
































Microsoft Word - CVJ_17_23_Dragomir_2622021.docx


 

  

 

 
Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 http://clujveterinaryjournal.ro 

Case report 

The influence of Electroacupuncture on a dog diagnosed with 
osteoarthritis: A case report 
Madalina Florina Dragomir 1*, Cosmin Petru Pestean 1 and Liviu Oana 1 

1 Department of Surgery and Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University of Agricultural Science and 
Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca, Calea Manastur no. 3-5, 400372, Cluj, Romania; cosmin.pes-
tean@usamvcluj.ro; oanaliviu2008@yahoo.com  

* Correspondence: M.F.D; PhD Student; e-mail: madalina.dragomir@usamvcluj.ro ; Tel.: 0040748103455; 
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5287-4370 

 
Abstract: Electroacupuncture is a specific branch of acupuncture that uses electrical stimulation through the selected acupoints. Os-
teoarthritis is considered a complex condition associated with painful joints and locomotor dysfunction. 
The aim of this case report was to bring scientific support regarding the effect of electroacupuncture in a dog with chronic joint 
degeneration. 
An 11-year-old male German shepherd referred to the University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine of Cluj with 
severe pain in his hind limbs and around his back. Diagnosis based on a western examination, neurological assessment and radio-
graphs indicated chronic osteoarthritis with hip dysplasia. From Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine based diagnosis was Kid-
ney Qi Deficiency leading to Bony Bi Syndrome. For the last two years, the treated dog with Mavacoxib (single dose every month) 
did not show any significant improvement. 
A combination of a fine needle with dry acupuncture, electroacupuncture (30-40Hz alternated with 80-100 Hz) and aqua-acupuncture 
using Zeel (AP) was performed. During the winter, weekly treatment was planned, after that, every two weeks treatment with elec-
troacupuncture and dry needle, for five months until the present. 
Since we started the acupuncture treatment, the dog is more active and enjoys playing again. We have managed to stop the admin-
istration of NSAID’s and improve his life quality. 
In the present study, we evaluated the effect of complementary medicine on a dog with chronic pain and joint degeneration. Electro-
acupuncture is a complex technique that requires special training; if used wisely, it can be an excellent complementary therapy for 
veterinary patients’ pain control. 
 
Keywords: dog; electroacupuncture; osteoarthritis; complementary medicine. 

 

  

1. Introduction 
Osteoarthritis (OA), also known as a degenerative joint disease (DJD), is an inflam-

matory condition that occurs progressively in the joint as a result of loss of hyaline carti-
lage[1]. Cartilage is made of chondrocytes and is composed of type II collagen and a pro-
teoglycan called aggrecan, which represents the link with hyaluronic acid[2]. In cases of 
OA, with the appearance of predisposing factors such as age, injury or various patholo-
gies (obesity, poor conformation, prior elbow or hip dysplasia), the cartilage begins to 
decompose. This action leads from pain to immobility due to inflammation. It is most 
common in the lower limbs and in the lumbar-sacral area[3]. Large breed dogs, such as 
German Shepherd, Labrador or Golden Retrievers are more predisposed to this condi-
tion[3]. 

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) has its origins in Old China and 
has been used for treating animals for thousands of years until present[4]. 

Received: 5.06.2021 

Accepted: 11.08.2021 

Published: 09.09.2021 

DOI:10.52331/cvj.v26i2.24 

 

Copyright: © 2021 by the authors. 

Submitted for possible open access 

publication under the terms and 

conditions of the Creative Commons 

Attribution (CC BY) license 

(http://creativecommons.org/licenses

/by/4.0/). 



Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 18 
 

Meridians are represented by a complex system in which all the tissues and organs are connected and 
have an important role in the treatment of acupuncture[4]. The meridians transport the Qi and Blood 
through the whole body. This communication allows all the organs to coordinate and maintain an equilib-
rium of the system[4]. 

Acupuncture (Ac) is a complex method that uses very thin, filiform needles that are inserted in special 
points called “acupoints”. Some recent studies show that these acupoints are actually the “locus” where 
nerves enter tissues or branches[5]. 

Electroacupuncture (EA) uses electric current (alternative, continuous or intermittent) which passes 
through needles that are already inserted into acupoints. EA is useful in case of degenerative lesions of the 
nervous system[5]. 

The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of EA and assess an acupuncture protocol for 
pain management in the case of OA. Also to reduce or, if possible, stop the administration of NSAIDs and 
improve quality of life.  

 
2. Materials and Methods 

 
2.1. Case description 
Rufus is an 11 years old, male, German shepherd with chronic pain on his hind limbs, hip dysplasia 

and chronic keratitis. About 3 years ago, the dog started to have back pain around his hips and to crawl 
his hind limbs. Since then he was kept on NSAIDs (Mavacoxib – single dose every month) and Gabapentin 
when needed. From time to time, he loses stool and eats a smaller quantity of food, but after that, he starts 
eating better.  

