Happy Earth Pet Hospice partners with pet parents to support pets diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness. Physical medicine is often incorporated into a pet’s palliative care plan to improve total body comfort and quality of life.
What Is Physical Medicine?
Physical medicine is a branch of medicine that includes all techniques and technologies that use physical means to treat and prevent disease. It’s an excellent approach for hospice patients since recovery is not expected. The goal when creating a hospice care plan is to stabilize and improve the pet’s condition.
A Few Benefits of Physical Medicine Include:
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Improves emotional well-being
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Manages and decreases pain
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Reduces the amount of medication needed
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Reclaims activities of daily living
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Carries a low risk of adverse effects
In pet hospice, physical medicine can help with weakness, muscle atrophy, muscle and joint contractures, decubital ulcers, and emotional stress.
Types of Physical Medicine
Manual Therapy
Acupuncture, massage (Tui-na), chiropractic, range of motion, stretching, and joint mobilization
Therapeutic Exercise
Balance, proprioceptive exercises, strengthening, and aquatic therapy
Additional Therapy
Thermal (hot/cold), laser, ultrasound, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, hydrotherapy, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
When we incorporate physical medicine into a pet’s palliative care plan, the family and pet have a fun new activity to engage in together!
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is defined as the stimulation of a specific point (or points) on the surface of the body by insertion of a needle, resulting in a therapeutic or homeostatic effect.¹
From a Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) perspective, acupuncture promotes the free flow of Qi and balance between Yin and Yang.
Is There Science Behind Acupuncture? How Does It Really Work?
Yes — the short answer is that science supports its benefits. If you want the details on how it works, keep reading.
The main mechanisms of action proposed include the Gate Control Theory of Pain and the Endogenous Opioid/Endorphin Model. Other mechanisms involve the autonomic nervous system, immune system, and electrical conductivity.
Gate Control Theory of Pain
Specific nerve fibers (C fibers) transmit pain signals to the brain via the spinal cord. C fibers are responsible for slow impulses and are associated with chronic pain. Acupuncture is thought to stimulate inhibitory nerve fibers (A-beta fibers) that can reduce or block the transmission of pain signals to the brain. A-beta fibers transmit impulses quickly and can shut down the nociceptive pathway.¹²
Endogenous Opioid/Endorphin Model
Studies have shown that needle insertion into an acupoint triggers the production of endorphins in cerebrospinal fluid. Endorphins are peptides that activate μ-opioid receptors and block the perception of pain. Endogenous opioids desensitize peripheral nociceptors and reduce pro-inflammatory cytokines both peripherally and in the spinal cord.
When naloxone (an opioid receptor antagonist) was administered before needle insertion, the pain-alleviating effect of acupuncture was reduced. This suggests that acupuncture-induced analgesia is partly mediated through the release of endorphins and endogenous opioids.¹²
What Can Pet Acupuncture Treat?
Acupuncture can be used to treat almost any condition!
A Note from Dr. Jeanette
Research and personal experience demonstrate that acupuncture can be beneficial for all disease conditions. Evidence-based research supports its use in painful and neurologic conditions.
In my experience, most pets benefit from acupuncture. For debilitated or severely weak patients, I use caution with the number of needles placed and avoid electro-acupuncture (EN), as it can be too stimulating.
For patients with a history of seizures, I use dry needle acupuncture (DN) and avoid EN. I also avoid EN in certain heart conditions, specifically arrhythmias and pacemakers.
For patients diagnosed with cancer, I avoid placing needles at or near the tumor site. However, acupuncture can still offer significant benefits, including strengthening the immune system, draining dampness, clearing heat, moving Qi and blood, and relieving symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or inappetence.
If your pet has been diagnosed with a terminal or life-limiting illness and you’re interested in physical medicine—such as pet acupuncture—take the next step and reach out to Dr. Jeanette. We’ll discuss your observations and concerns and create an individualized plan for your pet.
Bringing Compassionate, Integrative Care to You
We proudly provide mobile veterinary hospice and TCVM services in:
North Carolina: Aydlett, Barco, Camden, Coinjock, Currituck, Elizabeth City, Grandy, Gregory, Indiantown, Moyock, Powells Point, Point Harbor, Shawboro, Shiloh, Sligo, South Mills, and Weeksville.
Virginia: Chesapeake (Greenbrier, Great Bridge, Hickory, Grassfield, Deep Creek, and Edinburgh) and Virginia Beach.
Because we come to you, your pet can remain in the comfort of their home while receiving personalized, integrative care. Learn how TCVM can enhance your pet’s comfort and quality of life.
📞 Call us or visit HappyEarthPetHospice.com to schedule a consultation.
References
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Chon T, Lee M. Acupuncture. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2013;88(10):1141–1146, https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(13)00513-2/pdf
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Zhang R, Lao L, Ren K, et al. Mechanisms of Acupuncture-Electroacupuncture on Persistent Pain. Anesthesiology. 2014;120(2):482–503, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24322588/
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About Us
At Happy Earth Pet Hospice, I offer compassionate, in-home veterinary care to dogs and cats who are navigating their final chapter. My goal is to bring peace, comfort, and connection to families in Virginia and North Carolina—supporting pets not just through the end of life, but through a deeply meaningful part of it.