Pet lovers in Brisbane may now turn to needles to treat their four-legged friends at The Acupuncture Vet in Paddington, where a growing number of pet parents are signing up for acupuncture, the ancient Chinese therapy.
Queensland Veterinarian and Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist Dr Alison Shen has documented firsthand how acupuncture leads to “positive and incredible outcomes” that benefit her furry patients every day.
“Acupuncture is a part of Traditional Chinese Medicine and is based on the principle of applying small needles or pressure to specific points in the body for the purpose of therapy, disease prevention and maintenance of health. It works for all creatures great and small,” said Dr Shen.
Dr Shen opened her practice in May 2023. She is involved in wildlife rehabilitation at the Possumwood Wildlife Hospital, in Bungendore NSW, that was set up after the devastating 2020 bushfires.
She and her identical twin sister Dr Audrey Shen, who is also a vet, run the popular Future Vet Kids Camp in various locations in Australia to inspire animal-loving kids with all the wonders of the veterinary animal profession. The twins are also part of the team of vets on Channel Nine’s TV show, Bondi Vet, featuring their lives as veterinarians in Sydney and Brisbane. Dr Alison is also co-founder of 21Scrubs, designer medical scrubs designed and made in Australia.
The Fear Free® certified vet recently launched her ‘passion project’, The Acupuncture Vet in Paddington, where pets like Eddy the Dachshund and Percival the cat have found much relief for their ailments. Dr Shen also treats guinea pigs, and even wildlife such as koalas, kangaroos and wombats.
“Acupuncture has no adverse side effects, no drug interactions, does not require hospital stays and is a very effective and non-invasive treatment for many conditions including pain,” said Dr Shen.
“For most animals, the insertion of fine acupuncture needles is virtually painless, and they become very relaxed and even sleepy,” she added.
“Holistic therapies like acupuncture, herbal medicine, hydrotherapy, therapeutic ultrasound and laser therapy are not meant to replace, but in fact, complement traditional veterinary medicine extremely well,” said Dr Shen.
Complementary therapies also play an important role in palliative care, especially where conventional medicine and surgery treatments are no longer an option, and for pets during a challenging recovery period, such as in between injury recovery and post-surgery rehabilitation.
“Acupuncture assists with the maintenance of health and balance, and prevention of pain and disease, particularly in elderly patients suffering with osteoarthritis and chronic illnesses, those on multiple medications, in chronic pain or looking for alternative therapies and natural, non-medicated pain relief,” she said.
Dr Shen’s interest in rehabilitation and pain started after years of practice in the mobile vet space.
“Visiting our most vulnerable patients and listening to their owners, I felt there was a huge requirement and gap in our industry to help these patients and owners,” she said. “I witnessed the struggles many pet owners faced during the recovery period and the need for reassurance, guidance and help they desperately required to get them through this challenging time.”
Acupuncture is one of the safest forms of medical treatment for animals when it is administered by a properly trained veterinarian. Side effects of acupuncture are rare, but they do exist, and may not be suitable for some animals.
“Acupuncture is also becoming more accepted in the veterinary industry as vets are embracing complementary therapies and considering these treatments for their own pets,” said Dr Shen. “We accept referrals from veterinarians and rely on their continued care of patients for follow up on x-rays, preventative care and their medical health and monitoring.”
For enquiries, visit The Acupuncture Vet online or phone 0457 517 474.