On October 2020, when M.F.D examined the dog for the first time. The mucous membranes were pink 
with a capillary refill of <2sec. The overall conformation was good with a 7/9 nutritional status. The coat 
was good, except for a small amount of hair loss. The dog was panting, but the respiration was unlabored. 
The body temperature was slightly elevated at 38.3℃. The pulse rate was 96 bpm. Neurological examina-
tion was within normal except for the presence of pain in the caudal area of the hips and proprioception 
was delayed on his right back leg.   

From the TCVM point of view, the patient has an outward appearance as previously described. When 
observed, Rufus seems to be an Earth Constitution; he is friendly and communicative with people, but 
with other animals is aggressive, especially with cats. He lives with another German Shepherds, female 
and a Golden Retriever, male. He likes to be with people in the house, but he prefers to sleep outside. Rufus 
has a capricious appetite; he eats dry kibbles and cooked food (meatballs with different herbs). The dog 
prefers cold and seems better when he stays outside, in the yard. The tongue is slightly pale, thin with a 
white coat. The pulse was stronger on his left side. Sensitivity was noticed at Bladder (BL 17), Bladder 
(BL18), Bladder (BL 20), Bladder (BL22), Bladder (BL 23) and Bai-Hui. He did not let me touch his back. 

From a Western diagnostic point of view, Rufus has hip dysplasia and osteoarthritis. From TCVM 
diagnostic point of view, Rufus has Bony Bi Syndrome (Kidney Yang and Qi Deficiency) and Blood Defi-
ciency. 

 
2.2. Treatment plan 
A combination of a fine needle, dry acupuncture (Ac), electrical acupuncture (EA) at 80-100 Hz, aqua-

acupuncture using (AP) was performed. Weekly treatment during the winter was planned. After that, 
every two weeks treatment with EA and Ac, until in present. 

The treatments were performed using sterile disposable stainless-steel Ac needles with copper coil 
handle, size 0.25x25mm, guide tubes (Acimut), and stainless-steel Ac needles with plastic handle, size 
0.22x25mm, without guide tubes (Cloud and Dragon) and sterile acupuncture needles 0.25x30mm with 
silver handle (Ener-Qi). Dry needling (insertion at 1cm-1.5cm with an intermittent manipulation of the 
point by twirling anti-clockwise) and EA (insertion at 1cm-1.5cm, 40Hz and ~1.5V-2V for the first 5-10 
minutes, then 80-120Hz and ~1,5V-2V for 10-20 minutes) was used during the 15-20 minutes of each treat-
ment, depending on the reaction of the dog. The acupoints used are presented in Table 1. We used Electro-
Acupuncture Stimulator JM-3A by Dr Xie Huisheng (Figure 1). During each treatment, a maximum of six 
to eight points were used, depending on dog’s reaction. The acupoints were selected according to TCVM 
principles. Every once a month we used Zeel injection solution (2.0 ml Ampules). 



Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 19 
 

 
 
Table 1 Acupuncture points used 
 

Local points Bai-Hui, Shen-Shu, Shen-Peng, Shen-Jiao 

Constitutional points GV20, KID3, KID6, BL23, ST36, GB29, GB30, BL54 

Association Points BL11, BL18, BL20 

 

 

Figure 1. Electro-Acupuncture Stimulator JM-3A by Dr. Xie Huisheng 

 

3. Results 

3.1. Treatment and results 

Unfortunately, OA is a progressive disease and there is no known cure for it[3]. The best way to 
keep a dog’s joints healthy is to prevent the reproduction of the ones already diagnosed with hip 
dysplasia, weight management and prevention of obesity and joint supplements in order to reduce 
inflammation and slow progression of joint damage[3]. NSAIDs remain a popular treatment for OA 
despite their well-known side effects that may occur with their long-term use[1]. 

In the case of Rufus, he was on Mavacoxib also known as Trocoxil, for more than two years, one 
dose every month. He was also on chondroprotective such as Glucosamine and Chondroitin and gastric 
protectors. From time to time he developed diarheea and capricious appetite, which we assume might be 
side effects of NSAIDs.  

Since the condition appeared to be amenable to Ac therapy and had not previously responded well 
to conservative treatment, the owner decided to pursue Ac treatment (Figure 2 and 3). Alternatively, 
conservative management could be continued with chondroprotective.  



Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 20 
 

 

Figure 2.  Rufus sleeping during the electroacupuncture treatment. 

 

Figure 2. Rufus during the treatment: LIV3 (bilaterally), KID3. 



Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 21 
 

During the winter, weekly treatment was planned in order to reduce the inflammation and also the 
side effects that may occur once the cold weather is coming. Most of the time, the dog stays outside the 
house. During each treatment, the dog relaxes and starts to sleep. The owners said that he had slept 
several hours after each session. 

