Tigger is a lively male German shepherd living on an extensive property together with other dogs. In June 2006, his owner noticed that during the last few weeks, Tigger had showed signs of pain such as yelping, whimpering and stiffness in his hind limbs and low back, especially when getting up from his basket in the morning. The condition improved when Tigger started to move. Nevertheless, the morning pain and stiffness came back again and again.
On detailed clinical examination, I found marked stiffness and pain in the low back and hip area. Tigger was treated with acu-injections based on saline solution (no pain-killing or anti-inflammatory drugs were used) applied into selected acupuncture points.
According to the owner, the dog experienced a fast recovery characterised by the disappearance of the morning pain and stiffness. At present (June 2008), the dog is still sound and pain-free, allowing him to live active life.
This case demonstrates possibilities of acupuncture in treating muscular rheumatism. The condition usually develops as a consequence of acute or repetitive muscle strain. While many cases will improve spontaneously with appropriate rest, some dogs will show subsequent periodical pain and stiffness and appropriate treatment should be sought. Acupuncture is a reliable option, especially in situations when the more conventional drug treatment is not desirable because of possible side-effects, or because it could be considered as doping (when using the dog in competitions).