Acupuncture is a form of Chinese Medicine that promotes healing by focusing on restoring the body’s energy balance. Very fine needles are inserted into specific points on the body (acupuncture points) where nerves and blood vessels converge. Each acupuncture point is associated with a specific part of the body or specific organ. When stimulated, these points help produce a healing response. Acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasms, cause release of hormones such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals), and cortisol (a natural steroid). It may be      helpful for rabbits in treating a number of conditions, including:

• Torticollis (head tilt) symptoms

• Pain resulting from osteoarthritis 

• Chronic gastrointestinal slowdown (ileus)

• Heart, liver, and kidney (renal) failure

Treatment success can vary depending on the veterinarian’s skill, the condition being treated, and the number (and frequency) of acupuncture treatments. After assessing the rabbit’s condition, needles are inserted in the acupuncture points associated with the physical condition being treated. They are usually left in place for approximately 15-20 minutes. This will stimulate the flow of energy at these points. Because the needles are so thin, the procedure is usually painless. Some rabbits will relax and some may fall asleep. Some improvement can be seen after only one treatment, but it usually takes multiple treatments to hopefully resolve the rabbit’s condition.  For example, treating torticollis with acupuncture often requires a minimum of eight treatments.                 

Acupuncture can be combined with traditional Western medicine and most alternative therapies. Because of differences in anatomy and the potential for harm if the treatments are done incorrectly, only a properly trained veterinarian should perform acupuncture on your rabbit. Your licensed, certified veterinary acupuncturist should be familiar with rabbit anatomy and how to handle      rabbits. This comprehensive training, knowledge, and skill will enable them to understand interactions between the different forms of treatment, and they will be able to interpret the rabbit’s response to the therapy. Various types of acupuncture may be used and include dry needle, electroacupuncture, and aquapuncture.

In addition to acupuncture, chiropractic adjustments can also aid in recovery. In most states, veterinary acupuncture is considered a surgical procedure that only a licensed veterinarian can administer to your rabbit, while veterinary chiropractors are not required to be licensed veterinarians. 

Visit ivas.org or chiu.edu/ce to learn more about acupuncture and to find a veterinarian that might be able to provide this service.