Acupuncture
We are pleased to be able to offer Western Veterinary Acupuncture to your pets to help support them with a variety of conditions:
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- Pain management: especially chronic pain from arthritis, hip dysplasia or back pain
- Muscle and joint disorders: helping to relieve muscle spasms, stiffness and tendon/ligament injuries
- Post-surgical recovery: speeding up healing time after surgery or injury
- Stress and behavioural issues: anxiety, aggression, and phobias can benefit from acupuncture’s calming effects.
What is Western Veterinary Acupuncture and how does it work?
Western veterinary acupuncture is a scientifically supported therapy that involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body. Unlike traditional Chinese medicine, which focuses on energy pathways, Western acupuncture is based on the understanding of the nervous system, muscles, and blood circulation. It’s designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and is used as a complementary treatment to help manage pain and support overall health.
Acupuncture works by stimulating the nervous system and increasing blood flow to targeted areas. The tiny needles activate sensory receptors, which can reduce pain, decrease inflammation, and improve tissue repair. This form of acupuncture is used alongside conventional veterinary treatments to enhance their effectiveness.
Treatment plans are tailored to your pet’s needs and condition but a general idea is:
- Initial frequency: typically 1-2 times a week for the first 4-6 weeks
- Maintenance: after initial improvement, acupuncture sessions may be spaced out to once a month or as needed
A course of 4 visits (the vet will advise on the frequency of these), will cost £360*
- First session – approximately 30 minutes for assessment/initial treatment
- Followed by 3 shorter sessions of approximately 15 minutes each
Follow up sessions will cost £52.97*
You may find that the costs are covered by your pet insurance (often as a complimentary therapy which can be a separate fee limit) but this will depend on your individual policy .
*Kite Lifetime Care Club members receive 20% discount
Yes! It is a safe and minimally invasive treatment performed by a trained veterinary professional. The needles used are very fine and generally cause little or no discomfort. Many pets find the treatment relaxing and may even fall asleep during the session. Side effects are rare, and acupuncture is generally a low-risk treatment but there is a slight possibility of mild swelling from the needles or they may be a little stiffer initially after treatment.
Ideal Candidates for treatment include:
- Pets with chronic pain or mobility issues.
- Pets recovering from surgery or injury.
- Pets with stress or behavioural issues.
- Pets who’s traditional medication/treatment is no longer working as well as it used to.
Under UK law, animal acupuncture can only be administered by an appropriately qualified Veterinary Surgeon.
After acupuncture treatment, you may notice:
- Reduced Pain: Your pet may show improved comfort levels, decreased lameness, and a reduction in symptoms of pain.
- Better Movement: Improvement in your pet’s ability to move, stretch, and play.
- Calmer Behavior: Acupuncture can help reduce anxiety and stress, making pets feel more relaxed and happier in themselves.
- Faster Recovery: Pets undergoing surgery or injury recovery may heal faster with acupuncture support.
Speak to your vet or one of our reception team and they can advise when and where our acupuncture clinics are held.
Under UK law, animal acupuncture can only be administered by an appropriately qualified Veterinary Surgeon.
