Acupuncture Services

Our goal as veterinarians is to enhance animal health and the human-animal bond by providing the best medicine available. Chinese and Western medicine complement each other and allow us to expand and improve the Montrose Animal Hospital and Pet Hotel’s patients treatment options.

Dr. Agda Barreirinhas graduated with honors from the University of Florida, where she acquiring a strong foundation in Western medicine. Her interest in traditional Chinese veterinary medicine started while she studied under the guidance of Dr. Xie, who has been practicing veterinary acupuncture for over 25 years and is considered one of the most renowned veterinary acupuncturists in the United States.

Acupuncture History

Veterinary acupuncture was derived from human acupuncture however, there are evidences that the first book in veterinary acupuncture was written around 450 b.c. by Alias Bole. This book was called Bole Zhen-jing (Bole's Acupuncture Book) and it was the basis for the treatment of horses owned by emperors and the aristocratic elite in China. In the US, acupuncture was first introduced around 1500, getting wide-spread popularity in 1972. Acupuncture has adapted to modern society, and now includes modalities as electro and laser acupuncture in addition to the traditional dry needle, aqua-acupuncture, and moxibustion techniques.

What is traditional Chinese medicine?

A traditional form of medicine practiced in China since around 2000 B.C. based on the idea that our bodies hold an energy called Qi (Chi) that flows in constant harmony. The imbalance of this energy results in a disease state. Traditional Chinese medicine works by treating the patient as a whole entity (body and soul).

There is a constant flow of energy in our bodies that is continuously affected by us and our surrounding environment, therefore each treatment has to be tailored to the unique characteristics of the patient and the current environment. If two puppies from the same litter have diarrhea due to indigestion, although they have the same symptoms, their treatments are likely to be different since their Qi and personality are not the same.

Traditional Chinese medicine includes the following techniques: acupuncture, herbal medication, tui na (massage), food therapy, and tai ji (breathing/energy exercise).

How does it work?

Acupuncture was developed as an observation-based science in China around 4000 B.C., however, today, extensive research has revealed scientific data proving the efficacy of traditional Chinese veterinary medicine.

Needles are inserted at nerve ends and bifurcations to stimulate neurologic signals which travel throughout the body system. The needles cause the release of chemical substances such as endorphin, serotonin, and histamine that affect our bodies' physiology and ultimately stimulate healing.

What diseases can be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine?

Most diseases can be treated with Traditional Chinese Medicine, still the main form of medicine practiced in China.

In the US, the most common treated diseases are:

• chronic and acute pain
• musculoskeletal diseases
• neurologic diseases (seizures, intervertebral disk diseases, hindlimb weakness)
• general weakness
• behavioral problems
• renal failure
• hormonal diseases (Cushing's, diabetes, incontinence, hyper/hypothyroidism)
• gastrointestinal problems (diarrhea, vomiting, constipation)

It usually takes at least 3-4 acupuncture treatments before resolution or improvement of clinical signs. Acupuncture usually does not work alone. A combination of acupuncture techniques, herbal supplements, diet change and massage is necessary to achieve the desired goal.

Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Barreirinhas with any questions or concerns.

Rascal: A Case Study

Rascal is a 6 year old, adorable dachshund, who presented for acute complete hindlimb paralysis. Rascal was initially treated with medical care (cage rest and oral medications) without improvement.

On physical exam Rascal was bright and happy, however his neurologic exam revealed complete paralysis of the hindlimbs. Based upon the history and physical examination, a tentative diagnosis of type II intervertebral disc disease was made and Rascal’s owners opted to pursue acupuncture.


A combination of dry acupuncture, electrical acupuncture, and aqua-acupuncture using dilute B12 (1:2 with saline) were used. Herbal medication was also given for 20 days.

After the first treatment, Rascal’s family could already see few improvements as occasional wag of his tail. The second treatment was performed three days later. Soon after, Rascal was able to move his tail more frequently and moved his hindlimbs trying to stand to eat. Days later the third treatment was performed. During physical exam following the third treatment, Rascal was able to walk wobbly, progressing to running after three days.

Case Summary

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common presenting complaint for the dachshund breed. This case is an example of an alternative therapy for surgery when owners cannot afford surgical therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine can significantly improve the prognosis when used in conjunction with surgery decreasing recovery time and improving return to normal function. As represented in this case, traditional Chinese medicine can also be used as the sole treatment if the owner opts. Rascal is still doing well several months after his last treatment.