Rupert is a dog that I have treated recently for back problems that had progressed to the point that he was unable to stand or walk on his hind legs. Rupert is a 7 year old Dachshund cross and had hurt his back 8 weeks before coming to see me for treatment. He had conventional veterinary treatment and had x-rays that showed calcification of discs in his lumbar spine. Unfortunately Rupert didnt respond to his vets treatment. 

After careful examination of Rupert and viewing his x-rays a treatment plan involving acupuncture was initiated. Given that the problem was getting worse and that it had been present for 8 weeks the prognosis for recovery was guarded. Initial treatment plan was for 2 treatments within the first few days and then weekly.

A telephone call  2 days after the first treatment informed me that Rupert was feeling much more comfortable and happy and starting to move his legs again and trying to walk. At his first revisit he was walking again with an unsteady gait. As the treatment has continued Rupert has made great progress and is now walking very well with only a slight amount of unsteadiness in his back legs.

Rupert`s owners are very happy with his recovery and surprised how effective acupuncture has been in treating his problem. Rupert`s case is NOT unusual - a number of scientific research papers confirm that acupuncture is often as effective or more effective than surgery for serious spinal cord injuries in dogs. The speed that Rupert recovered surprised me but because I see a number of these cases the fact that he did respond is not a surprise.