A komodo dragon at the San Antonio Zoo is undergoing a unique form of medical treatment for his ailments. The reptile, named Bubba, is receiving acupuncture for his achy joints.

Bubba Reacts Positively to Treatments

Bubba is a 20 year old komodo dragon that has a degenerative bone disease in his knees. Acupuncture is being used with traditional medicine to help the reptile walk. Veterinarians at the zoo are worried about the long-term side effects of medicine on the animal and so pursued the alternative treatment.

Bubba receives 15-20 minutes of traditional and electroacupuncture once a week. Electroacupuncture uses needles to transmit electric pulses to specific points in the body. The purpose of the treatments is nerve, muscle, and connective tissue stimulation to assist Bubba in living with the bone degeneration. Veterinarians noticed that the muscles relax after he received the therapy and have observed the animal reacting positively to the treatment. The San Antonio Zoo looks at the procedure positively, as it will allow Bubba to live longer than he would be able to if he lived in his natural habitat.

Acupuncture for Animals

While it may seem unusual for an animal to undergo such a procedure, acupuncture has been used in animals for many years. Acupuncture is intended to boost stimulation of nerves, enhance the flow of natural painkillers, relieve muscle spasms, and increase blood flow. There are a number of conditions that can benefit from acupuncture, such as paralysis, inflammation, and pain. It is generally used in combination with other therapies to increase medical benefit.

For small animals, acupuncture is likely painless. Larger animals may experience discomfort since the needles used are larger for this type of treatment. It is presumed that some animals will experience the same effects that have been seen in humans, such as cramps or numbness. Once a licensed veterinary acupuncturist inserts in the needles, most animals will become relaxed and sleepy. This indicates that physiological changes are occurring.

In animals, acupuncture can be used for:

• Musculoskeletal problems, such as arthritis, traumatic nerve injury, or sore backs
• Respiratory problems, such as asthma and heaves
• Skin problems, such as allergic dermatitis and lick granulomas
• Gastrointestinal problems, such as diarrhea and nonsurgical colic
• Neurological problems, such as facial paralysis
• Reproductive problems

If a beloved pet has one of these conditions, it is beneficial to speak with a licensed veterinarian before undergoing any treatment. Using acupuncture may cause alleviation of symptoms and without a comprehensive care plan may cause significant damages to the original condition. It is important that any veterinarian seeking to use acupuncture is licensed as both a veterinary acupuncturist and a licensed veterinarian before an animal undergoes any acupuncture treatment.