Junior’s Journey: A Rehab Case Study in Compassionate Care for a Geriatric Dog
Case Background:
Junior was adopted in January of this year at the remarkable age of 15, without a complete medical history—only records dating back to the previous September. Although there were concerns about his age and many unknowns, his new owner—a returning Acupetvet client—was committed to giving Junior a comfortable, happy life.
It was quickly apparent that Junior had significant orthopedic and medical challenges noted at his primary veterinary exam. He showed signs of advanced degenerative joint disease, with suspicion of a previous cruciate ligament repair in his left hind limb. Medically, Junior faced a host of conditions, including:
• Advanced heart murmur
• Proteinuria (protein in the urine)
• Tracheal collapse
• Periodontal disease
• Elevated liver enzymes
• Obesity
Given this complex medical and orthopedic profile, his new owner was eager to get him the comfort-focused care he needed—beginning with a rehabilitation evaluation at Acupetvet.
Rehabilitation Evaluation:
At his initial evaluation on 2/11/25, Junior presented with:
• Muscle atrophy in all limbs
• Lameness in both hind limbs
• Limited stifle (knee) flexion
• A wide hind limb stance
• Inability to sit due to discomfort
Transitions were particularly difficult. Junior would painfully lower himself to the floor instead of sitting, and when getting up, had to rely almost entirely on his front limbs due to poor hind limb strength.
He also had significant compensation in the cervical and shoulder regions—evident as muscle tension in the neck and rhomboid areas. He demonstrated limited hip range of motion and overall decreased limb strength, further contributing to the difficulty with movement and mobility. For basic safety and stability in the home, traction pads were needed on his feet.
Rehabilitation Goals:
Our rehab goals for Junior focused on both comfort and function:
• Minimize gait deviations
• Improve ease and fluidity of transitions (e.g. lying down, standing up)
• Eliminate compensatory neck and rhomboid tension
• Improve comfort and mobility in hips and knees
• Build strength in all limbs to a minimum of 3/5
Treatment Plan:
Junior’s personalized treatment plan included:
• PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)
• Laser therapy
• Manual therapy for soft tissue tension
• Therapeutic exercise
• Acupuncture
• Home exercise instruction for his owner
The initial focus was pain relief and comfort. The first few sessions emphasized passive modalities—PEMF, laser, acupuncture, and manual therapy—while also coordinating further diagnostics through Junior’s primary care veterinarian.
Veterinary diagnostics revealed fluid around his heart, which was managed with Lasix as well as issues with his gallbladder were also uncovered. Junior also received Librela to help manage his arthritis.
With ongoing support at home—short, frequent walks and a gradual weight-loss plan—Junior began showing improvement. By late March, he had not only lost excess weight but was managing stairs more confidently and showing bursts of energy. Videos from his owner showed him trotting in the yard and even dashing through the kitchen—without his traction pads and without slipping.
Outcomes:
By April, Junior had made remarkable progress:
• Full resolution of neck and shoulder muscle tension
• Improved hip extension and range of motion
• Stronger transitions with less front limb compensation
• Limb strength improved to 3/5 across the board
• Return to regular, low-impact walks with a dog walker
Most importantly, he had met—or made significant progress toward—all his rehab goals. Junior had reclaimed his ability to move more freely and enjoy his daily routines.
Ongoing Management:
While some of our patients “graduate” from rehab, that’s not always the goal, especially for senior pets like Junior. In cases of chronic disease or advanced age, rehab becomes less about a finish line and more about maintaining quality of life.
Junior now is in our high achiever ” Top Tail” program and comes weekly for maintenance sessions of PEMF, laser, and acupuncture to support his joints and muscular comfort. His home exercises are monitored and adjusted as needed, and his owner stays engaged with his care plan. Thanks to rehab, good veterinary management, and dedicated at-home care, Junior now leads an active, happy life—trotting with his dog walker and bringing joy to everyone he meets.
Takeaway:
Junior’s story is a reminder that age is not a contraindication for rehabilitation—it’s a reason for it. With a thoughtful, individualized plan, even senior dogs with complex medical histories can gain mobility, comfort, and quality time with the people who love them.
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.png00Tasha Wilsonhttps://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.pngTasha Wilson2025-07-30 09:19:172025-08-06 09:55:18Rehab Case Study in Compassionate Care for a Geriatric Dog
Acupuncture in Clinical Practice: A Therapeutic Option Worth Considering
By: Tasha Wilson, DVM, Certified in Medical Veterinary Acupuncture and Rehabilitation
As a veterinarian certified in medical veterinary acupuncture and rehabilitation, I’ve had the privilege of integrating these modalities into the care of patients with complex or chronic conditions. While acupuncture was once viewed as unconventional in Western practice, its benefits are now well supported by scientific research — particularly in pain management, neurologic recovery, and systemic disease modulation.