After the fourth treatment, the dog started to have more energy, enjoys long walks and playing. 
Also, now he enjoys being rubbed on his back. Most important, we’ve managed to stop the 
administration of NSAIDs for 6 months since we started the acupuncture treatment until the present. The 
owners are very pleased with the evolution of their dog. We’ve managed to improve his life quality. 

The Kidney Meridian represent the root of prenatal life and holds the Jing, also known as life 
essence. Moreover, Kidney along with Bladder control water metabolism and regulates its excretion, and 
dominates the bones and marrow. As the animal increases with age, the Qi is consumed and the Kidney 
Patterns include diseases such as urinary incontinence, intervertebral disc disease or arthritis [4]. Each 
acupoint has a specific role in the treatment of this pathology. The aim of each acupuncture treatment is 
to re-establish the equilibrium of the whole body. Some of the most used acupoints in treating OA are 
represented in the adapted Figure 3 [6]. We must remember that this type of treatment should be used 
only by trained practitioners in order to have the best results. 

 

 

Figure 3. Some of the acupoints used for treatment. Adapted after [6]. 

 

4. Discussion 

The aim of this study is to bring relevant information and to describe a complementary method for 
the treatment of OA in dogs.  

  Western medicine is described as a medical method to treat a disease process, while TCVM is more 
about creating a balance with Qi flow through the body[5]. Each of them has strengths and weaknesses, 



Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 22 
 

but the main purpose of both is to cure diseases, this is one of the reasons why TCVM is considered com-
plementary medicine. As so, TCVM continues to change and to adapt as the new medical information are 
developing into the medical field[4]. 

  From a Western point of view, an alternative could have been surgery, which would involve total 
hip replacement to treat his hip dysplasia. However, because he would need both hips to be replaced, the 
recovery time and the costs would have been too much. The owners would not afford it, especially because 
of the risk involving the anaesthesia.  

  Another treatment option could include administration of NSAIDs such as Meloxicam, Mavacoxib, 
Carprofen or Robenacoxib, but in time, this type of drug has side effects, especially in the gastrointestinal 
tract[1,7]. According to Monteiro-Steagall’s[8] study about the side effects of NSAIDs, more than 50% of 
the studies reported adverse effects. Of course, we cannot exclude these treatments in the acute phase of 
OA. On the other hand, Teixeira et al.’s study showed neither acupuncture nor carprofen differs signifi-
cantly. Both treatments reduced the degree of lameness, while acupuncture was associated with a decrease 
in validated chronic pain scores[9]. 

From a TCVM point of view, Rufus was diagnosed with Bony Bi Syndrom, or Kidney Yang and Qi 
Deficiency. A Kidney Qi Deficiency Pattern is, generally described as an animal’s condition in old age, weak-
ness with difficulty in rising. The Kidney dominates the lower back and hind limbs, and when there is a 
problem with Qi flow in this area, a deficiency might occur. General speaking, a chronic condition with 
Kidney Qi Deficiency leads to Kidney Yang Deficiency in time, if not treated[4]. In other words, we will have 
an animal with difficulty in standing up or lying down, cold back, hind limbs and ears and warm seeking 
(the animal want to stay in warm places, lay in the sun, or even refuse to go outside if is rawish)[10]. 

EA is a superior method of stimulating specific acupoints by using electric current applied through 
the needles. EA can be applied with different machines that have the ability to offer a wide range of ampli-
tude and frequency[5]. Furthermore, you can customize each treatment. When compared to Ac, EA has the 
advantage of shorting the treatment time and delivers a better level of stimulation[5].  

AP was made with Zeel, once a month. Zeel offer a safe and effective homeopathic alternative. It is 
the treatment for hip osteoarthritis, joint pain, bone fracture and stiffness from mild to moderate and high 
form. Zeel is particularly effective in relieving the symptoms associated with degenerative arthritis[14]. It is 
made of plants and was used as an injection in certain acupoints.   

The mechanism involved in acupuncture includes pain management through muscle relaxation, re-
ducing compression in the joints, but also increasing blood flow with oxygen to the tissues. All these actions 
translate into reducing inflammation at the site of acupuncture[9,11]. 

Mechanisms of acupuncture involve increases in plasma β-endorphin concentration, which is respon-
sible for inhibiting presynaptic pain transmission. Also, serotonin is involved in relieving pain[12]. In addi-
tion to the anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting effects, acupuncture alleviates physical and emotional 
stress[13]. Furthermore, it accelerates the process of healing tissues through the release of endorphins and 
serotonin[12,13].  

The limitations of this study are related to the need for more accurate parameters regarding the effect 
of acupuncture. In the future, studies are needed on larger samples of dogs with OA, respectively, more 
comparative studies between acupuncture, electroacupuncture and Western medicine. 

