Acupunture for Bone Cancer in Dogs

No one knows what causes bone cancer in dogs, but veterinarians identify at least four types of bone tumors. These are osteosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, fibrosarcoma and hemangiosarcoma. Osteosarcoma (OSA) is the most common type of bone cancer found in dogs. More than 85 percent of all canine bone cancer cases are OSA. Bone cancer affects large dogs more than small breeds, and dogs that are either very young (1 to 2 years) or older (7 to 8 years). Treatments include conventional medications and radiation therapy along with holistic treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure or chiropractic therapy.

  1. Identification

    • Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine that involves the use of needles to stimulate nerve points within the body. This stimulation is traditionally thought to stimulate Chi, or natural energy. Acupuncture was used to balance Chi and keep the body healthy. It was first used on horses, and is now used on dogs, cats and other pets in Asia and the United States.

    Effects

    • Traditionally, acupuncture is thought to stimulate the body's natural energy. Scientific research shows that acupuncture can stimulate neurons to positively affect health.

    Benefits

    • Studies show that acupuncture helps to relieve pain in dogs that suffer from bone cancer because it suppresses the production of proteins that contribute to bone cancer pain. Acupuncture has the added benefit of causing few, if any, side effects. Pets even find acupuncture relaxing and often fall asleep during the procedure.

    Warning

    • Acupuncturists that follow the Chi-based school of thought are split into two camps. Some believe that acupuncture can cure bone caner in dogs, but others believe that stimulating Chi around the tumor can accelerate the growth and spread of cancer.