For medical professionals seeking safe, complementary options to enhance patient outcomes, acupuncture offers a well-founded and clinically relevant tool. Acupuncture stimulates peripheral nerves, especially A-delta and C fibers, which activate central nervous system pathways involved in pain modulation and homeostasis. This stimulation leads to the release of endogenous opioids and serotonin, down-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and balancing of autonomic nervous system tone. Locally, acupuncture improves circulation, reduces muscle tension, and supports tissue repair — making it highly valuable for patients with musculoskeletal or neurologic dysfunction.
At Acupetvet, acupuncture is most often used to treat orthopedic pain, post-operative recovery, and neurologic conditions such as intervertebral disc disease. It is also used to support patients with chronic systemic illness or undergoing cancer treatment — helping with symptom management and improving quality of life. When combined with rehabilitation therapy, acupuncture enhances neuromuscular retraining and functional recovery. Patients tolerate it very well, including feline patients.
Case Spotlight: Feline Hindlimb Lameness Managed with Acupuncture and Integrative Rehab
Patient: Vivian, 15-year-old spayed female DSH
Presenting Concern: LH lameness, suspected CCL tear ± meniscal injury
Additional Findings: Lumbar arthritis on radiographs, history of chronic URIs (stable), anxiety with handling
Vivian initially presented to her primary vet with a new-onset LH lameness after jumping from a bed. Radiographs revealed lumbar spondylosis and a noticeable click was present during primary vet’s ROM examination. She had been started on Solensia and a higher dose of gabapentin but developed ataxia due to side effects. Once tapered to 25 mg BID, her mobility improved without sedation. Onsior was trialed short-term but discontinued.
Due to her temperament and stress level (sweet but nervous cat) in the clinic, evaluation was limited—she stayed in her carrier during treatment but Dr Wilson was able to assess muscle tone and stifle with palpation. Muscle palpation revealed bilateral triceps and quadriceps tension (RH > LH) and a palpable trigger point in the right lumbar epaxials, likely compensatory. No joint effusion was detected.
Initial Treatment Plan:
Laser Therapy: Epaxials, bilateral stifles and hips
Acupuncture: BL 12, 13, 21, 23, 25, Baihui (LU and ST36 added in later sessions) targeting lower back discomfort, trigger points, stifle disease and respiratory signs.
Initial Home Exercise Program: Modified therapeutic exercises including low-paws-up and broomstick step overs with treat motivation; instructed owner to provide video feedback for remote adjustment
Owner reported gradual but consistent improvements: by week 3, Vivian was navigating stairs, jumping with assistance (using ottomans), and re-engaging in play. She resumed grooming behaviors and exhibited more natural hindlimb extension during bathing—positive indicators of improved comfort and mobility. Her sneezing also decreased.
By late June, the owner reported no visible lameness (confirmed via video), increased spontaneous activity, and return of pre-injury behaviors (playing, stretching, and exploring). Gabapentin was tapered to once daily and discontinued shortly thereafter.
Outcome:
Vivian’s formal rehab was discontinued after 6 sessions. She transitioned to monthly acupuncture for maintenance and has continued to do well with no recurrence of lameness or compensatory issues. One year post-initial presentation, she remains playful, mobile, and off daily medications.
Key Takeaways:
Acupuncture can provide measurable benefit in feline orthopedic cases, especially when conventional pharmacologic options are limited by side effects or age-related risks.
Owner engagement, paired with low-stress handling and remote video updates, was critical to success.
Even nervous or stoic cats are a good candidate for rehabilitation therapy and show clear improvement when treatment is tailored to their comfort level.
As medicine continues to embrace integrative care, collaboration between conventional and complementary therapies becomes increasingly important. I welcome conversations with fellow professionals interested in learning more about how acupuncture may benefit their patients — whether as a referral option or as part of a broader treatment plan. Reach out to us about how we can hep your pet or patient! https://acupetvet.net/contact/
“If I would have recommended it for my own pet, why would I not offer it to my patients? It’s a great tool to help control pain, and other ailments in pets.” ~ Dr. Tasha Wilson
In 2016, my mom (Dr. Wilson) became certified in Medical Acupuncture at Colorado State University. This evidence-based modality allows her to provide adjunctive therapies to pet patients like me. I know the needles look a little frightening, but there’s no need to worry. It doesn’t hurt. I can barely even feel it! The needles are actually as thin as hair.
