Application of electroacupuncture in the treatment of hind limb movement disorders in dogs

The objective of this study was to apply and evaluate the effectiveness of electroacupuncture in the treatment of hind limb movement disorders in dogs, the study was conducted from June 2023 to June 2024 at VSA Pet Clinic. The neurological examination assessed the spinal cord lesions such as urinary incontinence, fecal incontinence, hopping, examined and evaluated the animal’s conscious position sense, superficial pain perception and deep pain perception. Classification of hind limb movement disorders in dogs included weakness and paralysis. Using the Acupuncture Unit 20-needle electroacupuncture machine with a 6V power source, frequency 0 - 60 Hz. A total of 32 dogs with hind limb movement disorders had 28.13% of weakness and 71.87% of paralysis, including mixed breed dogs, bulldog, dachshund, poodle, domestic dogs, chihuahua, pomeranian and corgi. Lower motor nerve (LMN) lesions accounted for 46.87%, while upper motor nerve (UMN) lesions were 53.13% (P > 0.05). The results of Glasgow pain score, there was 28 dogs (87.5%) at scoring ≥ 6 points, the average pain scores were 9 points in paralysis cases, 6 points in weakness, 8.33 points in LMN lesions, and 8.00 points in UMN lesions. The effectiveness of treatment was 65.67%, with an average acupuncture time of 20 days, in which the recurrence rate was 14.28%. Electroacupuncture was highly effective and had a low recurrence rate in the treatment of hind limb motor neuropathy in dogs.