUPUNCTURE FOR NERVOUS SYSTEM DISORDERS
Acupuncture can improve neurologic disorders in veterinary patients when conventional therapies may not. — p. 50
Whether it’s a simple cough, or a serious chronic disease of which the cough is a symptom, certain herbs can help either cure or alleviate the problem. — p. 46
KEEPING DOGS FIT WITH REHAB THERAPY AND CANINE SPORTS MEDICINE
Used together, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation therapy help keep canine athletes on top of their game. — p. 30
contents FEATURES
PHOTOBIOMODULATION 8 USING FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS IN CANINES
by Lisa A. Miller, CVM, CCRT, CVA Studies are showing that PBM may provide numerous benefits to dogs with neurological problems such as spinal cord injury, IVDD, degenerative myelopathy and more.
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NUTRITION NOOK
USING DIET THERAPY TO OPTIMIZE INTERNAL ORGAN HEALTH IN DOGS by Ruth Roberts, DVM Optimizing a dog’s internal organ health with diet therapy is a proactive and effective way to ensure overall well-being and longevity.
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IN NON22 NEUROPLASTICITY HUMAN ANIMALS by Allen Schoen, DVM, MS, PhD (hon.), CVA
This article looks at the evidence of neuroplasticity in non-human animals by showing how challenging their brains with new experiences demonstrates neural plasticity.
AN INTEGRATIVE APPROACH TO
26 FELINE KIDNEY DISEASE
by Angie Krause, DVM, CVA, CCRT
42
Treating feline kidney disease from an integrative approach includes medications and fluid therapy as well as close attention to diet and the right supplements.
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REHABILITATION 30 INTEGRATING THERAPY INTO CANINE SPORTS MEDICINE
by Gabriella Varcoe, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVA, CVPP, IVCA, CVFT, CSMP Used in conjunction, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation therapy help keep canine athletes on top of their game for as long as possible.
TECHNIQUES IN 34 DIAGNOSTIC VETERINARY CHIROPRACTIC NEUROLOGY
by Carl DeStefano, DC, DACNB, FACFN Veterinary chiropractic neurology requires an understanding of the neurophysiological mechanisms of function within the central and peripheral nervous systems.
NEUROIMAGING TO 42 USING MAP ANIMAL BRAINS REVEALS IMPORTANT CONNECTIONS
by W. Jean Dodds, DVM Combining data from the brain atlas and MRI/fMRI neuroimaging can help us understand more about the brains of primates, companion animals, and other non-human species.
APPROACHES TO THE 46 HERBAL EQUINE COUGH by Cindy Lankenau, DVM, RH (AHG), MS (TCVM) Whether an equine has a simple cough, or a serious chronic disease of which the cough is a symptom, certain herbs can help either cure or alleviate the problem.
advisory board FOR NERVOUS 50 ACUPUNCTURE SYSTEM DISORDERS IN VETERINARY PATIENTS
by Narda G. Robinson, DO, DVM, MS, CRPM, FAAMA Acupuncture has been shown to effectively improve neurologic disorders in veterinary patients in ways more “conventional” medical approaches cannot.
COLUMNS & DEPARTMENTS
Dr. Richard Palmquist, DVM GDipVCHM(CIVT) CVCHM (IVAS), graduated from Colorado State University in 1983. He is chief of integrative health services at Centinela Animal Hospital in Inglewood, California, former president and research chair of the AHVMA, and an international speaker in integrative veterinary medicine. Dr. Palmquist is a consultant for the Veterinary Information Network (VIN) and a past president of the AHVM Foundation. He has published two books, one for conventional veterinarians and a second for clients discussing how integrative thinking works.
Michelle J. Rivera, MT, VDT, is an instructor at the University of Wisconsin and The Healing Oasis Wellness Center, a post-graduate educational institution offering state-approved programs. She is coowner of The Healing Oasis Veterinary Hospital, offering massage, rehabilitation, chiropractic and Chinese and Western Herbology. Michelle completed the Chinese Herbal Medicine program from the China Beijing International Acupuncture Training Center, and is certified in Chinese Medicine by the Wisconsin Institute of Chinese Herbology.
