Acupuncture and Integrative Veterinary Medicine


Gimp enjoying his acupuncture

Acupuncture has become much more common in veterinary medicine in the last few years.  One of the reasons for this is that it works very well for treating many common conditions we see in our pets!  Also, acupuncture can be used in conjunction with most medications and treatments your pet may receive from his primary veterinarian.  Many times the goal of acupuncture is not only to make your pet feel better but to decrease the amount of other medications he may need.

Many diseases and conditions respond to acupuncture.  Some of the more common problems we treat are:

• Arthritis Pain

• Back problems – including disk disease

• Geriatric Problems – including pain, weakness, lack of energy, appetite…

• Chronic Renal Failure

• Cancer – can slow cancer growth; help with chemo side-effects

• Immune system - can help strengthen a weak immune system

Other treatments which we may use in conjunction with the acupuncture are herbals, supplements, and diet changes. 

Chinese Herbal Formulations may be prescribed by Dr. Vavra.  These work in the same way as medications but have very few side effects and can have long-lasting benefits for your pet!  Many conditions respond better to herbals than acupuncture.

It is important that herbals be prescribed by a veterinarian who has the knowledge to do this correctly AND has a safe, reliable source of the herbals!  Please do not try to treat your pet with Chinese herbals you find online or hear about from other sources!  Herbals are prescribed based on the INDIVIDUAL pet and his medical condition, not only the medical condition.  An herbal which works for one animal may not work for another with the same problem. 

Many supplements could be recommended for your pet depending on the condition.  Dr. Vavra will also discuss your pet’s diet since this is the MOST important aspect of your pet’s health!

Please call the hospital if you have any questions about whether your pet could benefit from Integrative Medicine and Acupuncture!  Dr. Vavra will review your pet’s records and discuss your pet’s condition with the veterinarians at MVH and give you an honest assessment on how she can help your pet! 

General questions you have may be answered in FAQs. 

If you have an appointment for acupuncture please fill out our PET HISTORY form before the appointment if you can.  Dr. Vavra will review this and your pet’s medical record before the appointment to make the appointment go more smoothly and quickly!

Please tell the receptionist if you think your pet has any anxiety issues, fear issues, or may not be able to remain sitting/laying down for 10-20 minutes.  We may still be able to do acupuncture on him, but Dr. Vavra will want to talk to you before the appointment to decide how we can best help your pet under these conditions!

Not sure if your pet can benefit from Integrative Veterinary Medicine?  Click here to read about the benefits and how it can help your pet.  If you have any questions at all about Acupuncture/Integrative Medicine please talk to the veterinarians and staff at MVH and they can help set up a consult with Dr. Vavra!  

Acupuncture services at Merrimack Veterinary Hospital are provided by Dr. Carol Vavra.  Dr. Vavra is a veterinarian and is certified in Veterinary Acupuncture from the Chi Institute for Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine located in Reddick, FL.  She also attended additional training in Advanced Acupuncture Techniques at the Chi Institute.  Her teacher and mentor is

Dr. Huisheng Xie, the founder of the Chi Institute.  Dr. Xie moved to the USA from China and has taught acupuncture and herbal medicine to hundreds of veterinarians.  He also established an Acupuncture/Alternative Veterinary Medicine Service at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of Florida.  Dr. Vavra is honored to have studied with Dr. Xie and have him as a continuing source of knowledge and inspiration!