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What works? An open but skeptical mind
By Dr. Narda Robinson
April 9, 2009
Over the past decade, a wealth of understanding has come to light concerning how and why integrative medicine works. That’s why I love teaching, writing, and research, as well as the library. In order to deliver to my students and readers the latest findings that support or debunk holistic methods, I seek answers from the scientific literature as well as through my own research about how these methods work or why they don’t. I take a look as well at how researchers study a procedure, because sometimes the methodology (how the test was carried out) contains flaws that generate misleading results.
For example, acupuncture researchers testing “sham” (or non-acupuncture point) needling against “true” or “real” acupuncture sometimes make the mistake of placing their sham points in locations that lie too close to the real points. When this happens, acupuncture performed in both real and sham locations stimulates overlapping neurological pathways. Since acupuncture works by sending nerve impulses to key control centers in the body, if the messages that reaches the brain and spinal cord are too similar because the points are too close, then the differences between sham and true acupuncture may not achieve statistical significance. This causes skeptics to proudly proclaim, “Acupuncture is the same as placebo needling,” when in fact both groups may have improved.
When I started veterinary school, it seemed almost subversive to suggest acupuncture, massage, or Reiki for animals in pain. Now, it’s those who resist their clients’ wishes for integrative options that risk alienating clients. Ultimately, it’s up to each of us to advocate for our animal friends’ well–being. We can do so by amassing as much factual information as possible about how to understand what our furry friends are telling us about their pain and then decide which options to pursue.
Consider Po, a 9 year old rabbit patient of mine whose life story may well have ended months ago if not for the effective interplay of both conventional and integrative medicine. Po had severe arthritis in her hind limbs, as well as pododermatitis (sore hocks and feet) involving hair loss and skin breakdown. The arthritis pain impaired Po’s ability to posture to urinate without soiling herself, leading to urine scald, despite diligent cleaning. Her mom and dad, Linda and Dennis, provided Po with superb care and tremendous love, but sufficient pain control remained elusive, even with increasing doses of opioid medication prescribed by her veterinarians.
Po’s challenges seemed sufficiently daunting that, following further consultation with another veterinarian, Linda and Dennis received advice to consider euthanasia based on the severity of her arthritis seen on radiographs, as well as the resulting immobility. But because her mom and dad watch her closely at home, they could observe her behavior and attitude for many hours a day. Yes, she faced stiff challenges physically, but her spirit remained bright and alert. Certainly, she needed more help, and medication alone could not meet Po’s pain control needs. They searched further for answers.
Finally, integrative pain medicine measures gave her the relief she needed. I provided the acupuncture and osteopathic manipulative therapy and my good friend and colleague, Brenda McClelland, DVM, gave Po Reiki and Healing Touch treatment. Based on their observations, Linda and Dennis felt that the energy therapy synergized with the acupuncture to provide an optimal healing outcome. I agree that Po improved further after visiting Dr. Brenda.
Po experienced a remarkable turnaround, illustrated by her sitting more naturally rather than tilted back to take the weight off of her painful hips. She regained appetite and resumed taking short trips around the home, hopping from room to room. She was better than she’d been in months. The fur on her feet grew back quickly and the skin ulcers soon healed. Her increased joint mobility allowed her to clean herself more effectively. I showed Dennis and Linda ways to massage Po in order to sustain the benefits at home.
Which parts of her treatment worked and what were their relative contributions? We know much about how pain medication stops pain, but that was not enough to get Po’s life back on track. Acupuncture and massage alleviated some of the back and leg pain and muscle tension, restoring flexibility. Better body comfort likely improved her appetite and sense of well being. But how does “energy work” work? That remains unknown. What makes up the “energy” emitted or transmitted? Is it measurable in any way? Should we instead call it “consciousness”?
I find questions like these intriguing, especially when we witness benefits of a collaborative, integrated effort with patients like Po. That is not to say, however, that acupuncture, manual therapy, or energy work can help all patients. Sometimes nothing helps, and fortunately in veterinary medicine, we can offer a peaceful transition and put an end to suffering. Mainly, we need to continually collect information about what, when, how, and why, or why not regarding integrative medicine. We need to examine both conventional and holistic options critically, so that we can make the most of sometimes scarce healthcare dollars and, most importantly, keep our critters safe and healthy, no matter what type of medicine we provide.
