Current Aspects Regarding the Clinical Relevance of Electroacupuncture in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury: A Literature Review

Abstract

Simple Summary This review aims to provide an overview of the relevance of electroacupuncture in dogs with spinal cord injury. We illustrate and discuss the areas that have advanced in recent years and those that still require further research. Systematic studies have been conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, Science Direct, Cab Direct, and Research Gate. This article is believed to be the first review of electroacupuncture in dogs with spinal cord injury. Electroacupuncture provides better analgesia than direct acupuncture by increasing spinal opioid release and increases blood supply to the spinal cord and nerve root. When combined together, Eastern and Western treatment offers faster recovery and improved ambulation and perception of deep pain than medical treatment results alone. Abstract In recent years, the use of acupuncture and electroacupuncture has been increasing as more clinical research has been conducted showing positive results in the treatment of animals, particularly dogs. Electroacupuncture is a more complex and specific acupuncture technique that involves electrical stimulation on acupuncture needles. Most of the studies have shown that the beneficial effects of electroacupuncture are more evident than in acupuncture alone. This review included studies focused only on dogs with spinal cord injury. Research facility animals (mice, rats, and rabbits) were avoided. Titles and abstracts of identified articles were read, and outlines were made to be better understood. Clinical applications are discussed and suggested in each section. When specialists use this method, electroacupuncture can be an excellent complementary therapy for veterinary patients’ pain control.