Acupuncture stimulates the release
of endogenous substances such as
beta-endorphins,
dynorphins,
enkephalins and serotonin (Skarda
2002, Wu 1995, Han 1984, Scherder
1993, Costa 1982). Acupuncture is
routinely used either as a single
modality or more commonly as part
of a multi-modal approach to pain
management.
Painful
feline
conditions that respond favorably to
acupuncture include degenerative
joint
disease/osteoarthritis,
degenerative lumbosacral stenosis,
cystitis,
stomatitis,
aortic
thromboembolism and neuropraxia.
Typical treatments are composed of
about 5-20 needles that are left in
place for 15-30 minutes, and are
frequently connected to an electrical
acupuncture unit for increased
stimulation.
The mechanisms by which low-level
laser therapy (LLLT) decreases pain
includes release of endogenous
opioids, changes in conduction
latencies of nerves, increase of
cellular metabolism, increase in
circulation,
promotion
of
neovascularization,
decrease
in
fibrosis formation, and reduction of
inflammation
(Hagiwara
2007,
Schlerder da Rosa 2012). LLLT also
improves wound healing via increasing
cellular
proliferation,
re-
epithelialization
and
collagen
deposition (Yu 1997, Favaro-Pipi 2011).
Feline conditions that respond well to
LLLT
include
osteoarthritis,
degenerative lumbosacral stenosis,
fractures,
chronic
wounds
and
stomatitis. Most cats tolerate the
treatment well as it is not in itself
painful and requires a relatively short
time to deliver the treatment.
Extracorporeal
shockwave
therapy
(ESWT) is a high-energy, focused
pressure wave that delivers energy to a
specific focal point in the body. The
pressure from this energy causes cells
to release proteins, cytokines and
growth factors. ESWT can decrease pain
through the release of serotonin in the
dorsal horn and descending inhibition
of pain signals (Niebaum 2013). In cats,
ESWT is most commonly used to treat
osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, non-
healing fractures, and chronic non-
healing
wounds.
Typically
1-3
treatments every 2-3 weeks are
performed under sedation.