RICHMOND, Ill., Oct. 7, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Veterinarian Dr. Patrick Hourigan of Richmond Veterinary Clinic says acupuncture is a promising alternative for pain management in many pets suffering from conditions such as arthritis. He says acupuncture has been in use for thousands of years as an integral part of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and that both humans and animals benefit from it. Dr. Hourigan reports that most pets he treats at his dog and cat clinic feel no discomfort from the needles and that it actually calms many pets. Dr. Hourigan is certified to perform pet acupuncture and is also a founding member of the American Academy of Veterinary Acupuncture.
According to Richmond veterinarian Dr. Hourigan, more pet owners are searching for alternative and holistic treatments for their pets. "We have people bringing their pets all the way from Spring Grove, McHenry and even Lake Geneva because they have heard about our pet acupuncture and the holistic approach we use in our dog and cat clinic. We believe that standard cat surgery and dog surgery and other conventional medical practices have their place, but proven holistic treatments can often do the trick with fewer side effects. Acupuncture is based on helping the body resolve its symptoms by healing from within instead of just covering the symptoms with medication. We've successfully treated hundreds of pets this way."
Dr. Hourigan thoroughly examines each pet before deciding on acupuncture. He asks owners about the pet's diet, environment and lifestyle because all of these things affect the pet's health. He then assesses which pressure points will receive the long, thin, sterile needles. Dr. Hourigan explains that the needles do not hurt, and that they stimulate biochemical changes and improved circulation along areas of the body affected by those acupuncture points. He says that needling also causes the pet's body to produce endorphins, which are natural painkillers.
Dr. Hourigan says that acupuncture is a good option for many pets and conditions. He explains that pets with arthritis, or those recovering from surgery, or that suffer from other painful inflammatory conditions can benefit from needling. He says he also recommends acupuncture when conventional medications fail to work as intended, or produce unwanted side-effects. He says that most pets in their dog and cat clinic receive four to six acupuncture sessions, usually along with herbal and nutritional support. Some pets need more sessions, he adds, depending on their condition.
According to Dr. Hourigan, "We always try to find the treatment that works best for the pet, with the fewest side effects. Acupuncture really works for a lot of our patients."
Dr. Hourigan practices integrative veterinary medicine at Richmond Veterinary Clinic. He and his team provide conventional preventative care, grooming, boarding and holistic treatments such as acupuncture and herbal medicines; their website is http://www.rvetclinic.com.