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I have never even heard of a holistic or integrated vet in my area. My vet doesn’t style herself as such but she seems open, although my dog is less than 2 and we haven’t had any major issues yet.
Comment by Original Lori — April 9, 2009 @ 5:59 am
How did the man and woman give birth to a rabbit?
Is this like that cartoon Cow and Chicken?
Comment by H. Houlahan — April 9, 2009 @ 6:31 am
Integrative practice is what I have done for ages and I was lucky enough to be aligned as a practitioner in a progressive clinic in San Diego before it became more mainstream here in California.
I find many of my colleagues not open or unwilling to acknowledge the possible benefits.
In my book, if it helps the animal, why not?
At the moment, I am receiving acupuncture for the first time and I am finding the experience interesting and helpful.
Looking forward to more of your work here at Pet Connection!
Comment by Ark Lady — April 9, 2009 @ 7:08 am
I have long winced at the whole “pet parent” thing, which to my ear seems kind of treacly. And, of course, treating dogs and cats like human children leads to unhappiness on all sides.
BUT … I’ve recently started to loosen my shorts on this issue. For one reason, many if not most of the people who use the words “my kids” for their pets or refer to themselves as “pet parents” really and truly do understand that we are in fact talking about different species. But they are also unconsciously acknowledging that (as Dr. Becker so often says) in a lifetime cats have gone from mousers to housers, and dogs from the dog house to the bed.
I think the whole “what do you call your pet?” topic is a great post and discussion for a day when I didn’t get up at 4 a.m. to finish a piece for Parade magazine, I’m not worried to pieces about baby puppies, I don’t have to go to work and Dr. Becker isn’t flying in at 3:30 p.m. for our regular face-to-face meetings.
In other words, a day when I can think with some clarity.
:::head explodes:::
Welcome,Dr. Narda!
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 9, 2009 @ 7:37 am
well, based on her reaction to my holistic vet (adoration) and to the acupuncture treatments (easier movement), my old dog thinks acupuncture makes her feel better. So that’s enough evidence for me.
Comment by EmilyS — April 9, 2009 @ 7:40 am
The whole “sham” vs “real” acupuncture drives my acpuncturist (who is an MD internist/phsyitrist) screaming yellow bonkers. There are so many schools of acpuncture that place the needles in different places that it is WAY to easy to hit a spot that actually does some good.
As someone who suffers from migraines and has not only found acpuncture a true help, but has heard many, many neurologists who treat headaches admit that it helps, it is way past time for Medicare and private health insurance to pay for the service.
Ten years ago, I discussed this with my Congressman’s health care staffer who admitted that “everyone knows acupuncture works, but we don’t want to add it to Medicare because then everyone with headaches and arthritis will want to be treated and it will add to the costs too much!”
Quality of life just isn’t a priority in this country! :-P
Comment by Dorene — April 9, 2009 @ 8:58 am
I am so pleased to hear holistic-type medicine is still alive and kicking. It’s good for people, too.
Just look at how long other medical breakthroughs had to struggle against entrenched interests and callous indifference, and we realize it is always the same; perhaps that, too, will one day change.
Comment by WereBear — April 9, 2009 @ 9:34 am
Way back in 1981 I became a believer when I brought my 15-1/2 year-old miniature schnauzer to a holistic veterinarian who was visiting my local animal clinic for one day only, educating the public and offering acupuncture and energy healing. On first hearing of the visit I thought, really? Oh come now.
My dog was becoming severely crippled in the rear with arthritis and was beginning to drag his rear legs—he just had to be miserable. It broke my heart and tore at me to see him in that condition. Nothing formerly prescribed had given him much relief any longer. Our vet did not feel spinal surgery was an option. I was helpless. This dynamite, sweet and brilliant mini schnauzer had been such a wonderful companion, at my side 24/7, going everywhere with me for all those years in cities and the country, heeling just because he wanted to, traveling cross-country, and even to work every day. I had to do something—anything. So, desperate to find relief for him, I gave in to canine acupuncture (thought creepy at the time). Completely open-minded I carried him in my arms into the visiting vet where he was given a substantial acupuncture treatment, and I was taught how to give him healing (energy) massage. (Reiki?)
