Acupuncture
To schedule an appointment for acupuncture consultation with Dr. Nancy Rinkardt for your pet, please call the Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital referral coordinator, at 831-475-5400.
What is acupuncture?
 Acupuncture may be defined as the insertion of sterile needles into precise points on the body to provide neurologic stimulation and a desired healing effect. Acupuncture emerged as a treatment for animals in the 1970s in the United States, but is presumed to have been used for hundreds of years in China in both people and animals.
Today, veterinary acupuncture is used all over the world, either by itself or in conjunction with Western therapies to complement treatment for a wide variety of medical problems in many different species of animal, both large and small.
Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital provides acupuncture as a complement to Western medical approaches. Acupuncture may be indicated for functional problems such as paralysis, arthritis or vertebral disc pathology, hip dysplasia or hind limb weakness, non-infectious inflammation, pain, skin problems (such as lick granuloma), respiratory problems, gastrointestinal problems (such as diarrhea), and selected reproductive problems. It can also be useful in athletic animals, such as those who do agility, lure coursing, or search and rescue, to keep them performing optimally.
Acupuncture treatment and safety
 After an initial consultation about your pet’s condition as well as a physical exam, the acupuncturist will insert small needles into the points, which for small animals is virtually painless. The needles then remain in place for a length of time while your animal rests. While inserted, the needles are also painless although may cause a tingling sensation, uncomfortable for some pets. Most pets become very relaxed and may even sleep.
Acupuncture is one of the safest treatments in veterinary medicine when administered by a trained veterinarian. Side effects are rare, but may occur. Effects are usually indicative that physiological changes are happening, and are normally followed by an improvement in the pet’s condition.
The length and frequency of treatments depends upon the pet’s condition and the method of stimulation by the acupuncturist. Some points may be stimulated in seconds, others may take up to 20 minutes. When multiple treatments are indicated, frequency will usually begin intensively and then taper off to achieve maximum effectiveness. Frequency is normally 2-4 visits per week for the first 4-6 weeks, and may eventually taper off to once monthly and even to 2-4 visits per year for maintenance.
Meet the acupuncturist
Nancy Rinkardt, DVM, is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Because of her strong interest in pain management and helping animals live more comfortable and healthier lives, she attended the Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course at Colorado State University Veterinary School in the winter/ spring of 2010. She is now a certified veterinary acupuncturist (CVA).
The Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians course focuses on a science and evidence-based approach to acupuncture. Evidence-based guidance enables clients to make decisions based on concrete information regarding benefits and risks of treatment. For more information on integrative pain management and natural healing, click here .
In selecting a veterinary acupuncturist, there are several criteria to consider:
- Is the acupuncturist a licensed veterinarian? Acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure in California that only licensed veterinarians are legally allowed to perform.
- How many hours of didactic training does the veterinarian have, and from which institution?
- What are the medical interactions with other conventional treatments/ medications?
- What is the desired outcome for treatment?
How can acupuncture help my pet?
Indications for acupuncture may include:
- Cancer support
- Pain management
- Post operative rehabilitation
- Chronic conditions
- Intervertebral disc (spinal) disease
- Arthritis
- Autoimmune disorders
- Epilepsy
What to expect
For the initial appointment, you and your pet will both be present for evaluation and treatment. Please allow 60-75 minutes for this initial consultation. We will gather a complete history of your pet’s condition, and will ask many questions about her lifestyle. If you have medical records or x-rays from your veterinarian, please bring them with you to your appointment, as a diagnosis is recommended prior to treatment with acupuncture. Also please bring with you any medications and supplements/ natural remedies as we would like to assess how they may interact with acupuncture. After a complete physical exam, we will recommend treatment options, unless a referral or further work up is needed.
If we can help you to determine whether acupuncture can benefit your pet, or if you have questions about what to expect, please call us at 831-475-5400 and ask to speak to the referral coordinator.
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