Successful Treatment of Intervertebral Disk Disease in a 3-Year-Old Dachshund with Acupuncture

These before and after videos were provided by Dr. Dominique Matthews, a graduate of the Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians and Medical Massage courses, taught at CuraCore VET. (CuraCore.org). See for yourself the progress made by a 3-year-old Dachshund, who presented with acute rear limb paralysis as well as loss of control over urination. A putative diagnosis of acute disc herniation secondary to chronic intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) was made following physical examination and spinal radiographs. After careful consideration, surgical intervention was declined in the pursuit of medical management and alternative therapies including, but not limited to acupuncture, electrical stimulation, cold laser therapy, and targeted pulsed electromagnetic therapy. Within one month, significant improvements in rear limb mobility were noted in addition to regained control of bladder function and improved quality of life.
This case study demonstrates the benefits that can be obtained from acupuncture (and electroacupuncture), cold laser therapy, and tPEMF for the treatment of a rather complicated case of IVDD. Acupuncture is thought to be largely responsible for the success of this case by aiding in the control of central and peripheral pain during the acute phase and enhancing natural healing mechanisms through its effects on the neuroendocrine system and its regulation of inflammation. Over the years, there has been a multitude of research validating the positive effects resulting from treatment with acupuncture in both humans and animals. Among veterinary studies, there have been repeated cases establishing the host of benefits in treating neurological disorders, least of which is IVDD. Maggie is yet another case example supporting that a multi-modal treatment approach of canine IVDD can result in a similar, if not quicker, return to function and comfort than with surgical intervention. Overall, acupuncture and related therapies resulted in decreased pain, improved motor and neurological function, and increased quality of life. Maggie’s owners were thrilled with the outcome.
Read the complete case report here: curacore.org/v...
For more information about the courses in scientific integrative medicine taught at CuraCore, email us at [e-mail] or call 970-818-0851. We look forward to helping more veterinarians learn how to offer effective, science-based, evidence-informed care with, as we say, "No Woo Woo. Just Science."