The Effects of Acupuncture on Pain Management for Canine Patients: A Review Based on Relevant Literature

Abstract

This literature review aims to evaluate the effects of acupuncture on pain management for canine patients. The analgesic effect of acupuncture was evaluated by reviewing relevant literature using two main indicators of analgesia; the release of analgesic biochemical molecules, and the decreased physiological or behavioural signs of pain displayed by the animal. The studies revealed that there are encouraging results suggesting analgesic effects of acupuncture in canine patients with different groups of diseases.