Acupuncture for Paralyzed 10-Year-Old Dachshund
“Acupuncture helped my Miniature Dachshund, but then he seemed better, so I stopped it.”
Benny has a look of pain on his face
Benny’s worried mom spoke to your Truli on the phone. “He was walking all hunched and I drove him 45 minutes to a veterinarian who does acupuncture. We went twice and it helped. I thought he was all better until last night,” said Benny’s mom.
“Describe what happened last night,” said Doc Truli.
Acute onset paralysis in a dachshund
“He suddenly yelped and then couldn’t work his back legs at all. In a moment of weakness, I panicked and took him to the pet emergency room. They gave him shots of medicine and pills to take. He’s no better today!” cried Benny’s person.
Doc Truli drove to meet Benny’s family at a local RV vacation park where they were staying the night. They put the barker, Sammy, in the back bedroom and Benny stayed on a dog bed on the kitchen floor. Doc Truli assessed him and placed acupuncture needles in key spots on his body to encourage return to function, relieve pain, and calm his mind. (Paralysis will freak you out.) Benny’s mom said, “I wish you could do that for me, too”
Electroacupuncture for IVDD
We also hooked Benny up to an electro-acupuncture machine. This device is like a TENS unit, but lower power. Doc Truli attached the leads directly to the gold acupuncture needles. Doc Truli then selected the electro-acupuncture settings for relaxation with beta-endorphin release and memory response, and for release of stem cells and natural opioids for pain relief for the Miniature Dachshund.
Electro-acupuncture for paralyzed Miniature Dachshund
Diagnostic Protocol for Paralyzed Miniature Dachshund
“I also encourage thorough diagnostic testing, particularly spine radiographs, in the case of a ‘down dog’,” says Doc Truli. “The more accurate the diagnosis, the more predictable the treatment course and the results.”
For instance, many people will ask,”If I am not going to do back surgery, why do x-rays or an MRI?” There are other diseases that mimic intervertebral disc disease. In particular tumors, fractures, infections in the spine, injury. You would not wish to delay proper treatment in order to try acupuncture for a few weeks any more than you would want a back surgeon to make the incision at the wrong place!
Acupuncture Treatment Protocol for a Dachshund with Sudden Hind End Paralysis
Once you have discussed your options for medicine, surgery or therapy like acupuncture with your qualified veterinarian, you want to know what you are facing in terms of time and money. The treatment protocol most studied is electro-acupuncture every 3-4 days for 8 sessions that last usually 20-30 minutes each. The cost is in between the cost of medicine and surgery. (Dog surgery to decompress a ruptured intervertebral disc is running about US$2800-$4500 as of 2019 + US$1500-$2500 for magnetic resonance imaging to plan the surgery approach.) A total course of acupuncture treatment may cost approx US$2400. Most dogs respond after the first treatment with pain relief and improved sleep quality. Some dogs walk after 1 treatment! If there is no response after the 8th treatment (or before), then the treatment is ineffective or the diagnosis is incorrect. If that is the case, you need a more detailed diagnostic work-up and an alternate plan of action.
Who May Perform Acupuncture for Pets?
In the United States, each state determines the laws regarding who can or cannot perform acupuncture for animals. For example, in Florida, only licensed veterinarians may administer acupuncture for animals. A trained acupuncturist will know if your pet cannot undergo the electro-acupuncture. They will also know alternative methods to access the acupuncture points and channels in the case your pet is too sensitive or painful for the routine acupuncture needles. Aquapuncture, Tui-na medical massage, and cold laser acupoint therapy are just a few options for squeamish pets (or people).
Dr Sandra Truli Springer is certified in acupuncture, Tui-na medical massage and Chinese herbal medicine which all help paralyzed pets tremendously. She understands herb-drug interactions and can guide you to choose the highest quality formulas to help your pet recover. Dr. Truli is accepting new private clients in the Tampa Bay area and can work with you to find an appointment time on short notice for paralyzed pets.
Benny’s Results (so far)
“I am so grateful I found Doc Truli,” said Benny’s mom on a voice mail after the treatment. “He was finally able to sleep and he actually moved his legs a little on his own. I am looking forward to our next visit.”
Call, email or text Dr. Truli. Telephone is (877) 378-7854. Email is DrTruli@VetVMD.com. Text is (813) 714-7863. Texting works best. If you are not sure what to say or write, just write, “I need an appointment for my pet.” Doc Truli will get back to you as soon as possible, within 1-24 hours.
