Pet Acupuncture With Dr. Valentine
Dr. Priya Valentine
Veterinary Acupuncture in Raleigh
Leesville Animal Hospital is proud to offer veterinary acupuncture as part of our growing specialty services. Led by Dr. Valentine, acupuncture provides a safe, effective, and natural approach to supporting your pet’s health and comfort.
Call (919) 870-7000 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Valentine, or schedule online.
What Is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is based on the principles of traditional Chinese medicine. It involves the precise stimulation of specific points on the body where “qi” (often described as energy, life force, or neuroendocrine response) flows and corresponds to the body’s major systems. The goal is to help stimulate the body to come back into balance naturally.
Modern research has shown that stimulation of acupuncture points can increase cell-to-cell signaling, influence various cytokines (molecules that regulate inflammation, pain, and immune response), and produce traceable nervous signals to the spinal cord and brain. In short, there is real science behind the results that pet owners and veterinarians have been observing for years.
When Is Acupuncture Recommended?
Acupuncture can be helpful any time your pet’s body is out of balance or experiencing something abnormal. It is most often used to address chronic pain and conditions where conventional Western medicine has not provided a satisfactory solution on its own.
Common reasons pet owners pursue acupuncture include:
- Pain reduction and management
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving mobility and range of motion
- Stimulating appetite
- Arthritis and joint disease
- Neurological conditions
- Cancer symptom management
- Allergies and skin conditions
- Anxiety and behavioral concerns
- Internal diseases where conventional treatment has not fully resolved symptoms
If your pet is dealing with a chronic condition or you feel like their current treatment plan is not giving them the quality of life they deserve, acupuncture may be worth exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is acupuncture safe for my pet?
Yes. Veterinary acupuncture is a safe, minimally invasive treatment. Most pets tolerate it very well, and many actually relax during their sessions. Side effects are rare and typically minor.
How many sessions will my pet need?
That depends on the condition being treated. Some pets see noticeable improvement after just a few sessions, while others benefit from ongoing treatments over time. Dr. Valentine will work with you to create a plan that makes sense for your pet’s specific situation.
Can acupuncture be used alongside my pet's current medications?
Absolutely. Acupuncture works well as a complement to conventional veterinary care. It does not interfere with medications and is often used in combination with other treatment plans to improve overall outcomes.
What conditions respond best to acupuncture?
Acupuncture tends to be especially effective for chronic pain, arthritis, neurological conditions, and cancer symptom management. It is also commonly used for allergies, anxiety, appetite issues, and internal diseases where standard treatments have not fully addressed the problem.