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Tag Archive for: new hampshire

Case Spotlight: Feline Hindlimb Lameness Managed with Acupuncture and Integrative Rehab

Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, Uncategorized

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.
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Untitled-design-2.mp4

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/

https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Vivian-before-and-after-video.mp4
June 10, 2025/0 Comments/by Tasha Wilson
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.png 0 0 Tasha Wilson https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.png Tasha Wilson2025-06-10 15:37:562025-06-17 16:16:12Case Spotlight: Feline Hindlimb Lameness Managed with Acupuncture and Integrative Rehab

Case Study: Rehab after Canine Hemilaminectomy

Acupuncture, Canine Rehabilitation Therapy, Physical Therapy

Case Summary: Bella, a 4-Year-Old Female French Bulldog

Case Background:

Bella, a four-year-old female French Bulldog, sustained a spinal cord compression due to a T13-L1 intervertebral disc extrusion (IVDE) and hemorrhage from T10-L2 on September 27, 2024. She underwent a left T13-L2 and right T10-T13 hemilaminectomy on the same day at a referral clinic. Bella was referred to us for an initial rehabilitation evaluation on November 4, 2024, which included assessments of gait and posture, functional mobility, manual palpation of muscles and joints, range of motion, strength, and neurologic function. She was off all medications at this time.

Rehabilitation Evaluation:

Bella exhibited multiple gait abnormalities, including ataxia in the hind limbs, weight shifting onto her forelimbs, a widened hind limb stance, and reliance on her forelimbs for propulsion. Functionally, she demonstrated difficulty transitioning from a seated to sternal position and from sternal to standing, which was attributed to her hind limb weakness. Manual assessment revealed muscle tension in the cervical epaxials and latissimus dorsi, likely due to compensatory mechanisms, decreased hind limb strength, limited spinal rotation to the left, and delayed conscious proprioception (CP) in the right hind limb.

Rehabilitation Goals:

The primary objectives of Bella’s rehabilitation included:

  • Minimizing gait deviations
  • Enhancing ease of postural transitions
  • Reducing muscle tension
  • Increasing strength in all limbs
  • Improving spinal rotation to the left
  • Enhancing conscious proprioception in the right hind limb

Treatment Plan:

Bella’s treatment plan incorporated laser therapy, acupuncture, manual therapy for flexibility and muscle tension reduction, therapeutic exercises, and a home exercise program for owner to do regularly to assist in Bella’s recovery process. Initial exercises focused on improving hind limb engagement, weight shifting, and transitional movements. As Bella gained stability, her regimen was progressively intensified to include more advanced exercises such as weight shifting on an unstable surface, sit-to-stand transitions, and three-legged stances. These exercises aimed to strengthen her limbs and improve core stability.

Acupuncture was added to not only help manage her pain but also support her nervous system by regulating pain signals, improving neuromodulation, and encouraging the natural healing process. It also helps relax the muscles around her spine, decreasing nerve pain/impingement, while also improving her range of motion and easing post-surgical stiffness. With this integrative approach- acupuncture with rehabilitation therapy – Bella regained mobility much faster than expected and returned to her playful, happy self.

Outcomes:

Bella demonstrated significant improvement in her gait, with reduced weight shifting onto the forelimbs, decreased ataxia, a normalized hind limb stance, and appropriate propulsion using her hind limbs. Additionally, she exhibited improved stifle flexion during gait, reduced muscular compensation (eliminating latissimus dorsi twitching), and enhanced strength (3/5 in all limbs). Spinal rotation became symmetrical. Although delayed CP persisted , it was mild in the right hind limb and was not affecting her normal daily activity.

From the owner:

“Prior to Bella doing rehab at Acupetvet, she was very unstable and weak in her back legs as a result of IVDD. Through a combination of laser therapy, acupuncture and progressing with at home rehabilitation, she is stronger than ever. She has not only gained strength, but has become more confident and is able to go on longer walks. Her quality of life has increased and we are so thankful to the entire staff at Acupetvet for their execution and expertise!”

Ongoing Management:

Bella continues to receive acupuncture twice monthly to help support her long-term health, mobility, and overall well-being. These sessions are aimed at improving nerve pathway function (CP deficit), reducing back tension and disc inflammation, and maintaining comfort as she ages, helping her stay as healthy as possible. She will also follow a structured home exercise program under the diligent care of her owners. She will continue refining her mobility in the coming months as part of her ongoing recovery.

 

 

Dr. Tasha Wilson is certified in veterinary acupuncture and rehab therapy. Lynn Low, PT, has her certification in rehab therapy.

 

April 14, 2025/0 Comments/by Tasha Wilson
https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.png 0 0 Tasha Wilson https://acupetvet.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/APV-logo-2020-sm2.png Tasha Wilson2025-04-14 12:08:532025-04-17 09:15:35Case Study: Rehab after Canine Hemilaminectomy

Meet Dr. Wilson at Acupetvet

https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=LKDtEXnGV4I

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