The British Medical Acupuncture Society

Acupuncture for the Geriatric Dog   

speaker -  Lowri Davies

Date: 15th & 16th May 2017

Venue:  Langford Veterinary Services, Bristol  BS40 5DU

Cost:  £500

DAY 1

Pain and the Geriatric Patient
The neurobiology of pain, the psychology of pain and the different coping strategies that individuals adopt. Overview pharmacological agents which can be used alongside acupuncture in the management of chronic pain.
•Clinical Examination and Management Protocols
A systems based approach to examination and treatment which can be used to improve acupuncture point selection.
•Clinical Examination Practical
Focus on gait analysis, posture analysis and palpation then consider how the findings lead to strain patterns within the musculoskeletal system.
•Acupuncture Considerations
Consider various acupuncture points that are often effective in the treatment of musculoskeletal pain. Introduce the longitudinal muscle system approach to acupuncture.
•Acupuncture Practical
Take an individual case and formulate a plan for needling. It may be possible to treat some cases during the session
•Other Adjunctive Therapies
Consider some nutritional supplements that may be of benefit in management of the geriatric patient.
Explore how environmental modification can assist to improve quality of life.

DAY 2
• Acupuncture in the Management of Organ Conditions
Acupuncture’s role in the management of cardiac, renal, hepatic and gastrointestinal dysfunction in the older dog and appropriate point selection.
• Nutrition of the Geriatric Patient
The specific dietary needs of the older patient and how to successfully set up and manage weight clinics in the older patient.
•Canine Osteoarthritis
Revisit the aetiology and pathogenesis of OA and how to assess a joint accurately. Review acupuncture point selection and consider why acupuncture is so effective in some cases and of no apparent value in others.
•When to Call it a Day
Explore the ethical considerations of when continuing treatment may not be the most appropriate course of action for individual patients will be discussed.
•Rehabilitation of the Geriatric Patient
Use acupuncture along with other rehabilitation strategies, focussing on the ones that can be easily implemented in practice.
• Rehabilitation Practical
Design a management programme through the appropriate choice of therapeutic exercises, hot and cold therapy and stretching and massage for clinical cases.