Rakker is a happy, 13-year-old male Maltese. On 30 March 2007, he suddenly developed severe back pain after having jumped out of the car (something he thas done many times before without any problem). Also, he developed a weakness & incoordination of his hind limb (a muscle paresis pronounced more on the right side). To manage the suspected slipped intervertebral disc, Rakker's veterinarian gave him cortisol (surgery was not an option because of the advanced age). Unfortunately, the dog developed an unusual adverse reaction characterised by vomiting and severe abdominal pain due to pancreatic irritation. The situation improved once the cortisol was discontinued. Nevertheless, the initial problems of sore back and limb weakness remained.
Rakker's owner then thought to try acupuncture. On arrival at my consulting rooms, the dog’s condition was assessed using conventional veterinary tests, as well as an acupuncture examination. Ten fine metallic needles were then gently inserted into selected acu-points on his back and hind limbs. Rakker remained calm during the procedure while being accompanied by his owner.
According to the owner, there was remarkable pain-relief following the first treatment on 24 April. Rakker's gait was then judged as normal following the sixth treatment on 12 June 2007. To this day (June 2008), he is pain-free and his gait is strong and fully coordinated as before the initial incident on 30 March. Both Rakker and his owner enjoy their long daily walks.
The illustration on the lefty is an example of acupuncture points and meridians on the hind leg of a dog.
The main advantage of using acupuncture in similar cases can be summarised as follows:
- Long-term, reliable pain-relief without using drugs
- Effective management of hind limb weakness and incoordination due to the initial traumatic damage to particular nerves
- Improved quality of life. Rakker is again able to socialise, and walk and run freely.