7 Editorial 21 From the AHVMA 29 From the VBMA 33 From the IVAS 45 From the AVH 53 From the VMAA 54 Industry Innovations IN THE NEWS:
17 UC Davis study revolutionizes canine neutering guidelines
41 New questionnaire empowers horse owners to identify and monitor osteoarthritis pain
55 Groundbreaking research offers new approach to cancer treatment in veterinary patients
Dr. Joyce Harman, DVM, MRCVS, graduated in 1984 from Virginia Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine. Her practice is 100% holistic, using acupuncture, chiropractic, herbal medicine and homeopathy to treat horses to enhance performance and those with a variety of chronic conditions, with an emphasis on Lyme Disease. Her publications include the Pain Free Back and Saddle Fit Books, and numerous articles in lay and professional magazines. She maintains an informative website: www.harmanyequine.com. Dr. Steve Marsden, DVM, ND, MSOM, Lac. Dipl.CH, CVA, AHG lectures for IVAS, the AHVMA, the AVMA, and numerous other organizations. He is co-founder of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies and is a director emeritus of the National University of Natural Medicine in Portland OR. He authored the Manual of Natural Veterinary Medicine (Mosby); and Essential Guide to Chinese Herbal Formulas (CIVT). Dr. Marsden is extensively trained in alternative medicine, including Chinese herbology, acupuncture and naturopathic medicine. He has holistic veterinary and naturopathic medical practices in Edmonton, Alberta. In 2010, Dr. Marsden was named Teacher of the Year by the AHVMA; and Small Animal Veterinarian of the year by the CVMA in 2009. Dr. Jean Dodds, DVM, received her veterinary degree in 1964 from the Ontario Veterinary College. In 1986, she moved to Southern California to establish Hemopet, the first non-profit national blood bank program for animals. Dr. Dodds has been a member of many national and international committees on hematology, animal models of human disease, veterinary medicine, and laboratory animal science. She received the Holistic Veterinarian of the Year Award from the AHVMA in 1994.
Dr. Barbara Fougere, DVM, CVAA graduated in 1986, and was named the American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association Educator for 2011. Dr. Fougere is the principal and one of the founders of the College of Integrative Veterinary Therapies. She has continued studying over the last 26 years, and has three Bachelor degrees, two Masters degrees, three post Graduate Diplomas, several Certifications and numerous other courses under her belt.
Dr. Christina Chambreau, DVM, CVH, graduated from the University of Georgia Veterinary College in 1980. She is a founder of the Academy of Veterinary Homeopathy, was on the faculty of the National Center for Homeopathy Summer School and has been the holistic modality adjunct faculty liaison for the Maryland Veterinary Technician Program and is the former Associate Editor of IVC Journal. Dr. Chambreau teaches classes in homeopathy for animals, lectures on many topics, speaks on Radio and TV, and is the author of the Healthy Animal’s Journal among other titles. She is now on the faculty of the Holistic Actions Academy, which empowers members to keep their animals healthy with weekly live webinars.
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NEUROPLASTICITY
in non-human animals BY ALLEN SCHOEN, DVM, MS, PHD (HON.), CVA
While neuroplasticity is an established and well-studied phenomenon in human brains, less is known about if or how it applies to animals. This article looks at the evidence, and shows how challenging our animals’ brains with new experiences demonstrates neural plasticity.
Neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, has varied definitions when it comes to humans. Essentially, it describes the brain’s ability to change in structure or function in response to experience, how it rewires to integrate new information. Simply put, neuroplasticity is an internal rewiring process that allows the mind to grow and meet new, increased demands. The ability of neural networks to change through growth and reorganization has been acknowledged and taught in numerous medical schools. I took my first course relating to the subject decades ago through Harvard Medical School’s Department of Mind/Body Medicine. There were 1,000 MDs in the audience, but I was the only veterinarian. However, I don’t feel it is unreasonable to accept that most, if not all, vertebrate brains (perhaps non-vertebrate too) are neuroplastic. This article, perhaps the first or among the first on this topic, focuses on the potential ability of non-human animal brains to build mental muscle when their minds are challenged and given new experiences.
NEUROPLASTICITY STARTS AT BIRTH Newborn babies look to their parents to learn how to survive outside the womb. This behavior is also evident in puppies, kittens, foals, etc. It is their first exercise in neural plasticity. Parents continue to train their offspring in the ways that helped them survive when they were young. One of the
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papers I published for my master’s degree in animal behavior focused on the development of play behavior in foals. Play is an easy, early form of learning and is directly related to the mothers’ dominance order in a herd.