After this acupuncture treatment and massage, the dog walked out like he was a young dog! He could run! It was obvious that he felt complete relief as he was his playful young self again walking without difficulty or any indication of pain! But only for about six weeks. The treatment eventually wore off, and access to it was only available many hundreds of miles away and not an option at that time. I would have taken him as often as he needed it had it been any closer.
For another four months I continued to massage him as shown, which gave him great relief always. He then suffered a stroke, became incontinent and couldn’t move his back legs. Sadly, we euthanized him. I wish the acupuncture had been available within a reasonable distance, but least his final months were made more comfortable with the help of one acupuncture session and continual healing massages. Oh did he love them!
That was 28 years ago when this veterinarian clearly helped my precious dog. I’m certain that my friends had thought I’d gone nutso. Until they saw the dog, that is.
It works. I KNOW it does. Widespread acceptance of the holistic concept is taking far too long for humans and animals. Wecome Dr. Narda! I will be following closely.
Comment by NadineL — April 9, 2009 @ 3:31 pm
I’ve been taking my 3 dogs to a integrative vet for a while now and am very happy with her. The dogs even seem more relaxed when they go in and aren’t panting and jittery as they’d been before. It’s over 130 miles round trip but it’s mostly country driving which is more relaxing to me too as opposed when I had to head into the city to see the vet. She’s cheaper too.
Comment by VJ — April 9, 2009 @ 3:51 pm
Kaiser Permanente, the private, non-profit health provider has offered acupuncture treatment for quite a few years now, at least in the Northern California Region. I already knew from personal experience that acupuncture works, but finding out that Kaiser includes it as an option really sealed the deal for me, a long time empiricist.
I wouldn’t hesitate to use it on our pets if I thought it would help them. Fortunately, everyone is still on the young side and healthy.
Comment by Susan Fox — April 9, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
Thanks, all, for your input, as well as the warm welcome!
Gina — I’m interested in learning more about what you meant when you wrote, “And, of course, treating dogs and cats like human children leads to unhappiness on all sides.”
My clients often refer to their animal companions as their “furry kids” or something similar, and they derive much of their joy in life from doting on them and focusing on their needs. I have to admit that I fall into that “cat”-egory as well, which actually brings me happiness. My cats seem to be happy about their high status in the family as well.
Comment by Dr.Narda — April 10, 2009 @ 6:14 am
I have had a debate with myself for quite a while about what terms to use when referring to the person who lives with pets. After thinking about the terms owner, guardian, caretaker, and a variety of others, I decided that in my dog training classes I would use the word parent.
Although we cannot really think of our pets as children - and I tell my students this - the term parent does convey the ideas I want my students to have.
For example, many people get a dog because they want that Lassie-type best friend. However, when a puppy is growing up - he needs a parent. He needs to be taught the rules of life in his new home and the social rules out in the world. He needs to be fed, and cared for, and nutured. This puppy may be a best friend later, but right now he needs the things that parents do.
I have had a couple of people take offense at this but very very few, especially when I explain to my classes why I’m using the term.
Liz
Comment by Liz Palika — April 10, 2009 @ 9:09 am
I refer to myself as a pet parent!
I think my dog refers to me as his meal ticket. LOL…
Comment by Sheyna — April 10, 2009 @ 9:52 am
Dr. Robinson, it concerns me a bit that you profess to provide legitimate information on alternative and integrative methods, yet went along with the notion of what could reiki and acupuncture hurt? Correct me if I’m wrong, did you not once or twice quote the research and studies by Professor Ernst in one or more of your veterinary columns (to support your own research)? Do you not respect the veterinarians and veterinary researchers (your colleagues) who have debunked acupuncture in animals and reiki as well? While I respect the fact owners want to make choices, those choices should be informed choices, and not based on unfounded pseudoscience. I hope you will often remind yourself of the placebo effect in animals, that is, animals cannot tell you what is wrong, what is or is not affecting them, and to respectfully ask their owners to stop the poking, prodding and administration of useless remedies.