Sometimes I even fall asleep while she is giving me treatment because I am so relaxed. Plus, those little needles are very helpful for pets who have injuries and/or diseases that cause them pain.
What is Acupuncture?
So, you might be wondering, what is this strange treatment, called acupuncture? The “official” definition of acupuncture is that it is a therapeutic treatment method that involves the insertion of sterile needles to prevent and treat injuries and disease. But, how does it work? And, why would a pet like me need to have it?
Traditional Vs. Western Acupuncture
Let me start by explaining the two main ways of using acupuncture:
Traditional / Chinese / Eastern Acupuncture
Acupuncture originated in China long, long ago. Traditional / Chinese / eastern acupuncture focuses on restoring a patient’s energy flow, called qi, but it is pronounced, “chee”. Here’s a more scientific explanation, according to John Hopkins Medicine:
“Traditional Chinese medicine practitioners believe the human body has more than 2,000 acupuncture points connected by pathways or meridians. These pathways create an energy flow (Qi, pronounced “chee”) through the body that is responsible for overall health. Disruption of the energy flow can cause disease. By applying acupuncture to certain points, it is thought to improve the flow of Qi, thereby improving health.”
Western / Medical Acupuncture
Western/medical acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese acupuncture, but it is a more contemporary, evidence-based version of the practice. It uses our current knowledge of anatomy and physiology and how it relates the disease to establish the points used in treatment. With western/medical acupuncture, a diagnosis is established first, and acupuncture is used as one method of treatment.
Which is Better?
My mom says that neither practice is necessarily better than the other. She said that many practitioners use a combination of both when treating a patient. She cited an article from Mosher Health, which stated, “We need both western and Chinese medicine. The sooner we integrate both into a universal approach to healing and treatment, the healthier and wiser we will all be.” I agree!
What are Acupuncture Points?
Scientists and researchers say that acupuncture points can stimulate the central nervous system. As a result, chemicals are released into the body’s muscles, spinal cord, and brain, which is believed to restore the body’s natural healing abilities, helping to restore physical and emotional health. which helps to increase physical and emotional health. This is true for both humans and pets, like my BFF, Hazel, and I.
Each acupuncture point corresponds to a particular area of the body. So, if a dog like me is feeling pain in his/her foot, there is a spot on the body where, if one or more of those tiny needles is placed, it can help me (or you!) feel better.
When choosing points for acupuncture, my mom says she looks at the disease process and thinks,
“What nerves and blood vessels go to that area, such as the hips, or to a specific organ? I want to increase blood flow, and decrease inflammation. What can I do to decrease the muscle tension in that area? What area can I target to counteract the heightened nerve response that is occurring right now?”
Then, she targets the specific acupuncture points that work with those particular nerve pathways and with those specific blood vessels. Pretty cool, right?
How Does Acupuncture Help?
Acupuncture does many great things for your body – whether you’re a human, like my mom, or a pet, like me.
It decreases pain.
One of the most common uses of acupuncture is pain management. If your pet is experiencing pain due to surgery, injury, or chronic disease, your veterinarian may recommend acupuncture to help with the pain. Why? Because acupuncture helps to stimulate the natural production of substances in the body that decrease pain.
For example, cytokines are proteins secreted by the immune system. Certain cytokines promote an inflammatory response, and acupuncture reduces the cytokines that increase inflammation. It also increases those that inhibit inflammation, activating a natural way the body can decrease pain, andhelping to get the nervous system back on track.
When an animal like me has chronic pain, the nerves start becoming dysfunctional and don’t work as they should. When the nerves aren’t working properly, they can become “ramped up”, and even when the painful stimulus is gone, the animal may still feel the same amount of pain. Acupuncture helps to “unwind” the nervous system and release muscle tension, so the animal’s pain level is better controlled and the nervous system becomes “more normal”.
For best results, my mom says acupuncture is often used in combination with other types of treatments to decrease pain in pets.
It can help improve cartilage health.
Acupuncture helps to release various growth factors, including but not limited to ones that help cartilage become healthy again. There is a lot of data showing that once cartilage is dead (which can happen in joint disease), it will never be healthy again. However, my mom said there are more and more studies (like this one) showing that acupuncture can actually help with that.
It helps to release anti-inflammatory substances in the body.
According to the following research study, “Acupuncture can promote the release of anti-inflammatory and analgesic substances (opioid peptides, adenosine, dopamine, and endogenous Cannabinoids [7–9]) and inhibit the release of proinflammatory factors (5-hydroxytryptamine, histamine, substance P, nerve growth factor, CGRP, and TRPV1 [10–12]) to produce an *analgesic effect.” The word “analgesic” means “acting to relieve pain”, which further supports #1, above.