BRAINS ADAPT AND REMAIN FLEXIBLE THROUGHOUT LIFE Neuroplasticity results in both functional and physical changes inside the cranium. New synaptic connections form between billions of neurons as the brain takes in novel information. The brain continuously undergoes rewiring from learning new experiences.
NEUROPLASTICITY ISN’T JUST ABOUT LEARNING NEW TRICKS The brain’s ability to constantly update and reprogram can also power relearning, a critical need after a cervical vertebral injury, stroke, or traumatic head injury. These types of injuries interrupt blood flow and can cause the death of neuronal pathways. Neuroplasticity makes it possible for your brain to bypass damaged areas. Those synaptic connections essentially create new pathways to work around injuries.
For example, as animals meet another of their own species, they mentally adjust to communicating with them vocally and physically. A submissive dog may roll over to expose their belly as they confront a more dominant dog. Cats may hiss at each other until they acknowledge their dominance order.
TEN PRINCIPLES OF NEUROPLASTICITY
Agility training is another classic example of neuroplasticity in animals. Two of my staff members routinely took their adult dogs to an agility course, offering them new tricks, going through variously-sized tunnels, and leaping over increasingly high jumps. The dogs’ excitement about learning new tricks was quite evident.
In 2008, researchers A. Klein and A. Jones proposed ten principles of neuroplasticity they feel optimize brain function, especially after brain damage.
REPETITION IS IMPORTANT FOR NEURAL PLASTICITY
it or lose it. Learning something once 1 Use doesn’t mean you’ll know it forever. If you don’t
Dr. Richie Davidson from the University of Wisconsin’s Department of Investigating Healthy Minds shared a mind/ body medicine adage with me: “You fire what you wire and you wire what you fire.” This saying addresses the importance of repetition regarding neural plasticity. Glial cells make up the connective tissue that surrounds nerves in the brain. The more you repeat something, the more glial cells surround the nerve that fires. This is why you fire pathways for things you do continuously and often, including both positive and negative patterns. Repetition is the mother of memory. For example, the more you play a musical instrument, the better you get. This is also why riding the same trails helps make horses more comfortable with them, and why dogs feel increasingly comfortable on routine walks. In addition, it helps mynah birds and parrots learn repeatedly-heard human phrases. Two mynah birds bequeathed by an elderly client would make me belly laugh at the words they would say.
APPLYING NEUROPLASTICITY TO ANIMAL PATIENTS Just like other muscles in the body, keeping mental muscles fit and powerful requires work. Approaches to improving neuroplasticity in humans can also be applied to animals. Research shows that novelty and challenge can enhance the cognitive function of dogs, cats, horses, birds etc. Here are some ideas you can suggest to clients:
How would you apply these principles to your animal patients and companions?
use a skill, odds are it will deteriorate and weaken over time.
it and improve it. To use an old phrase, 2 Use “practice makes perfect.” Be tactical in your approach. Focus 3 Specificity. on the exact skill you want to learn, Doing a task repeatedly can even4 Repetition. tually make it feel like second nature. “Repetition is extra practice for your brain,” says psychologist Dr. Grace Tworek.
matters. Go all-in. A half-hearted effort 5 Intensity often brings mediocre results. matters. If you have a brain injury, don’t 6 Timing delay on trying to rebuild pathways. Early action typically brings better results.
matters. You’ll do better at something 7 Salience if it’s truly meaningful to you. Commit yourself to the effort.
matters. Anybody at any age can benefit 8 Age from neuroplasticity, but the process is a bit
easier when you’re younger. “If you’re older, it may take a bit more time and patience,” says Dr. Tworek.
Everyone likes a 2-for-1 deal, right? 9 Transference. Well, practicing one skill can bring side benefits
when you do related tasks (e.g. retraining stroke victims to use a spoon after improving other motor skills).
Conversely, something you learn 10 Interference. may interfere with the next thing you have to
learn. This is especially true if you take shortcuts and must undo bad habits.