5. Conclusions 

EA confers excellent analgesia and lessens the time needed to regain normal neurologic function, but 
what we must not forget is that rigorous training of the acupuncturist is required to have good results. 
Each acupoints has a precise position, and the treatment plan is chosen according to several parameters 
within which TCVM works. 

6. Patents 
Author Contributions: Conceptualization, M.F.D; Writing- original drag preparation, M.F.D., Supervision, C.P.P. and 
L.O. All authors have read and agreed to the published version of the manuscript. 

Funding: This research received no external funding.  



Cluj Vet J 2021, 26, 2 23 
 

Institutional Review Board Statement: Not applicable. 

Data Availability Statement: The data used to support the findings of this study are included in the article. 

Acknowledgements: No financial support has been received for this study. 

Conflicts of Interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest. 

Appendix A 

Acupuncture points used and their clinical relevance[4]: 

• GV20: Calming point, Shen Disturbance; 
• GB29/GB30: Gluteal muscle soreness, pelvic limb pain, arthritis of coxofemoral joint; 
• KID3: Dyspnea, deagness, back pain; 
• KID6: Insomnia, dysuria, Yin Deficiency; 
• BL54: Master point for pelvic limbs, hip problems, lumbar pain; 
• BL23: Association point for Kidney Qi Deficiency, deafness, back pain; 
• BL20: Association point for Spleen, abdominal fullness, back pain; 
• BL18: Association point for Liver, back pain, epilepsy; 
• BL11: Influential point for Bone, cervical stiffness, intervertebral disc disease, back pain; 
• ST36: Master point for gastrointestinal tract and abdomen, gastric pain, general tonic; 
• Bai-Hui: Yang Deficiency, intervebral disc disease, pelvic limb paresis; 
• Shen-Shu/Shen-Peng/Shen-Jiao: Yang Deficiency, pelvic limb paresis or paralysis.  

References 

1.Spencer, A.J.; Ronald, M.M.; Steven C, B. Nonsurgical Management of Osteoarthritis in Dogs. Vet. Clin. North Am. 
Small Anim. Pract. 2008, 38, 1449–1470, doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.08.001. 

2.  Philip Tisdall, K.R. Pathology; USMLE Step 1; Becker Professional Education Corp: United States, 2018; 
3.  Parnell’s Glyde Mobility Chews Osteoarthritis in Dogs — Signs and Treatment 2021. 
4.  Vanesa Preast, H.X. Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine - Fundamental Principles; 2nd ed.; Chi Institute Press: 

Reddick, Florida, 2013; 
5.  Dragomir, M.F.; Oana, L.; Pestean, C.; Purdoiu, R. Current Aspects Regarding the Clinical Relevance of 

Electroacupuncture in Dogs with Spinal Cord Injury: A Literature Review. Animals 2021, 11, 219, 
doi:https://doi.org/10.3390/ani11010219. 

6.  AMY SNOW, N.Z. Acupressure Points For Canine Osteoarthritis 2020. 
7.  Johnston SA, W.D. et al. The Effect of Dosing Interval on the Efficacy of Misoprostol in the Prevention of Aspirin-

Induced Gastric Injury. J Vet Intern Med 2003, 17, 282–290, doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2008.08.001. 
8.  B.P. Monteiro-Steagall, B.D.X.L. Systematic Review of Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug-Induced Adverse 

Effects in Dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2013, doi:10.1111/jvim.12127. 
9.  Lívia R. Teixeira, A.H.-B. et al. Owner Assessment of Chronic Pain Intensity  and Results of Gait Analysis of Dogs  

with Hip Dysplasia Treated with Acupuncture. Small Anim. Exot. 2016, 249, doi:10.2460/javma.249.9.1031. 
10.  Xie Huisheng Chinese Veterinary Herbology. In CHINESE VETERINARY HERBOLOGY; 2010; pp. 295; 488. 
11.  Ma M Ma Y-t, C.Z. Peripheral Mechanisms of Acupuncture. Elsevier 2005, 31–48. 
12.  S, A. Clinical and Endocrino Logical Changes after Electro-Acupuncture Treatment in Pa Tients with Osteoarthritis 

of the Knee. Pain 2009, 147, 60–66. 
13.  Lin JG, C.W. Acupuncture Analgesia: A Review of Its  Mechanisms of Actions. Am J Chin Med 2008, 36, 635–645. 
14.  Star Medical Zeel Comp N (Zeel T) 10 Fiole - Produs Homeopat, Tratament Antireumatic ~ Coxartoza, Gonartroza, 

Dureri Articulare, Afectiuni Reumatismale, Reumatism Poliarticular, Fracturi Osoase, Inflamatii Articulare. 
 