Again, acupuncture helps facilitate a natural way the body can heal itself.
It can help to heal the body in many ways.
Pets with arthritis, hip dysplasia, disc disease, and/or other nerve injuries can benefit greatly from acupuncture. It is often used after an injury is repaired and a pet is going through rehabilitation and helps to improve the healing process.
Acupuncture can also help pets with skin problems like allergic dermatitis and hot spots by increasing circulation in the affected areas, which helps to improve the healing process, and by reducing pain, which minimizes a pet’s tendency to over-groom or itch an affected area.
It can even help with gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea and nausea, as increased blood circulation helps to regulate the digestive system. Acupuncture is also known to help animals with respiratory problems like asthma or allergies, due to its anti-inflammatory effects and immune system benefits.
When the body has a disease, such as kidney or heart disease, inflammation occurs as a result. This can cause these diseases to worsen. Acupuncture helps decrease the inflammation secondary to the disease, helping the organs function better. My mom has even seen kidney values decrease with acupuncture! See this study here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28422526/.
There are minimal – if any – side effects.
Aside from all of the wonderful things about acupuncture listed above, the thing that I love about acupuncture (and my mom does, too) is that the risk of side effects from properly administered acupuncture are extremely low. When done by a doctor like my mom, with the right training, certification, and experience, most pets won’t feel much at all. Sometimes I feel a tingling sensation, and other pets may feel a slight numbness in the area being treated, but that’s it!
There are many treatments out there for different symptoms, with potential side effects far worse than the initial cause for treatment. Acupuncture is really just about making four-legged creatures like us feel better.
Results & Treatment Length
Dr. Wilson (my mom) starts with a total of 6 sessions to start and then works with the pet parent to determine an ongoing treatment plan if that’s what you and your owner decide. If your pet has chronic problems, the initial frequency of sessions might be higher than others and may be needed for a longer period of time, while temporary or short-term pain or illnesses are likely to be resolved more quickly. It all depends on the pet and their particular symptoms and needs.
“Patients that are likely to respond favorably to acupuncture usually do so within the first few treatments; however, at first the benefits may last only 1 to 2 days. The goal is to build a cumulative and longer-lasting effect by delivering frequent sessions at the outset. Once a satisfactory level of improvement occurs, the acupuncturist will usually increase the time interval between sessions to that which allows sustained improvement with the fewest treatments.”
Your First Appointment
At your first appointment, Dr. Wilson will discuss your pet’s history and the disease process with you. It’s important to provide her with as much information as possible about what supplements and medications you are taking, along with any past illnesses or injuries. She will also perform myofascial palpation, which helps her to assess trigger points and muscle tension, which she targets during treatment.
Acupuncture is science-based, and Dr. Wilson has read multiple case reports and scientific studies showing the benefits of acupuncture – from the microscopic changes to the changes owners see in their pets. She values integrative medicine. and focuses on the patient as a whole, treating not only the symptoms but the cause. Her end goal is always “making better tomorrows for your pet.”
Pets Dr. Wilson Has Helped
Because acupuncture can do so many good things for pets like me, I get regular acupuncture treatments. My mom uses it as a preventative treatment for me. It also helps to decrease any muscle tension I get after I’ve been running around like crazy, doing acrobatics with my BFF, Hazel. Plus, it helps keep the cartilage healthy in my knees, which is especially important, since I had a TPLO operation, and my other knee is more prone to cruciate disease because of it.
But, I’m not the only one who has benefited from acupuncture. My mom helps tons of pets feel better. Here are a few of my four-legged friends she has helped:
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/unnamed-1-e1598635420402.jpg4071000Dr. Wilsonhttps://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.pngDr. Wilson2022-02-07 09:55:452022-02-08 21:18:54Jenkins Explains: How Acupuncture Works
To provide the best experiences, we use technologies like cookies to store and/or access device information. Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions.
Functional
Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
In 2016, my mom (Dr. Wilson) became certified in Medical Acupuncture at Colorado State University. This evidence-based modality allows her to provide adjunctive therapies to pet patients like me. I know the needles look a little frightening, but there’s no need to worry. It doesn’t hurt. I can barely even feel it! The needles are actually as thin as hair.
Aside from all of the wonderful things about acupuncture listed above, the thing that I love about acupuncture (and my mom does, too) is that the risk of side effects from properly administered acupuncture are extremely low. When done by a doctor like my mom, with the right training, certification, and experience, most pets won’t feel much at all. Sometimes I feel a tingling sensation, and other pets may feel a slight numbness in the area being treated, but that’s it!