• Challenge the animal’s brain regularly with new activities and experiences. In the case of horses, this could include different riding trails or a new style of riding. I have IVC Summer 2024
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seen racehorses adapt quite well to becoming hunter/ jumpers or trail riding horses. Agility dogs enjoy learning new courses, while cats love new and novel toys. • Build the concept of “new experiences” into the animal’s day-to-day life with some simple acts. The idea is to break their routine, even just slightly. Einstein said that imagination is more important than knowledge. What might imagination include when it comes to new experiences in your animal friends’ lives? • Add something different to the animal’s exercise routine. Taking dogs on new walking routes to various stores, hiking trails or neighborhoods is good for their brains. • Consider travelling with dogs, even short distances. Travel to novel places stimulates new neural pathways. Brains are forced to stop auto-piloting in unfamiliar environments. Dogs also love looking out car windows, especially while you’re exploring new areas. • Periodically place bird cages in new, safe environments with novel views to stimulate their brains. The same goes for any caged animal, whether winged, scaled, etc. • Play varied music — it’s good for animal brains. I have seen parakeets and parrots start flapping their wings and singing voraciously to new music they resonate with. • Teach parrots and parakeets new words. They seem to love it (positive words are better, in my opinion).
• Ensure the animal also gets sufficient rest. This is important for neuroplasticity; the brain needs time to incorporate the day’s activities, especially new ones. There is a balance — too much rest and the animal becomes a couch potato, but too little and they are exhausted. The old dog I was treating for brain abnormalities (see sidebar below) would be taken for walks in novel areas, go into a deep, restful sleep for a while, then wake up re-energized. Every time an animal learns or does something new, the brain creates a new connection. As stated previously, repeating that action reinforces this connection. See what works for you and your patients and keep me posted — if you’re interested in more concepts to enhance neuroplasticity in your animal companions and patients, contact me through IVC Journal’s Associate Editor at dromer@ivcjournal. com.
CASE IN POINT: Novelty is key to brain plasticity
A client brought me a ten-year-old dog
that two board certified neurologists recommended be euthanized, based on
physical exams, MRIs, prognosis and
age. They were correct — based on conventional medicine. I used an integrative approach that helped
that dog reach her 17th birthday and beyond. Part of that approach
included recommending that the
client take her on numerous and
varied walks throughout the day. In
addition to providing exercise, these varied
walks kept the dog’s brain and senses
stimulated with novelty, and she loved every minute of her extended life.
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Integrating REHABILITATION THERAPY into CANINE SPORTS MEDICINE BY GABRIELLA VARCOE, DVM, DACVSMR, CCRP, CVA, CVPP, IVCA, CVFT, CSMP Canine sports medicine promotes the health, wellbeing, and performance of athletic and working dogs, while rehabilitation therapy helps minimize injury risk and offers treatments for acquired injuries. Together, they help keep these dogs on top of their game for as long as possible.
V
eterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation (VSMR) is a growing field that addresses the unique demands of working or performance animals. It includes prevention as well as diagnosis and treatment following injury, surgery, and illness. More specifically, canine sports medicine, when integrated with rehabilitation therapy, offers a multidisciplinary team approach to optimizing the health, performance, and longevity of dogs in various roles, including military and police dogs, search and rescue dogs, service dogs, and various companion athletes. Many companion dogs and geriatric canines can also benefit from rehabilitation therapy.
REHABILITATION THERAPY REQUIRES A WHOLE-BODY APPROACH Rehabilitation therapy for dogs is similar to human physical therapy in that it uses a whole-body approach to assess and treat the animal. It focuses on the restoration, maintenance, and promotion of physical function, and plays a vital role in the treatment of multiple conditions. Rehabilitation encompasses various therapies, such as hydrotherapy, therapeutic exercises, manual therapies, and other modalities to treat injuries, improve mobility, and enhance performance while preventing future injuries. Rehabilitation therapy is also used to manage chronic conditions, such as degenerative joint disease, to keep dogs comfortable and maintain mobility. With various studies looking at the incidence of injury in various canine sporting events, and in the working dog population, rehabilitation therapy has been recommended by many to help dogs regain function and return to sport or work. There are many things to take into consideration when establishing an appropriate return to work, or a sports retraining regimen, and this requires an understanding of various fields of veterinary medicine, including neurology, orthopedics, biomechanics, exercise physiology, and internal medicine.
A rehab session can include manual therapies such as massage.
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Rehabilitation therapy involves a tailored approach to return the dog to a safe and functional level, and prevent future injuries with proper conditioning exercises. This is done by focusing on general strength and stability, including core strength, and proprioception. These dogs require a higher level of fitness and conditioning to meet the demands of their jobs or sports.
