At the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, an innovative therapeutic approach is helping pets improve their quality of life. By incorporating acupuncture, moxibustion, and other complementary therapies, this service aims to integrate with conventional veterinary treatments to optimize animal health.
Acupuncture and Moxibustion: Innovation in Veterinary Care
Since its inception in 2000, the Acupuncture Service and Complementary Therapies at the UBA has established itself as a leader in comprehensive animal care. Under the direction of veterinarian Mónica Chamatropulos, the team works alongside veterinarians from various specialties to provide relief through non-invasive techniques.
The treatments do not replace traditional medicine; rather, they integrate with it to reduce the need for painkillers and accelerate the functional recovery of animals. A notable example is a dog with arthritis that, after receiving electroacupuncture sessions, showed a remarkable improvement in its mobility.
The range of treatable diseases is broad and includes conditions such as herniated discs, neurological injuries, and facial paralysis. According to internal statistics, between 30% and 40% of consultations are due to orthopedic problems in older animals.
The team’s commitment goes beyond clinical care, extending into the educational field. The hospital, known for its avant-garde approach, also acts as a training center for new professionals, organizing courses and international conferences.
Managing limited resources is a constant challenge. Many professionals work ad honorem, even contributing from their own pockets to keep the service running. This altruism reinforces their mission to offer accessible treatments, with reduced fees to ensure no pet is left without care due to economic constraints.
Additionally, moxibustion, a technique involving the use of heat on specific points, has shown promising results, especially in cases of arthritis and spinal ailments.
Scientific evidence has begun to support these practices, demonstrating beneficial physiological effects, such as the release of endorphins and the reduction of cortisol, which supports the use of complementary techniques in the veterinary field.