Comment by puppers — April 12, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Puppers,
Which scientific studies are you referring to that have “debunked acupuncture in animals and reiki as well”?
Comment by Dr. Narda — April 23, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
Troll alert?
Comment by Susan Fox — April 23, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Interesting story behind this comment. Over on Dr. Khuly’s blog (in the comments on the polo pony story), I was accused of deleting comments that disagreed with Pet Connection posters — specifically, this comment.
I said I hadn’t done any such thing.
Only Christie and I have moderation powers here. We hadn’t deleted any comment on this thread, but just to be sure I searched the spam filter for the word “reiki” and there it was. I released the comment.
I told the commenter over on Dr. K’s blog that her comment had been released and Dr. Narda had responded. I pointed her back here. If she does have credentials or citations, I presume she’ll cough ‘em up.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 23, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
It’s a bit “spicy” over at Dolittler today. I simply don’t have the physical or mental energy to get involved although I do bridle a bit at the use of any opening to launch attacks on a profession.
Today, my dog turned out to need a cruciate repair, cause he’s an athletic, incautious idiot whom I deeply love. The surgeon:
—Moved him to the front of the schedule because he knew our drive home is over three hours,
—-called me several times with updates
—-minimized shaving because he knows that the three months longer it takes to grow back hair than recover from the surgery drives me nuts
—-pulled a problematic tooth and did not charge me because, well, just because.
If anyone wants to take me to task, fine, but most of my attention tonight is on the dog.
Comment by JenniferJ — April 23, 2009 @ 9:09 pm
Dr. Robinson, you know there is no evidence for reiki, and you know it is simply based on belief and religion. There is no such thing as “energy healing” in medicinal practice, and to encourage readers that it “may have” worked for a rabbit is not only anecdotal at best, but subject to scrutiny since you provided no actual evidence.
Effects of reiki in clinical practice: a systematic review of randomised clinical trials.
Lee MS, Pittler MH, Ernst E.
Int J Clin Pract. 2008 Jun;62(6):947-54. Epub 2008 Apr 10.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu.....d_RVDocSum
Reiki
http://www.skepdic.com/reiki.html
Reiki: still stupid after all these years
http://scienceblogs.com/whitec....._all_t.php
What evidence do you have that acupuncture did anything for the rabbit’s condition? What evidence suggests that acupuncture “resolved” fur loss, and “resolved” the skin ulcers?
How do you know that it wasn’t simply previous treatment that allowed the rabbit more comfort in time, or tincture of time, or that the condition was naturally resolving on it’s own? (with the exception of arthritis), or that subtle changes in the rabbit’s environment by the owner were not made? Surely you understand the variables that could have attributed to the rabbit’s “improvement”.
What other methods (medications, diet, environment needs, bedding/substrate, etc) were used (or altered) in combination treatment prior to and during and after the acupuncture and reiki? How often was the rabbit evaluated in the entire treatment course? What diagnostics and parameters were performed to rule out other causes?
Can you provide unbiased peer-reviewed literature that prove, without a doubt, that acupuncture is effective for the numerous conditions in small animals that alternative vets claim? There is only minimal suggestion at best, of efficacy in humans (mainly mild pain, decreasing incidences of vomiting but few studies of significance for any of the other numerous claims), and the placebo effect in animals does not lend much credence to any animal study regarding acupuncture (nor the most dubious, reiki).
Puncturing the Acupuncture Myth
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=252
(also see references and discussion for more references)
Acupuncture: what does the most reliable evidence tell us?
Ernst E.
J Pain Symptom Manage. 2009 Apr;37(4):709-14. Epub 2008 Sep 11.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu.....d_RVDocSum
Effectiveness of acupuncture in veterinary medicine: systematic review.
Habacher G, Pittler MH, Ernst E.
J Vet Intern Med. 2006 May-Jun;20(3):480-8
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu.....d_RVDocSum
Neuropathic pain in dogs and cats: if only they could tell us if they hurt.
Mathews KA.
Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract. 2008 Nov;38(6):1365-414, vii-viii.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pu.....d_RVDocSum
(Veterinary) Acupuncture: The Facts
http://drspinello.com/altmed/acuvet/acuvet.htm
Small Animal Acupuncture: Where’s the evidence?
http://www.veterinarywatch.com/CompLet.htm
Is There a Placebo Effect for Animals?
http://www.sciencebasedmedicine.org/?p=263
UK doctor-scientist leading the debate on alternative modalities
http://junkfoodscience.blogspo.....te-on.html
Btw, I don’t appreciate being labeled a troll simply because I challenged the author to provide evidence for her assertions in a medical case that quite frankly, demands additional questions of efficacy.
As you know, Dr. Robinson, the onus is on you for making the unsubstantiated claims.
Comment by puppers — April 24, 2009 @ 10:25 am
Puppers, I get that you’re a skeptic and tuned into the pseudoscience lingo. It’s one thing to assemble everyone’s opinions from health fraud lists and websites, I prefer to independently investigate the science and rationality of the mechanisms underlying a given approach. Even Ernst, in the review article on Reiki you cited, concluded Reiki was unproven based on insufficient evidence, but he didn’t say it was disproven.
You may be interested in an article I wrote on Reiki for animals in Veterinary Practice News at http://www.veterinarypracticen.....-work.aspx . I admit that I found myself surprised that there were indeed some scientific reports on whether it worked or not, though certainly we need more research, which is a frequent conclusion in this field.
While I currently don’t practice Reiki, I did go through the training and “attunement”. That doesn’t make me an uncritical thinker or believer in unseen energies. It just means I’ve learned a lot of various integrative modalities along the way.
Regarding the “troll” comment, I also found an interesting website: http://www.urbandictionary.com.....m=trolling .
Comment by Dr.Narda — April 24, 2009 @ 3:35 pm
You’re quite right about the proven vs unproven, but how long does it take for the alt crew to accept the fact that after years and years, it isn’t going to work (homeopathy, for example, the worst example of alternative “therapy” ever, I’m not saying that of opinion either, mind you, it has thoroughly and rigorously been proven to be nothing more than wishful thinking). Reiki is also nothing more than a belief that has absolutely no evidence, and if you have evidence to the contrary, I invite you to share it.
As for your article, it is quite easy to spot the quackery, not to mention the bias of the medical journals. I’m sorry, but no amount of either false practicing or wishful thinking even, by a practitioner placing hands over an ill patient is ever going to amount to anything more than a conceived perception on the part of the practitioner and the patient. Again, animals don’t have the luxury to tell you it isn’t working. Of course, in any clinical environment with hands-on application, animals are going to show you they are relaxed, or calmer, simply because you are giving them added attention, petting, soothing voice, all the norms of their everyday environment.
How can you conscientiously support further research in methods clearly suggestive of quackery? Wouldn’t it be more feasible and cost-effective to focus on the few things that show an ounce of worthiness to persue? And why is it that proponents can’t seem to gather up the necessary collective minds and funding to fund such research? If it were so promising, the medical establishment as we know it today would be on the bandwagon to find the ultimate alternative cures. It truly is disheartening to see people revert to the dark ages in medicine, not because “big pharma” or conventional medicine can’t produce the cures, but because of sheer desperation and gullibility on the part of a horribly misinformed society. Even worse, when you abandon all reason and apply the nonsense to pets who don’t have a choice in the matter.
You didn’t answer any of the questions I posed to you.
Do you or do you not have clinical evidence that acupuncture and reiki were effective, or as you implied, the resolution, in the rabbit’s treatment? If so, please provide an analysis. If not, please explain why you believe it did, in a logical viewpoint that does not harbor on wishful thinking or mere perception on the practitioner or pet owner’s part.
Comment by puppers — April 24, 2009 @ 4:29 pm
As for your article, it is quite easy to spot the quackery, not to mention the bias of the medical journals.
Comment by puppers — April 24, 2009
Quackery? Oh geez, not much bias in your response, huh?
As Dr. Robinson wrote, it’s pretty easy to fling the feces of invective while citing psuedo-scientific sources. Honestly, though, you bring a tad more credibility when you write with your real name, as the bloggers here do. She also explained to you her approach to these treatment options, in the original post and in her follow-up comment. I guess you missed the part — twice — where she wrote that research into finding out if these treatments work is what she does.