REHABILITATION PROGRAM STARTS WITH THOROUGH EVALUATION A comprehensive program begins with proper evaluation, including a detailed history of the dog’s training schedule, nutrition, previous injuries, and performed activities. A working dog experiences different physical and mental demands than a companion dog, and thus requires a different approach to treatment and return to function. Overall, evaluation and rehabilitation therapy for both groups of dogs have many similarities. A full physical exam, which includes a thorough orthopedic and neurologic evaluation, is performed to identify the underlying problem and localize the injury. Specific tests are performed at the initial exam and repeated at various time points during rehabilitation to evaluate theprogression of recovery. These tests may include goniometry to evaluate joint range of motion, muscle mass circumference, posture evaluation and strength tests. Gait analysis, both subjective and objective (when available), should be performed at the initial and subsequent evaluations. Following the examination, further diagnostics, such as baseline radiographs, are routinely performed. Additional diagnostics, such as musculoskeletal ultrasound or advanced imaging, may be required.
NUTRITION AND WEIGHT PLAY IMPORTANT ROLES
REHABILITATION TREATMENT PLANS ADDRESS THE DOG’S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS Once the dog is evaluated and their deficits identified, a treatment plan is created based on the findings. The plan has both short- and long-term goals, to be updated at re-evaluations. Rehabilitation protocols are somewhat dependent on whether or not the dog undergoes surgical repair of an injury, or is able to be treated with rehabilitation therapy on its own. A tailored rehabilitation program is developed to address the specific needs of the dog. Treatment plans may include a combination of therapeutic modalities and exercises designed to manage pain, provide support during the healing phase, and improve flexibility, strength, and endurance while addressing any underlying musculoskeletal or neurological issues. Regular monitoring and follow-up are conducted throughout the process as the dog is gradually returned to activity. Without a proper guided transition back to unrestricted activity, there’s a risk for re-injury or new injury. Similar to physical therapy for humans, canine rehabilitation uses specific techniques and assistive devices to help support patients through their recovery.
A nutritional assessment is a very important part of the rehabilitation program, and helps ensure the dog is receiving an adequate diet for recovery and performance. Nutraceuticals are often incorporated as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation program to support the dog’s body. Rehabilitation therapy is a great tool to help overweight dogs reach, and maintain, a lean body composition. Dogs should maintain a body condition score (BCS) of 4-5/9. This has been shown to not only improve mobility but also lifespan. Leaner dogs generally live longer than their overweight cohorts. This is especially important for working dogs or athletes who use their entire bodies to perform their jobs, and often need to jump, turn, and run regularly.
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TYPES OF INJURY AND TREATMENT
Hydrotherapy can help with pain relief, muscle strength, and range of motion.
Laser therapy is often used in conjunction with manual therapies and exercises.
THERAPIES AND EXERCISES TO DO AT HOME A home therapy program involving specific manual therapies and a progressive exercise plan is also prescribed for the dog’s owner or handler to do at home. This not only helps with the recovery process but also further strengthens the bond between the owner/handler and the dog. The exercises are modified based on the dog’s level of functionality to help them gain strength and get back to full activity. Often, a home maintenance plan is continued after full recovery to aid in maintaininng performance. This can include preparation and recovery exercises, and a warm up and cool down plan, to help prevent future injury.
The injuries seen in a rehabilitation setting depend on the dog’s sport or job, and can involve a variety of tissues, including bone, tendon, ligament, and muscle. Fractures, sprains, and strains are common and can be treated with rehabilitation therapy following surgical repair, if the latter is indicated. A definitive diagnosis is required for an appropriate recovery plan that follows general healing principles of the underlying condition. A well-rounded rehabilitation program generally includes proprioceptive exercises, strength training, skills training, and endurance exercises that are similar to the dog’s demands when working or participating in athletic events. This is often done with a team of professionals trained in rehabilitation, and may include the dog’s veterinarian, a physical therapist, technicians and fitness trainers. Everyone on the team brings valuable skills and knowledge that will help the dog recover, and will also help maintain a training program moving forward.
