Benefits of Acupuncture

Asthma is a common cat disease. It is the constriction of the airways, or bronchi, the two narrow tubes that lead directly from the trachea to the lungs. The narrowing of the airways occurs when a cat’s immune system overreacts to the presence of an allergen and responds by releasing stimulants that cause inflammation and swelling of the sensitive tissue lining the bronchi and contraction of the surrounding muscle. This results in the narrowing of the airway and causes difficulty breathing especially when exhaling.
While specific asthma-causing agents typically remain unidentified, suspected allergens include tobacco smoke, dusty kitty litter; vapors from household cleaning solutions and aerosol sprays; pollen from trees, weeds and grass; mold and mildew; dust mites; smoke from fireplaces and candles; and even some foods.
To diagnose asthma, the veterinarian can hear it audibly though the stethoscope at the physical exam. Radiographs are also used to diagnose the disease.
Treatment often involves corticosteroid drug to reduce bronchial inflammation in combination with a bronchodilator to open up the airways. In most cases, these drugs can be used at home, they are effective both therapeutically and preventively, and they may be administered in a variety of ways — orally in tablet form, through injection, or, ideally, via an inhaler. These treatments do have their drawbacks, having a pet on lifelong steroids, although this is often the most effective treatment for cats. And inhalers are also ideal, but many cats are not amenable to this treatment either.
So what to do… there is one more alternative in treatment that can possibly help reduce the amount of steroids used or even reduce the amount of attacks your cats has… consider acupuncture! The VVC (and Dr. Bork) offer acupuncture as an option for many cats with a wide variety of diseases. If you have questions or you feel like this might be a good option for your cat (or dog) please call the clinic to set up a consultation.