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Review
. 2022 Feb 9;9(2):74.
doi: 10.3390/vetsci9020074.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Zoological and Exotic Animal Medicine: A Review and Introduction of Methods

Tara M Harrison  1 , Sarah M Churgin  2
Affiliations
Review

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine in Zoological and Exotic Animal Medicine: A Review and Introduction of Methods

Tara M Harrison et al. Vet Sci. .

Abstract

Acupuncture has been used extensively in domestic animal medicine to treat a variety of medical conditions and diseases as an adjunct or primary therapy. Exotic animals are becoming increasingly common as pets. Owners are expecting therapies for these non-domestic animals to be similar to those available to their other domestic pets. Additionally, zoological and aquatic facilities provide medical care for the entire lives of the animals that are housed in their facilities. Many conditions similar to those observed in domestic animals can develop in zoological species and can benefit from treatment with acupuncture. Through operant conditioning or routine medical examinations, the use of acupuncture as an adjunct therapy is becoming more common. The following paper presents a summary of the types of non-domestic animals treated, for which conditions, and how these methods are commonly used.

Keywords: acupuncture; aquapuncture; electroacupuncture; exotic animal; non-domestic animal; zoo animal.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Photo of a toad receiving acupuncture with 42-gauge hand needles.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Generic image of a turtle/tortoise and common acupuncture points. Note those in an open circle are located on the ventral/medial portion of the limb.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Photo of an iguana receiving acupuncture and electroacupuncture.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Generic image of a bearded dragon lizard and approximate common acupuncture point locations.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Generic image of a snake and approximate location of acupuncture points.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Photo of a peafowl receiving acupuncture, electroacupuncture, and photobiomodulation for treatment of appetite stimulation and paresis of the limbs.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Generic image of a bird and common acupuncture point locations. Note the open circles are located on the other side of the wing (lateral surface) or in the case of BL11 just lateral to the spine on the other side of the wing.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Photo of a rabbit receiving acupuncture with 36-gauge needles for gastrointestinal stasis.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Generic image of a rabbit and approximate common acupuncture point locations.
Figure 10
Figure 10
Photo of a giant panda receiving acupuncture through operant conditioning while in a squeeze chute.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Generic image of an elephant and approximate common acupuncture point locations.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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