A TYPICAL REHABILITATION SESSION A standard rehab session can include manual therapies, such as soft tissue massage, joint mobilizations, stretching, and myofascial trigger point therapy. Practitioners with advanced training in other fields, such as veterinary spinal manipulation therapy (VSMT) or osteopathy, may also incorporate these skills into the treatment plan. Mobilization and other manipulation techniques are often used for pain relief, improving muscle extensibility, and enhancing healing. They can also help dogs recover after activity, and if performed routinely, can be used as a monitoring technique to pick up on early changes in tissue tone and flexibility. Dogs are generally seen one or more times a week in the clinic or rehabilitation center and are progressed based on their abilities and response to therapy. This allows for adequate loading of the tissues, as well as for recovery and strength-building.
THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE — THE FOUNDATION OF REHABILITATION THERAPY Therapeutic exercise can be done as single exercises or as an obstacle course. Targeted, specific therapeutic exercises improve balance, proprioception and flexibility, and promote a return to functional independence. These exercises are often used for improving strength and endurance and for general conditioning. Therapeutic exercises improve balance, strength, and proprioception.
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At each appointment, the therapeutic exercise plan will be assessed and adapted to reflect the dog’s stage of healing and improve functionality. • Specific equipment is used to work on these goals, and can include balance discs, Cavaletti poles, physioballs, various platforms and other obstacles.
From the IVAS The mission of the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) is to provide, promote and support veterinary acupuncture and related treatment modalities through quality basic, advanced and continuing education, internationally recognized certification for veterinarians, and responsible research.
• Canine-specific land treadmills can be useful for cross training and conditioning. • Hydrotherapy involves the use of water-based exercises. It is beneficial for dogs recovering from surgery or injury, and can be used for conditioning during the return to work or sport phase. The benefits of hydrotherapy include pain relief, improved range of motion, and muscle strengthening. A common type of hydrotherapy involves walking the dog on an underwater treadmill; this allows the therapist to control the water level, speed, and intensity of the exercise by adding in trotting intervals, jets, or inclines as indicated. • Other modalities often used during the rehabilitation program include thermal therapies, photobiomodulation (also known as laser therapy), extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT), therapeutic ultrasound, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). These modalities are often used in combination with manual therapies and therapeutic exercises to enhance recovery. • Further therapies frequently incorporated into rehabilitation include acupuncture, kinesiology tape for improving comfort or proprioceptive awareness, or more invasive procedures such as intra-articular therapies, include orthobiologics. Overall, canine sports medicine plays a crucial role in promoting the health, well-being, and performance of athletic and working dogs. Rehabilitation therapy helps minimize the risk of injury, offers treatments for acquired injuries, and maximizes longevity in those activities. It can be used to either aid in recovery or maintain general fitness and body composition. Used in conjunction with one another, canine sports medicine and rehabilitation therapy are an effective way to return canine athletes and working dogs back to the activities they do and love best.
ACUPUNCTURE FOR NEUROLOGIC CONDITIONS Certain neurologic conditions that afflict canines are incurable or do not have a definitive diagnosis. This is a challenge for veterinarians because options to help these patients using a conventional medicine approach are limited. As an adjunctive or stand-alone therapy, acupuncture can improve neurologic symptoms and quality of life for these dogs. From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) standpoint, nearly all neurologic conditions have a pathologic Wind component. Wind can cause abnormal movement, paralysis, vestibular syndrome, and seizures. Wind is also a component in cases of degenerative myelopathy (DM). These neurologic cases are complicated and multi-factorial, but one can always start with resolving Wind and supporting the fundamental substance or organs that are most obviously out of balance. Acupuncture points commonly used to resolve Wind include: GB 20, GV 14, BL 12, GB 31, and LI 4. One organ that is often out of balance in patients suffering from Internal Wind syndromes, such as epilepsy or vestibular disease, is the Liver. Points to support the Liver include: LIV 3, LIV 13, LIV 14, GB 21, and GB 34. In senior patients, Blood and/or Kidney Yin Deficiency are common. Acupoints BL 17, SP 6, and SP 10 support Blood while acupoints BL 23, KID 3, KID 6 and Lumbar BH are helpful for the Kidney and Yin. The patient’s overall well-being is also important, and utilizing acupoints PC 6, HT 7 and An Willa receives acupuncture Shen can help support emotreatment for DM tional balance. For more information on becoming IVAS Certified, visit ivas.org. Submitted by Nell Ostermeier, DVM, CVA, FAAVA
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