Acupet Integrative Veterinary Care

27/06/2025

Finally a study that confirms what I have found with acute non-ambulatory IVDD dogs treated with acupuncture on top of physiotherapy. These dogs have a greater chance of mobility than just physiotherapy alone.

https://www.facebook.com/585099210/posts/10161893434119211/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v

"Acupuncture has been widely incorporated into rehabilitation protocols for dogs and cats because of its potential analgesic efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential positive effect of integrating acupuncture and electroacupuncture techniques on the recovery of ambulation capacity in non-ambulating paraparetic patients undergoing physiotherapy in the postoperative period following mini-/hemilaminectomy for thoracolumbar spinal cord decompression due to acute disc extrusion. Forty-one patients were included and underwent descriptive and analytical statistical analysis, divided into two groups: dogs that received a physiotherapy protocol with acupuncture and dogs that received physiotherapy only. The results showed that the dogs in the acupuncture group had a higher likelihood of regaining ambulation."

18/06/2025

Introducing…. George. He is a handsome 16 year old Maine c**n who although slowing down still has lots of get up and go! George has a number of conditions commonly found in older cats just not generally so many in one cat. Over a number of years George developed inflammatory bowel disease, chronic pancreatitis, diabetes and stage 2 renal disease. He also developed hyperthyroidism six months ago. It’s a lot but he is a happy boy as he is very well managed using a nutritionist designed novel protein diet, phosphate binders for renal disease, insulin, regular acupuncture for general health and arthritis management and a daily herbal formula to control his hyperthyroidism which also assists with glucose control, reduces inflammation, improves kidney function and supports appetite and digestion. With the introduction of herbs six months ago we have seen positive changes on his blood tests with improving kidney function and a lowering of his TT4 and free T4 to normal levels. Bugleweed ( Lycopus europaeus) is the star herb of the show to manage hyperthyroidism. It has antithyroid and nervine actions and so acts to reduce overproduction of thyroid hormone, reduce anxiety as well as reducing heart rate and lowering blood pressure. It can be difficult to manage the side effects of methimazole in cats with a multitude of problems so it is fantastic bugleweed is being successful. Radioactive iodine is another option to pursue for treating hyperthyroidism but for now George and his mum are happy with a less invasive option.

14/03/2025

Bird spotting at North Head

16/02/2025

For the last few months a new website for Acupet has been brewing under the creative hands of Candice Baker of The Marketing Baker. I love it and am really keen to share it with you. Most importantly you can find out about holistic consults, now also offered nationwide, and how western herbal medicine can help your dog and cat with chronic health problems.
I look forward to hearing what you think 💚💚💚
https://www.acupet.co.nz/

13/02/2025

Happy Valentine’s day to all the dog and cat mums and dads who give so much love and care to their furry mates!

09/02/2025

Got talking to these guys today. What a handsome group of lads ❤️

01/02/2025

Life is better with BOUNCE!

20/12/2024

https://www.fda.gov/animal-veterinary/product-safety-information/dear-veterinarian-letter-notifying-veterinarians-about-adverse-events-reported-dogs-treated-librela

In NZ Librela is licensed as Berensa. There are some very important side effects to be aware of if your dog is being medicated with Berensa. This drug is for dogs diagnosed with osteoarthritis. This is not a drug for dogs showing any neurological symptoms and has the potential to make them a lot worse.

The FDA has identified and analyzed adverse events in dogs treated with Librela (bedinvetmab injection).

22/11/2024

Today we learned how to open a coconut. This lady woke up long enough to be front row for the tutorial 🏝️🥥🐾🐾

21/11/2024

En vacances en Tahiti! Meeting some very lovely Bora bora dogs. They only want to sleep and swim as it is so hot, hot, hot! 🏝️🐾🐾🥥

26/08/2024

Happy International Dog Day from the Acupet gang of canines ❤️🐾🐾

11/03/2024

Zed is a 10 year old heading dog who has developed degenerative lumobosacral stenosis ( also known as Cauda Equina syndrome) after many years of farm work. This condition is more common in older, medium- large breed dogs and those who have been working dogs. Zed was retired to a loving home with his new mum Chris who has been very proactive in getting Zed back to being a comfortable boy and giving him an amazing retirement for his golden years.
Degenerative lumbosacral stenosis is described as a clinical syndrome associated with degenerative changes to the lumbosacral junction. The L7-S1 intervertebral disc loses it normal biomechanical properties over time. The resulting degenerative changes in the supporting soft tissue and bony structures of the lumbosacral junction cause compression of the L7, sacral and caudal nerve roots which lead to chronic lower back pain with or without neurological dysfunction. Treatment for Zed is multimodal and involves a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and gabapentin to help reduce inflammation and nerve related pain, as well as acupuncture and laser weekly to reduce lumbosacral pain, muscle spasm and improve his hindlimb strength. Acupuncture is also very good to reduce the faecal incontinence that often accompanies this condition. Additionally Zed has a herbal medicine formula that gives added anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, adaptogenic and circulatory stimulant properties to reduce soft tissue discomfort and nerve pain. Core strengthening activities and modifying his activity to avoid jumping are also important in managing his condition long term.
After just a few weeks of treatment he is a happier boy, launching into zoomies and wanting to jump in the car. Not great activities for him so slowing him down will be the new challenge!