You said you didn’t believe me when I said I hadn’t deleted your first comment, that it was caught in the spam filter. You can believe this now: You’ll post in your own name with a link to your own credentials for continuation of this discussion, or I’ll consider you just another gutless troll.
Your call, “puppers.” Pony up your creds or take it elsewhere.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 24, 2009 @ 4:41 pm
“Puppers/lexipup”, I posted a cite over on Dolittler, to a paper in a peer-reviewed medical journal, which concluded that acupuncture had real and positive effects on the rabbits used in the study. It was recent, and it was not by any means the only one I found.
You can fairly say that the evidence is not conclusive. You cannot fairly say that acupuncture is disproven in animals. And no, the fact that there are peer-reviewed studies on both sides of the question does not constitute proof that acupuncture doesn’t work. It constitutes proof that we don’t have a conclusive answer either way, and that we have evidence on both sides.
Lack of evidence that acupuncture works, after a few decades, would constitute a strong argument that it doesn’t. That’s not what we have. What we do have, is peer-reviewed studies on both sides of the question, plus extensive clinical experience.
You may believe you are being skeptical, but you’re not. You’re displaying a passionate belief on one side of the question, inflamed with rage and even hatred of anyone who doesn’t share your belief.
This does not help you persuade anyone to your point of view.
Comment by Lis — April 24, 2009 @ 5:35 pm
Well Puppers, I won’t bother to tell my 12 year old dog who is now back on a regular regimen of acupuncture that in your estimation his treatment is bogus, especially when he comes out charged with energy and feeling great.
Gina may beat me, but from my personal, useless anecodtal experience with my dogs, alternative therapies like Reike and Acupuncture have a very valid place in the overall holoistic approach to maintaining canine health. You are entitled to your opinions, but as far as I am concerned, you can piss in your boot and swim.
Comment by Anne T — April 24, 2009 @ 7:32 pm
for goodness’ sake puppers, did you actually read the articles you linked?
“Some encouraging data do exist that warrant further investigation in independent rigorous trials.” is from the abstract for “Effectiveness of acupuncture in veterinary medicine: systematic review.” It hardly supports your characterization that studies “debunk” accupuncture
Comment by EmilyS — April 24, 2009 @ 7:46 pm
I can’t speak to Reiki, since I couldn’t have even explained what it was before I looked it up after this post.
But I had a similar experience with acupuncture and an elderly dog. I came home to CA from FL with my 14-year-old Sheltie, whose arthritis pain was so severe I was considering euthanasia because of his reduced quality of life. When I was living in a beach house on stilts, I had to carry him up and down the stairs three times a day, and he couldn’t make it over the dune in front of the house to enjoy the beach.
My vet back in CA had no more Western options for Andy. “You could try acupuncture,” he shrugged, and gave me a name. I almost didn’t bother, wasn’t sure it would help, but I wanted to give Andy a chance before I put him down. Dr. Signe Beebe — formerly a critical and emergency care vet who studied integrative care after a health crisis of her own — gave Andy six months of high-quality life. In fact, she gave him his life back. After he got into a treatment routine, he worked up happily to a slow four-block walk every day, slept and ate well and enjoyed himself immensely. When he died, it was sudden: His old heart finally gave out.
Yeah, it’s anecdotal. But that sort of experience will open your eyes to the possibilities. Nothing changed with this old dog except acupuncture. And I’m convinced it changed him, for the better.
Dr. Paul Pion, the world-renowned veterinary cardiologist, co-founder of VIN and my “Cats For Dummies” co-author, is fond of saying that what’s interesting about medicine is not what we know, but what we don’t know. And he has the open mind to finding out. It’s one my favorite things about the man.
Comment by Gina Spadafori — April 24, 2009 @ 7:48 pm
Puppers wrote:
“You didn’t answer any of the questions I posed to you.”
That’s because I’m not going to waste my time in the endless game that gets played with this sort of dialogue that goes nowhere. I have little patience for people driven by belief systems, and as Lis astutely indicated, this discussion would just provide a pulpit for a sermon quackery rather than any meaningful dialogue.
