Acupuncture has been used for nearly 4000 years for treatment of all types of medical problems. The therapy involves inserting fine needles or injecting vitamins into specific points on the body in order to restore healthy balance. Conditions that can improve with the use of acupuncture therapy include arthritis, skin problems, respiratory issues, weak immune systems, and internal disorders such as heart and kidney diseases. Acupuncture is commonly integrated with the pet’s current medical treatments.

Dr. Abigail Strobbe received her acupuncture certification through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (www.ivas.org). The process consisted of extensive training classes, an internship with acupuncture specialists, a thorough written exam, and an independent case study.

“I became interested in acupuncture while working with a colleague in Chicago who was a certified acupuncturist. I was managing an intensive care unit at a large hospital, where a daschund was not responding to any conventional treatments while recovering from back surgery. The little guy finally responded to an acupuncture treatment and my eyes were opened.”

Strobbe acknowledges that most pets will not be cured after one treatment, but she is confident that the addition of acupuncture to a pet’s treatment plan can help many animals. “It can take four to six treatments to see a major improvement, but when the pet feels better and has a better quality of life owners are happy they pursued the therapy.”

Strobbe says that some pets may not need to see her again, and there are other pets that may need a treatment every 1-2 months depending on their illness and severity of symptoms. She makes the case that acupuncture is not a panacea, or cure-all, but it can make a major difference in the quality of life for the animals being treated.

For more information you may contact Dr. Strobbe at Medomak Veterinary Serivces 563-7786.