HOW TO USE ACUPUNCTURE FOR TREATMENT OF OSTEOARTHRITIS IN DOGS CATS

摘要

The most common and effective conditions treated with acupuncture include arthritis, degenerative joint disease (DJD), and disc problems. This paper will focus on how to select acupuncture points and techniques for treatment of osteoarthritis in dogsand cats. In Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM), DJD, hip dysplagia and disc problems are called "Bi syndrome." Bi refers to stiffness and blockage of circulation. Bi syndrome can be considered pain in muscles, tendons, bones and joints, difficulty in their movement, and their deformation. These syndromes are caused by invasion of wind, cold, damp and heat. Bi syndrome can be divided into nine types: wind, cold, damp, heat, bone, skin, musle, vessel, and tendon, which can be grouped independently or in combination. The first five could cover the western diseases such as osteoarthritis, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, gouty arthritis, disco spondylitis, spondylosis, etc. Skin Bi is similar to dermatitis. Muscle Bi is similar to inflammation in muscles. Vessel Bi is similar to inflammation in artery or vein vessels. Tendon Bi is similar to tendinitis, or ligament injuries. Cold, damp and bone Bi syndromes are most commonly seen in clinics.