I also wanted to point to the Reiki article in Veterinary Practice News (VPN) to illustrate what I more often encounter, which are tirades from the holistic community on why this or that belief-system based therapy works, despite what scientific studies say. I prefer to let the evidence speak for itself, either way, with as little attachment to the outcome as possible.
I have an article due on Monday for my next Veterinary Practice News column. This one will be on the value of acupuncture for spinal cord injury. I have a stack of recently published, rigorous, peer-reviewed papers that support acupuncture for neurological improvement and pain reduction that I am going to read tonight. I’d much rather spend my time on my complementary medicine column in VPN that will actually benefit animals by disseminating to the veterinary community scientific, evidence-based information regarding acupuncture’s value for dogs with disk disease. If you’re interested in more information regarding acupuncture for animals, read my articles on the subject at http://csuvets.colostate.edu/pain/articles.htm .
Comment by Dr.Narda — April 24, 2009 @ 8:45 pm
for goodness’ sake puppers, did you actually read the articles you linked?
Of course he or she didn’t. Because one of the techniques of a troll is to do a massive data dump when asked for citations or proof, and just assume we’ll all be so overwhelmed at the sheer volume that we won’t actually notice that THE EMPEROR IS NEKKID.
Comment by Christie Keith — April 24, 2009 @ 8:54 pm
The first time I took a dog in for acupuncture, it was a two year old male bulldog named Manuel. He had had a progressive lameness in his left front which had gone from subtle to non-weight bearing over the course of two months. Two regular practitioners, a surgeon and the ortho dept at UCD had all poked prodded, treated and filmed to no avail. “general soft tissue inflammatory process”.
Both the private practice surgeon and the orthopod ant UCD suggested acupuncture. I went in the first time with my husband and the vet who did the acupuncture, upon learning that Jay was a physician, asked what he thought of the practice. Jay just shrugged and said that if it worked, his opinion was not as important as the dog feeling better.
The acupuncturist was the first person to elicit a specific pain response from Manuel in his elbow. By the end of the first session, he sighed and dropped his weight onto the leg. After six sessions he was sound. He had a half dozen more treatments and was sound until his death at 11.
Anecdotal. yep. Enough to convince me to try again? Yep. I’ve had some dogs respond very well, though not so dramatically as Manuel, but they were also older dogs with chronic issues. I have one old boy who gets maintenance treatments who we’ve been able to drastically reduce the use of rimadyl on with the treatments.
It was enough to finally convince me to take the plunge for my back. It worked great with my L5-S1 pinch. It was the acupuncturist who based on my lack of improvement for my back last year with treatment urged me to see a surgeon for what turned out to be a serious rupture at L4-L5.
With both dogs and myself, I’ve found acupuncturists to be quite good at knowing if they can help, or if I need to seek other care.
Comment by JenniferJ — April 24, 2009 @ 9:04 pm
None of the holistic modalities works all the time with every individual—and neither does any conventional medical treatment. The powers that be in big pharma have admitted as much. Granted, they have done so because they are turning their sights to “genetic medicine,” for lack of a better term. The operative word here is individual, which is why I believe anecdotal evidence should not be discounted. Here’s mine:
My first Scottie, the product of two champions and bred by Scottish terrier breeders with 30+ years of experience, came to me at 9 weeks with a demonstrably hereditary movement disorder so common in the breed it goes by the moniker “Scottie cramp.” Before his first birthday, this boy began manifesting other, more profound (and possibly also inherited) health problems. Chief among them was chronic, episodic, and epic vomiting. For well over a year, we pursued conventional treatment for him—through three states and with twice that many veterinarians. Every conventional treatment seemed to worsen his condition. In the end what righted him was a combination of raw food and homeopathy, the latter prescribed by a VMD trained by Dr. Pitcairn.
Now ten years old, my boy is in a state I think of as old complaints revisited. He can no longer tolerate raw food, and I have been obliged to treat him, from time to time, with such things as antibiotics and ursodiol. My interest is in maintaining wellness for as long as possible, and I have found (with him, with my other dogs, and with my own health), that combinations of all manner of treatments—modified as needed—best accomplish this aim. Again, the point is that each of us is an individual who changes over time.
Lisa in Cape May County, N J
Lisa in Cape May County, NJ
Comment by Lisa — April 25, 2009 @ 5:17 am