As most of you know, Siena has been seeing a chiropractor for about 9 months to treat her joint issues. She's doing very very well these days and I'm pleased at how far we've come. We have not solved everything, but we certainly have found what works for her in many areas. So a month ago I talked to the chiro about the fact that her non-prosthetic hip (rear right) still trembles when she plays ball. This is the only major issue that remains from where we were a year ago. In the end, we decided to add acupuncture and see how that helps things, or even if...

So today she saw the acupuncturist. I know the doc hit a sore spot because she jumped around and let out a blood curling yelp like I've never heard before from her. I managed to prevent her from reaching the vet and then she let out a very long and loud whimper. It broke my heart. I decided to become her own personal thunder jacket and I sat in the chair and wrapped myself around her as much as I could while the doc put one at the top of her head to calm her. I stayed that way hugging her until she was finished putting in the needles. The spot on the top of her head worked. She was able to rest while she 'baked' ... Poor baby! No pain no gain, Siena! We had a bit of a hard time finding all the needles, but I was sure to ask how many were put in and where they were, but in the end, we left them all at the vet and did not bring any home.

Siena has pretty much slept the afternoon away. I think that is good for her. We took our 2 mile walk (I've got a bad cold/virus) and she is camped out again.

I saw the chiro on the way out and next month, we will do the chiro first (hoping to soften the muscles) and then the acu. Hopefully this will work better for her. The acu for digestive never really seemed to do anything. My own acu session a week ago was very painful for me and I had some issues after, but I also think in the end it will work better from what it feels like now.

I promise to give Siena lots of love tonight since she was a big brave girl (aka drama queen!)

Oh Siena dear!

I am so glad that you are doing these treatments for Siena. I'm sorry it was a bit rough, perhaps next time the vet will begin with the calming point first to help relax and settle Siena comfortably before the rest of her treatment. May your cold go away soon. I am hoping that Siena does well and that she feels better, too!

What a great mom, being Siena's Thundershirt/wrap. I am sure she will have less bad effects because of you doing that.

Aodhán had the same vet for her chiro and acupuncture treatments and the vet always did the chiro adjustments first. I don't remember her ever showing a painful reaction. And she always used to have a nice long nap after her treatments as well.

Hope Siena does well with the addition of the acunpuncture to her treaments.

Aw, poor Sienna. That is not common to have such a painful reaction to the needles!
Most acupuncturists will test the point first to be sure it is a good place for the needle to go in. If her body was resisting that point that strongly the acupuncturist should have felt the resistance and chosen a different point.

I've had a lot of acupuncture myself and 5 of my animals have had acupuncture with no problems.

Max has had some uncomfortable yelpy points before too. Sometimes, just that initial needling is the sorest, so I hope things settle quickly for her. Sounds like the acupuncture was very needed!

I know during the session, when I'm sitting with him, the needles will sometimes starts backing out. I usually give them a gentle twist and stimulation, but have to be careful with the ouchy ones. Sounds like for Siena's appt, being a Thundershirt was the better option for her!

I hope she balances out quickly.

Thanks everyone. I'm sure the next one will be better. I'll ask for the calming one first then give her a big hug again

She's running around like a nut case right now. Has been entertaining herself for an hour with one of her Xmas squeaky balls. She is fine

I hope you notice a difference for sweet Siena

I know when I have acu, if they get a bad trigger point, it hurts like heck.

Yup. I experienced that myself ... Pain during and muscle spasms for a couple of days.